Head injuries can give rise to a variety of symptoms and conditions depending on a number of factors including the severity and location of the trauma to the head.

The risk of brain injury is probably the greatest concern following a head injury. An acquired brain injury (ABI) can result from any event after birth, other than a genetic, developmental of degenerative condition, which causes injury to the brain. ABIs can result from a variety of causes include a traumatic brain injury (TBI), hypoxia (lack of oxygen) or poisoning. A TBI is usually  caused initially by outside force which can be either a direct blow to the head or can be caused by the acceleration and deceleration effects of the head being jolted severely; for example in a fall or a road traffic accident. Following the initial trauma complications can also arise such as damage caused by infection, lack of oxygen or rising pressure and swelling in the brain.

The severity of effects of brain injury can vary considerably from person to person and usually depend upon the extent of damage to the nerve connections in the central brain; in severe cases this can lead to coma or damage to particular parts of the brain affecting the use of limbs. Brain injury may also lead to speech and language impairment as well as changes in personality, behavioural problems and cognitive functioning, such as memory difficulties, planning and organisation.

Identifying the nature of the brain injury in less severe cases is not always straight forward and the injury will not always be obvious upon scans or imaging. In cases of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury neuropsychological assessment are usually required to identify the exact nature of the injury and what treatment or rehabilitation may be appropriate.

Where the brain injury is more severe this may result in a loss of mental capacity so that the injured person loses the ability to manage their own affairs. In such circumstances any personal injury compensation obtained on their behalf would have to be approved by a Judge and managed by the Court of Protection. In addition a financial report may also be required in order to consider the type of award that is most appropriate, usually a combination of periodical payments and compensation paid in a single lump sum.

At Sintons the solicitors in our specialist Neurotrauma team have a wealth of experience in pursuing claims for compensation arising from head and brain injuries, especially serious life-changing injuries. We are committed to our clients’ best interests and we will always explore options for early treatment and rehabilitation, care, new accommodation, transport and a whole range of other input required after someone has sustained a serious brain injury. This can often be funded privately from interim payments that we obtain before the case is concluded.

Sintons’ solicitors are listed in the Headway Head Injury Solicitors Directory, and recognised as specialists in handling brain injury cases by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

All personal injury claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis which is a simple way of giving you the peace of mind of making sure that your legal costs are covered when you claim compensation after an injury or accident.

Also known as a conditional fee agreement, No Win No Fee means that the lawyer representing you will not take any payment until the end of the case and, in the event that your case is unsuccessful, the lawyer will take no fee and there will be no cost to you at all.

To begin a personal injury compensation claim or obtain further advice with no obligation contact Sintons 24/7.