Brain Injury and Head Injury Southampton

Any brain injury can be devastating for both the sufferer and their family and friends. There are many different types of brain injury, and they all affect the person in different ways. Trying to understand and come to terms with these injuries can be a long and difficult journey.

It is important to remember that you are not alone, other people have been through similar experiences. It may be helpful to have the opportunity to meet others with similar difficulties. There are organisations such as Headway and the Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) that can provide much needed help and support.

In the early stages of a brain injury it is very difficult for the experts to predict the long term consequences of the injury. Young people tend to recover better than adults, but unlike many other bodily injuries, the brain doesn't repair itself although other regions of the brain may compensate for the damaged areas. There may be an initial period of very rapid recovery, but the speed of recovery often slows a year or so after the injury.

The results of a brain injury can be varied, but may include:

• Physical changes including: epilepsy, walking difficulties, visual and hearing problems and perceptual problems.
• Cognitive (thinking) difficulties including: concentration, memory and problem solving difficulties.
• Communication problems including: understanding speech, finding the right words, reading and writing, slurred speech.
• Emotional changes including: anger, depression and inappropriate social behaviour.
• Family problems including: lack of income, changes in relationships, loneliness guilt and depression.

It is important that you seek help as soon as possible as problems tend to get worse not better, and the correct approach and treatment in the early stages can make a significant difference to the long-term outcome. You should seek legal advice at an early stage. Many people have a valid claim even though they don't realise it, and compensation can make a huge difference to the quality of life of both brain injury sufferers and their families and carers. Compensation is designed to put you back in the position you would have been in had the injury not occurred. It may include things like:

• Loss of earnings - including future losses for example if the injured person cannot return to work, or has to take a lower paid job.
• Care - including the cost of private carers, and an allowance for care provided by family and friends.
• Medical expenses - including the cost of necessary treatment outside the NHS.
• Rehabilitation.
• Aids and equipment.
• Extra costs of accommodation - including relocation to suitable accommodation and adaptations to houses.

It is important that you choose an APIL accredited solicitor that is not only a specialist in personal injury, but who is also experienced in brain injury cases. A good solicitor can make a huge difference in these cases. Walton Mills offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation that will help you find out if you can make a claim. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the legal process, including the, often worrying, aspect of the cost of pursuing a claim(link). This consultation will often take place in hospital, at your home, or wherever is most convenient for you. There is more information on our faq page.

Important points to remember:

• Contact a solicitor as soon as possible.
• Choose an APIL accredited solicitor experienced in brain injury cases.
• Choose a solicitor who is approachable, friendly and with whom you feel comfortable.
• Average claims for brain injuries take 4 - 5 years.
• Keep a diary to record significant dates and expenses.
• Payments to assist you can be made before the case is finished.
• The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the losses suffered, and the amount of help needed.

disclaimer | © Walton Mills 2008
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority