A victim of head injury following an accident may fail to avail themselves of all the help that is available to them which extends beyond just compensation for the injuries themselves.
This may be for a number of reasons.
They may not be aware of their legal rights.
They may not believe they have a case.
They may be put off by the fear of legal costs or going to Court.
By contacting a solicitor as soon as possible after the accident the injured party can ensure they are fully advised by an expert.
They should ensure that the solicitor they contact specialises in personal injury claims and in particular has experience of head injury accidents.
Your solicitor must take control in the aftermath of head injury and help the victim cope with the often tragic consequences that follow.
He [or she] will from the outset pull together the various strands of the help available from both the NHS and the private sector.
The first stage following a head injury is to ensure that the acute injuries are being appropriately catered for by the hospital facilities.
Victims of moderate or mild injuries may be discharged with no or inadequate advice and information only to experience physical, mental and emotional difficulties later.
The solicitor's expertise will ensure the victim and his family is provided with all the appropriate information and advice from an early to ensure that the injured person and their family are not overwhelmed on discharge from hospital The second stage involves rehabilitation.
The solicitor will put into place a team of specialists as appropriate such as a case manager/nurse, physiotherapist, clinical psychologist, speech therapist to provide tailored rehabilitation and support to aid the injured person to return to as normal as is possible.
This team will look at the behavioural, cognitive and emotional issues as well as the medical and physical aspects of rehabilitation.
The solicitor will ensure that the longer term needs as well as the acute needs are met.
A third stage involves community integration.
Options for the victim to enter the job market and a range of residential options may need to be considered; the overall aim being to encourage independence.
This will not always be managed appropriately in the NHS sector as social workers are often over subscribed.
The solicitor will formulate the claim for compensation and obtain the necessary evidence for not only the injuries but also loss of earnings and expenses incurred such as in relation to accommodation.
He or she will consider obtaining an interim payment of compensation so that the victim does not have to wait until the case is fully settled.
To summarise, it is important that you ensure that your solicitor has the relevant expertise to conduct brain injury claims.
If you are not happy with the service received, you re at liberty to transfer your case at no cost to a solicitor of your choice.