A traumatic brain injury can be debilitating, leaving you unable to return to your normal routines or even live independently. Many victims are unable to work, take care of their families, or even return to work. If you were injured in an accident, the Echo Park brain injury attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers may be able to help. 

From bus accidents to motorcycle wrecks to dog bites, we’ve handled—and won—a wide variety of different cases, arming us with the knowledge and experience to help you achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to discuss your situation with a member of our team.  

How Much is My Brain Injury Case Worth? 

As no two traumatic brain injury cases are the same, there is no magic formula for calculating the value of a personal injury claim. As such, it’s impossible for any attorney or law firm to guarantee you a specific payout. Instead, our attorneys will assess the available evidence and consult with expert witnesses if necessary to determine fair compensation for the losses you incurred. 

Below are some of the criteria an attorney will consider when estimating the value of your brain injury case: 

• Medical Expenses: From the initial ER visit to physical therapy to nursing care, a serious brain injury can leave you juggling a seemingly endless stream of expenses. Fortunately, these costs may be recoverable as part of your claim. Your attorney might consult with medical experts to help get a clear understanding of both your current and future medical bills.  

• Pain and Suffering: A serious injury can lead to considerable pain and suffering, making it difficult for you to return to your normal routines. In California, injury victims have a right to seek compensation for the pain they’ve experienced as the result of someone else’s negligent or reckless actions. To help prove such damages, your attorney may ask you to start tracking your pain levels in a personal injury journal. You should make sure to describe the pain you’re experiencing and grade the severity of these sensations on a scale of 1 to 10.  

• Lost Earnings: If you were sidelined from work for any period of time, these lost earnings may be recoverable. However, you will need to prove that your condition interfered with your ability to do your job. As such, your attorney may need to consult with vocational experts to help demonstrate the ways in which your injuries affected your ability to work and are likely to impede your ability to earn a living in the future.  

What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Claim? 

While most of life’s slip ups can be remedied with a carefully worded apology, box of chocolates, or bouquet of roses; mistakes during the claims process could haunt you forever. After all, the insurer is looking for any reason to reduce or deny your claim, and the claims adjuster will likely seize any opportunity to dispute aspects of your case. 

At HPIL, we can help guide you through proceedings, advising you on how to avoid common errors that might otherwise hurt the outcome of your case. Let’s take a look at a few mistakes you should avoid for the duration of proceedings: 

• Ignoring Your Doctor’s Orders: You might think your healthcare providers are being overly cautious, but it’s important to follow their instructions carefully. Any signs that you deviated from your treatment plan could affect the outcome of your brain injury case. For instance, the insurer might argue that your decision to ignore your doctor’s orders caused your condition to worsen, resulting in additional health complications and costs. In such situations, you may be held liable for a portion—or all—of such damages. 

• Posting about the Accident on Social Media: Discussing the accident, your injuries, or your personal injury claim online could help you get emotional support and guidance during these challenging times. However, if the insurer is monitoring your profiles, these posts could spell disaster for your case. It’s not unheard of for claims adjusters to use comments, reviews, “check ins”, and even pictures as evidence to launch disputes. For instance, if your “check ins” show you enjoying an active social life in the aftermath of the accident, opposing parties might use this information to assert that your injuries aren’t as serious as you are claiming. As such, it’s often best to deactivate your social media accounts until proceedings have run their course. 

• Providing a Recorded Statement: If the insurer contacts you for a recorded statement, you should refer them to your attorney. These “interviews” are often just an opportunity for the claims adjuster to ask questions designed to elicit compromising statements. At HPIL, our attorneys can take over all correspondence with the insurer so you don’t have to worry about saying something that might harm your case.  

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Claim with a Brain Injury Attorney in Echo Park 

If you suffered a brain injury, it’s possible you may live with health complications and limitations for the rest of your life. By filing a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to ensure you receive the best treatment and care.  

At HPIL, we can assist with all aspects of your case, and can help give you and your family the guidance you need during this challenging chapter of your life. Reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or tap through to our Online Contact Page to secure a free case assessment.