Virtually any type of accident has the potential to cause catastrophic brain trauma. People who experience traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often find themselves dealing with permanent disability. Or they require extensive physical and occupational therapy to regain mobility and functionality. If your world has been shaken up by the trauma of a devastating head injury or catastrophic accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of what to do next.
Turn to a compassionate and highly experienced Waynesboro traumatic brain injury lawyer from MartinWren, P.C. to explore your options further. Our firm was responsible for three of the 14 largest verdicts in the state in 2023, an accomplishment no other Virginia law firm reached. When you need a dedicated Waynesboro personal injury lawyer you can count on to maximize your payout, contact our law office to request a 100% free consultation.
Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are multiple types of traumatic brain injuries possible. It may depend on the type of accident you are involved in and the part of the brain that is injured. The severity of your injuries will determine how much compensation you can expect to recover.
Some of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries you may be able to sue for include:
- Brain bruising
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- Concussion
- Coup-contrecoup brain injury
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Edema
- Epidural hematoma
- Hemorrhage
- Penetrating trauma
- Second-impact syndrome
- Skull fracture
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Cost of Hiring a Waynesboro Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
It will never cost anything out of your pocket to hire a traumatic brain injury lawyer when you choose MartinWren, P.C. This is because we work for our clients on contingency agreements. Essentially, payment for our legal fees is contingent upon a successful settlement or trial verdict.
As outlined in the Virginia Model Jury Instructions, a percentage of your award will be used to compensate your legal advocate. Generally, this could be as low as 20% or as high as 40%, depending on how complicated your case is. You can learn more about what your contingency fee may look like when you contact our law office for a comprehensive case evaluation.
Can I Wait Until I’m Healed Before I File a Claim?
You have a limited amount of time to decide whether you want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit for your traumatic brain injury. While we in no way intend to pressure you into taking action before you are ready, the reality is that the statute of limitations begins counting down the day your accident occurs. Under Virginia Law § 8.01-243, you have just two years from the accident date to file your legal claim. Some claims also have notice requirements that are much shorter, and failing to provide the required notice can bar your right to seek compensation.
If you miss these deadlines, the court system could refuse to hear your case. This means you might miss out on compensation you could have otherwise recovered if your claim had been filed sooner. The sooner your Waynesboro traumatic brain injury lawyer with MartinWren, P.C. can start investigating and gathering evidence to support your case, the better.
You should act quickly after you suffer an injury for another reason: evidence can be destroyed following an event. Some evidence, like road markings, witness memories, damaged vehicles, and similar evidence will fade or be destroyed over time. Or some defendants may take steps to not protect or even destroy some evidence that shows their wrongdoing. For these reasons, you will want to act quickly to secure and preserve evidence after you suffer an injury.
Can I Still File a Claim if I am Partly at Fault?
Yes, you can still file a claim even if you are partially at fault for the accident. You must understand, however, that your case will face some serious obstacles. This is because the state of Virginia follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. This is based on a Virginia Supreme Court decision. Injury victims who contribute to their injuries are barred from receiving a settlement.
But you must understand that contributory negligence has exceptions and nuances that may prevent the doctrine from applying. Just because a party claims that you share responsibility for the event that caused injuries does not mean that you will be barred from recovering.
Because of how contributory negligence operates, it is not unusual for at-fault parties to blame the victim. Do not take the other involved party’s word for it that you are responsible for causing the accident. Instead, consult our legal team to investigate and find out whether someone else is culpable for your injuries and damages.
Are Punitive Damages Awarded for Traumatic Brain Injuries?
You might be able to recover punitive damages in a TBI claim. According to Virginia Code § 8.01-38.1, punitive relief can be awarded if specific requirements are met. The individual or entity who caused your traumatic brain injury must have done so maliciously or acted with willful or wanton negligence.
For example, if you slipped and fell on some ice outside of your favorite coffee shop, punitive damages may not be applicable. However, if you were hit by a drunk driver, punitive damages may be appropriate. This is especially true based on Virginia Code sec. 8.01-44.5. Remember, punitive damages are not designed to increase your award but rather to punish the liable party to the full extent of the law.
Turn to an Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Waynesboro for Help Today
Whether your traumatic head injury was caused by a slip and fall, motor vehicle accident, or medical malpractice, if someone else is liable, you can make them pay. There is no reason you should be forced to cover the costs of someone else’s recklessness. We can help you demand justice and the fair compensation you deserve.
Consult a reputable traumatic brain injury attorney in Waynesboro from MartinWren, P.C., to determine your next steps. Our firm has spent years advocating for the rights of injury victims and accident survivors across Virginia. Schedule your free consultation today. Put our trial experience and resources to work for you and your family.
Waynesboro Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
Additional Traumatic Brain Injury Resources
Traumatic Brain Injury Articles
The Complete Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury Cases in Virginia
What to Expect When Pursuing a Brain Injury Claim in Virginia
Blood Test for Traumatic Brain Injuries: Medical Advances and Legal Implications
Open v. Closed Head Brain Injuries: Know the Critical Differences
Concussion Symptoms: Signs You Might Have a Brain Injury Claim
Local Brain Injury Attorneys
Bedford Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Blacksburg Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Bridgewater Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Charlottesville Brain Injury Lawyer
Fairfax Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Fredericksburg Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Harrisonburg Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Lexington Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Lynchburg Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Richmond Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Roanoke Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Salem Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Staunton Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form