Brain Injury Lawyer Metairie, LA
If you have sustained a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may want to speak with a Metairie, LA brain injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer can help you pursue a legal claim against the negligent party and protect your legal rights.
Common Misconceptions About Brain Injuries
Whether they occur from a car accident, slip and fall accident or medical malpractice, brain injuries are one of the most serious injuries a person can sustain. However, they are widely misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions about brain injuries that you should not believe.
- Brain injury symptoms are apparent immediately. This is one of the most common misconceptions about brain injuries. While symptoms can sometimes present themselves immediately after a brain injury, other times they may not show up until days or weeks later. Unfortunately, some people who do not feel symptoms right after an accident, do not seek immediate medical care. If you are involved in an accident, you should get prompt medical attention, even if you feel okay.
- Brain injuries always result from blows to the head. Although brain injuries can certainly occur because of blows to the head, they can also result from the head shaking back and forth violently. For example, if you were in a rear-end car accident, the force of the vehicle hitting your car can cause your head to move quickly back and forth.
- Brain injuries always come with headaches. This is another common myth a Metairie brain injury lawyer often hears. Headaches are a common symptom of brain injuries, but not all brain injuries are accompanied by them. Therefore, even if you do not experience a headache after an accident, you should still seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
- Concussions are not serious. Concussions may not be as life-threatening as other kinds of brain injuries, but that does not mean they are not serious. While many people fully recover from concussions, others may suffer long-term cognitive and behavioral problems.
- If nothing shows up on an MRI or CT scan, you do not have a brain injury. It can be a relief to find out that nothing showed up on your MRI or CT scan. However, you must understand that these tests can only detect structural injuries to the brain. If you sustained functional injuries, they will not show up on an MRI or CT scan.
- Helmets prevent injuries. It is definitely good practice to wear helmets in certain situations, such as when you are riding a motorcycle. However, they will not necessarily help you avoid brain injuries. While wearing a helmet can leave your skull intact after an accident, you may still sustain a concussion.
If you suffered a brain injury because of negligence, you should schedule a consultation with a Metairie brain injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Frank D’Amico, Jr. as soon as possible.
Understanding The Costs Of Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Brain injuries can have devastating impacts on an individual’s life, necessitating comprehensive rehabilitation to restore as much function and quality of life as possible. Understanding the costs associated with brain injury rehabilitation is crucial for those affected, as well as their families.
When you work with a Metairie, LA, brain injury lawyer, they typically calculate the cost of long-term care and rehabilitation of a brain injury into your settlement demand. The team at The Law Offices of Frank D’Amico, Jr., has extensive experience valuing these kind of claims, helping families like yours avoid undue financial burdens while ensuring you have access to high-quality care. So, just how do we arrive at a settlement amount for your case?
Initial Medical Care
The costs begin with immediate medical care following the injury. Emergency room visits, diagnostic tests such as CT scans or MRIs, and initial hospital stays can be substantial. For severe brain injuries, intensive care unit (ICU) stays are often necessary, significantly increasing the initial costs. These initial expenses can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury and the required medical interventions.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Following acute care, many patients require inpatient rehabilitation. This involves a multi-disciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychological support. The average cost for inpatient rehabilitation can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per day, and patients may require several weeks to several months of intensive therapy, leading to total costs that can easily exceed $100,000.
Outpatient Rehabilitation And Therapy
After discharge from inpatient care, ongoing outpatient rehabilitation is often necessary. This can include continued physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as cognitive and psychological counseling. The costs for outpatient therapy can vary widely. Sessions typically range from $100 to $300 each, and patients may require multiple sessions per week for an extended period.
Medications And Medical Equipment
Individuals recovering from brain injuries often require medications to manage symptoms such as pain, muscle spasticity, and seizures. The costs of these medications can vary, but it is not uncommon for patients to spend several hundred dollars per month. Additionally, medical equipment such as wheelchairs, communication devices, and home modifications (e.g., ramps, grab bars) can also be significant expenses, potentially totaling thousands of dollars.
Long-Term Care And Support
For many brain injury survivors, long-term care is a reality. This can include home health aides, residential care facilities, or nursing homes, depending on the level of assistance required. Home health aides can cost between $20 and $40 per hour, leading to substantial monthly expenses if round-the-clock care is needed. Residential care facilities or nursing homes can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per month or more, depending on the level of care provided and the geographic location.
Helping You Recover From A Traumatic Brain Injury
The financial burden of brain injury rehabilitation is significant, encompassing a wide range of services and support. From initial emergency care to long-term support, the costs can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you or a loved one is facing brain injury rehabilitation, contact The Law Offices of Frank D’Amico, Jr. We offer a free case review and can help you secure full and fair compensation from the party that caused your brain injury.