Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in Lake County, IL? At Kass & Moses, we understand the devastating impact a brain injury can have on your health, your family, and your future. Contact our law firm today at (847) 513-9582 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Lake County brain injury lawyer.
Brain injuries can change your life in an instant, leaving you facing medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery.
You may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. A Lake County personal injury attorney can help you take the next steps. We have fought tirelessly for brain injury victims and their families for the last 33 years, and we are ready to help you.
How Kass & Moses Can Help You After A Brain Injury In Lake County, IL
Navigating a brain injury claim can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The legal team at Kass & Moses has been helping TBI survivors for 31 years. With 64 years of combined experience and over $125 million recovered for our clients, we know what it takes to recover the money you need to secure your future.
When you hire a Lake County brain injury attorney at Kass & Moses, you can count on us to:
- Investigate your accident to determine fault and gather evidence
- Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full impact of your injury
- Handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing parties
- Negotiate for the maximum settlement you deserve
- Take your case to court if necessary to fight for justice
- Provide legal guidance and advice at every step of your case
We are dedicated to providing compassionate legal support to brain injury victims in Lake County, Illinois. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and what we can do for you.
Overview Of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force or a sudden impact causes brain damage. Unlike other types of brain injuries, TBIs result from external trauma, not internal factors like infection or stroke.
Traumatic brain injuries often have lasting effects that can range from minor to debilitating. Brain injuries are a leading cause of disability, and they are involved in about 30.5% of all injury deaths in the U.S.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries can vary in severity and type.
The most common types of TBIs include:
- Concussion (mild TBI): Caused by a sudden jolt or impact, often leading to temporary cognitive issues.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood within the brain, which can increase pressure and cause serious complications.
- Contusion: A bruise or lesion on the brain tissue, usually from a direct impact.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): Widespread damage to brain cells caused by rapid movement or shaking of the brain.
- Hypoxic or anoxic brain injury: Occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, potentially causing permanent damage.
The severity of a traumatic brain injury is categorized using the Glasgow Coma Scale. A total score of three to eight is a severe TBI, a score of nine to 12 is moderate, and a score of 13 to 15 is a mild TBI.
TBIs can also be classified as:
- Primary or secondary. A primary brain injury causes damage at the time of injury. A secondary brain injury refers to damage that occurs over the following hours or days. Secondary damage is usually caused by swelling, bleeding, and imbalanced brain chemicals.
- Open or closed. Open head injuries happen when the skull is penetrated. Closed head injuries mean the skull is not fractured or penetrated.
- Focal or diffuse. Focal injuries are localized to one area of the brain. Diffuse injuries cause damage spread across the brain.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, an estimated 75% of traumatic brain injuries are mild, but even a mild TBI can have lasting effects.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Brain Injury?
Brain injury symptoms can vary based on severity and the affected brain region.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Memory loss or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Slurred speech
- Vision problems
- Mood swings and irritability
- Loss of consciousness
Other signs of a serious TBI include unequal pupils, seizure, clear fluid leaking from the ears, and coma.
What Are Possible Long-Term Consequences Of A Brain Injury?
A brain injury can have lasting effects that impact every aspect of life.
Long-term consequences may include:
- Cognitive impairment and memory loss
- Impaired motor function and coordination issues
- Emotional challenges, such as depression and anxiety
- Personality changes
- Difficulty maintaining relationships and social interactions
- Post-concussion syndrome or persistent concussion symptoms
- Increased risk of neurocognitive disorders like dementia
- Permanent disability
- Chronic pain, which affects up to 60% of TBI survivors
Some people experience a full recovery from a TBI, but for others, it becomes a lifelong condition. About half of people with moderate to severe TBIs either die or experience further decline within five years. An estimated 3.2 to 5.3 million people in the U.S. live with long-term disabilities due to a brain injury.
What Are The Top Causes Of Brain Injuries In Lake County?
The most common causes of TBI in Lake County and the rest of the state include:
- Falls: The leading cause of TBI-related ER visits and hospitalizations. Many fall-related TBIs happen in workplace accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents: The second-leading cause overall and the top cause of TBI in adolescents and adults under 75
- Violence and firearms, including assault and suicide: The top cause of fatal brain injuries
- Struck by object: Responsible for 17% of traumatic brain injuries overall
- Recreation and sports: Cause 10% of TBIs overall but 21% of brain injuries in children
- Workplace accidents: Responsible for one-quarter of concussions, with most TBIs of all severities occurring in construction, transportation, and warehousing
There were 29,697 reported TBIs in Illinois in 2021. This included over 19,000 people treated and released from ERs, 7,800 people who were hospitalized, and 2,780 people who suffered fatal brain injuries.
What Is My Lake County Brain Injury Case Worth?
Every brain injury case is unique.
Factors that affect the value of your case include:
- Type and severity of your brain injury and other injuries you sustained
- Available insurance coverage
- Your ability to return to work
- The impact on your daily life and future independence
- Whether you share any fault for the accident
- The circumstances of your accident and the at-fault party’s behavior
- Strength of the evidence proving liability and your damages
The only way to estimate the value of your case is through a careful assessment. If you are left with lasting impairment or long-term medical needs, our Lake County brain injury lawyers will likely consult with specialists to determine fair compensation.
What Damages Are Available To Brain Injury Victims In Lake County, Illinois?
If you have suffered a brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic damages and non-economic damages. In a civil tort claim, these damages compensate for the losses you have suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
Here are common examples of damages that may be available to you:
- Medical expenses, including current medical bills and anticipated future medical needs
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Reduced or lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Physical pain
- Mental and emotional suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced enjoyment and quality of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for the loss of companionship, affecting sexual relations, and more (available to injury victims and their spouses)
At Kass & Moses, we are committed to pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf. We will carefully document all the damages you have suffered and the impact the brain injury has on your life.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Share Fault For My Accident In Lake County, IL?
If you share any blame for the accident that caused your brain injury, you may still be entitled to financial compensation. However, your share of the fault can directly reduce the money you can recover.
The modified comparative fault rule in Illinois bars injured plaintiffs from recovering damages if they are assigned 51% or more fault. Your recovery will be reduced in proportion to any share of fault you are assigned below this threshold.
How Long Do I Have To File A Brain Injury Lawsuit In Illinois?
In most cases, the Illinois statute of limitations gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline begins on the date of your injury.
If the statute of limitations expires, you lose your right to compensation. It’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
Contact Our Lake County Brain Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Have you suffered a brain injury in Lake County, IL? You may be entitled to compensation, and Kass & Moses is here to help.
With over 64 years of combined experience and more than $125 million recovered, our firm is dedicated to helping victims secure the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Lake County brain injury lawyer. We will help you explore your options for holding the at-fault party accountable for the harm you have suffered.
Visit our Lake County Personal Injury Law Office
Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers Northbrook
601 Skokie Blvd Suite 401,
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 513-9582
