Chicago Brain Injury Lawyer Blog

Most headlines in recent weeks about traumatic brain injuries involve sports related head trauma and injuries suffered by our service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both of these issues are of particular importance, because awareness of the problem and the need to find better treatments has the potential to improve the life of millions of our community members. However, focused attention on these two causes of head injury sometimes obscures the fact that the majority of traumatic brain injury are still caused by automobile accidents. Improving traffic safety will go a long way to preventing head injuries.

Our Illinois brain injury attorneys know that the most vulnerable members of our society—young infants—often experience these head injuries in car accidents. The incidents can affect the youngster throughout the rest of their life. For example, the Canton-Sixes Patch discussed a car accident in the area that led to a baby suffering one of these injuries. According to reports the accident occurred last week involving two vehicles on a bridge. Apparently a Ford Focus and Dodge pick-up truck were traveling in different direction across the bridge when for some reason the two car collided head-on. Head-on collisions remain the most damaging of auto accidents because the forces on the car (and those inside) are at their highest.

The driver of the pick-up truck suffered possible broken bones in his lower extremities, and the pick-up passenger suffered a neck injury. Those in the smaller car suffered even more harm. Both the driver and passenger (the baby’s parents) were killed in the collision. The baby was in the back seat at the time of the accident. When emergency crews arrived they noted that the child had a broken leg and had suffered a traumatic brain injury.

It is still early in the in the investigation, but some eye witness accounts suggest that the Ford Focus may have crossed the center line when traveling on the bridge. The drifting led to the collision with the pick-up truck. Investigators are now trying to understand what led the driver to drift across the center lane. Making that determination conclusively is often difficult, particularly when there is no one who was in the car who will be able to provide first-hand accounts of the situation just before the crash.

The Chicago injury lawyers at our firm have helped many in these situations. When it comes to automobile accidents, a range of factors are implicated in the legal analysis. The conduct of bother parties and the circumstances which led to the accident all play a role in how the situation will be adjudicated. Insurance companies are almost always involved in these situations. It is important for residents to remember that the insurance company is virtually guaranteed to look out for its own financial interest. That means making payouts that are as small as possible. In many cases those payouts are so small that they cannot even cover the expenses incurred by those involved. It is always prudent to seek out professional legal help to ensure that you are receiving fair recovery for your losses.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Lawsuit Filed After Inmate Suffers Brain Injury

New Technology Aims to Help Victims of Traumatic Brain Injuries

target="_blank"

Car accident brain injuries are perhaps the most common way that community members suffer head trauma. Our Chicago injury attorneys know that auto accidents are the most frequent way that most demographic groups suffer preventable injury of all kinds. This is particularly true of younger residents, as children and teens are more likely to be killed in automobile accident than any other way. Considering the frequency with which these incidents strike, it is to be expected that many of those who are victimized in a car accident suffer head trauma and traumatic brain injuries.

The consequences of these injuries can affect child victims for a lifetime. Penn Live recently shared the story one teen whose life was turned upside down when he suffered a brain injury after a car accident. The victim was only seventeen years old when his car slid off the road and slammed into a telephone poll and nearby tree. A neighbor heard the crash and called emergency officials. When they arrived they immediately transported the teen to a nearby hospital, noting that he had suffered “Level 1 Trauma.” He was soon diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.

The victim seemed to have few injuries, because his physical body suffered no major damage. However, the head trauma alone was life-threatening. He was in a coma for nearly two weeks. The process of waking from a coma after a brain injury is much different from the movies. Instead of a sudden rush, it is a slow process that involved period of consciousness and unconsciousness. However, for this teen, and many other like him, when full consciousness does return, many basic tasks must be relearned.

For example, when this teen victim finally had his feeding tube pulled out, he at first could not talk. He had to use hand signals until he relearned the way to communicate orally. However, the process is not seamless. The brain injury mixes up pathways and makes it difficult to connect thought to words or actions. Many basic things learned as a developing child are lost, sometimes permanently, and sometime only until they are relearned. The young teen in this case is still working on relearning everything he once knew, but he is optimistic about the outcome. However, there are some things that he unquestionable can no longer do. The consequences could be deadly if he suffers another blow to the head. That is why certain physical sports or particularly aggressive horseplay is out of the questions.
Our Illinois brain injury attorneys know all too well the immense challenges facing these victims. When the injury itself is connected to the negligence of another—such as a car accident caused by another’s mistake—then the law allows the victim and their family to recover for their loss. The costs of these injuries are high, not only in financial terms, but also in social, emotional, and physical ones. Families working through this situation should know that they are not alone. Help exists. Please get in touch with our office if you or someone you know is in this situation. For no fee, we can explain how the law might apply in your case and take steps to ensure that your legal rights are protected.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Car Accident Brain Injury Victim Works to Help Others

Motorcycle Passenger Dies from Brain Injury Suffered in Accident

The Hartford Courant reported a man was awarded $14 million dollars after the Town of Clinton was found liable for man’s injuries. The victim was a passenger in a car involved in a car chase with a volunteer firefighter. The volunteer firefighter called the Town of Clinton Police Department and was encouraged by a dispatcher to continue chasing the car.

After an eight minute chase, the victim’s car crashed into a tree. The victim suffered severe brain damage and is expected to be institutionalized for the rest of his life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 360 people are killed each year in police related pursuits.

As a result of this staggering statistic, many police forces have considered the possibility of more restrictive police chases. It is important for some police forces to recognize the risks of chasing a vehicle for minor offenses.

Continue reading "Man awarded $14 million for a brain injury sustained during automobile chase" »

Fox 41 reported that a family’s van was struck by an alleged drunk driver while traveling on Highway U.S. 31 in Alabama. An 8-year old child dies as a result of the accident involving an alleged drunk driver. The mother suffered several broken ribs and a head injury, while the father was hospitalized in a coma for several days.
After the occurrence, the negligent driver of the other vehicle was charged with DUI, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and four counts of 1st degree assault. In addition, the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver for their irreversible brain injuries and the death of their daughter.
Many drivers do not recognize the ramifications of drinking a few drinks socially and then getting into a motor vehicle. According to MADD, one person dies every 50 minutes as a result of a drunk driving accident. However, these actions have serious consequences including brain injury or death. This tragic incident will hopefully remind this community the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
The family has sued the driver of the other vehicle because as a result of the incident, the parents suffered head injuries. Victims of head trauma may suffer further personal injury so it is essential for victims of head injury to be extra cautious.

Continue reading "Parents file wrongful death suit, both suffer brain injury in DUI accident" »

Postcrescent.com recently reported that a $20 million settlement was reached following a tragic car accident that left a young girl with a severe brain injury.

In October of 2008, a family from Appleton, WI was driving down an off-ramp in their van. A truck heading towards the ramp ran a red light and crashed into the family’s van. While the impact of the crash was not severe because the truck driver had applied his brakes, the truck was carrying a pipe rack that allowed multiple pipes to escape upon collision. One of the loose pipes shattered the left rear window of the van and hit a young girl that was a passenger in the backseat. The child suffered severe brain damage from the accident.

The child’s family filed a lawsuit following this incident alleging that the pipe rack was negligently constructed and installed as it was missing a front stop. The distributor of the pipe rack settled their case for $18.7 million. The rest of the settlement amount comes from the truck driver and his employer as well as the manufacturer of the pipe rack. The settlement amounts were assigned based on each defendant’s responsibility in the accident.

The large settlement will help the family of the young girl pay for her care and medical expenses. The girl’s medical expenses totaled $850,000 in the first two years of her life after the accident left her with severe and permanent injuries including traumatic epilepsy and blindness. Because of her traumatic brain injury, she will require around-the-clock care for the rest of her life.

Continue reading "Parties Reach $20 Million Settlement Following Child’s Traumatic Injury " »

The Chicago City Council approved a $3 million settlement on behalf of a woman seriously injured when the car she was riding in was hit by a stolen vehicle during an unauthorized police chase, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The stolen vehicle was driven in excess of more than twice the speed limit when it slammed into the woman’s vehicle, and the collision was so strong that her body was thrown from the car and landed on the ground forty feet away. Doctors had to place the Chicago woman in an induced coma for two days and she was in the hospital for over two weeks. The woman suffered permanent brain damage as a result of the crash.

Mayo Clinic reports that half of all traumatic brain injuries occur as a result of car, motorcycle and bicycle collisions. When the head is struck too strongly, such as can occur in a collision, the brain can slam against the inside of the skull and cause bruising of the brain, bleeding, and torn nerve fibers. Sudden braking or stopping as a result of a car collision can also cause this to happen. A traumatic brain injury can be fatal. When serious brain injuries are not fatal, the consequences can still be severe. Traumatic brain injury can cause cognitive impairment, affecting a person’s thinking and reasoning skills, memory, and multitasking ability.

To help prevent against serious brain trauma, always wear a seatbelt while driving in a car. Motor vehicle collisions are sometimes unpreventable, but by taking the extra precaution of wearing something as simple as a seatbelt or child booster seat, lives can be saved and people can take steps toward recovery, whether by medical intervention, lawsuits, or both.

Several weeks ago, the Daily Herald reported that an Illinois family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Kane County Circuit Court for the wrongful death of a 66-year-old woman from East Dundee. The woman suffered a fatal brain injury after being hit by a car as she crossed Route 31. According to the report of the pedestrian accident, the lawsuit alleges that the driver failed to drive safely or pay attention to the road. He was cited by police for failing to yield and failing to use due care.

Brain injuries are unfortunately all to common in car and pedestrian accidents throughout Illinois. In many instances, these injuries are fatal, or require years of recovery. To read more about this wrongful death lawsuit, follow the link provided.

A young woman was driving down the road in Crystal Lake when she encountered a horrific automobile crash. This crash fractured her spine in three places and she suffered a traumatic brain injury. Many of the doctors thought that she would be paralyzed. However, the victim has a positive outlook and has been passing milestone after milestone. She recently entered Pioneer Center’s Traumatic Brain Injury program, which includes vocational training. She now has to relearn basic tasks which include walking. The victim continues to have some facial paralysis. She has also filed a brain injury lawsuit seeking $50,000. She is looking forward to speaking with children about the importance of safe driving. Hopefully she will in turn prevent brain injuries. To read more about the woman’s struggles, please click the link.

The family of a St. Charles, Illinois student who died in a automobile crash is filing an automobile accident lawsuit against a classmate accused of driving drunk and causing the collision for more than $6 million. The 18 year old has pleaded not guilty in criminal court to multiple counts of aggravated drunken driving and reckless homicide in connection with the automobile crash. Another student in the care suffered a brain injury and fractured jaw. She has also filed a brain injury lawsuit claiming that the driver was negligent. Brain injuries are a common result of automobile crashes. To learn more about the fatal crash, please click the link.

A jury awarded $49 million in damages to a college student who was on his way to a camping trip when two trucks collided, causing him traumatic brain injury. The young man was riding in an automobile when the two trucks collided at or near the center line. He was struck by the truck. His brain injuries necessitate round-the-clock medical care. The jury awarded $3.4 million in past medical expenses, $27.6 million in future medical expenses, $4.5 million for future lost wages and $13.5 million in general damages. The defendants are jointly and severally liable for the special damages. His attorney believes that these figures represent the staggering cost of care to individuals sustaining traumatic brain injury. Truck drivers must be careful to avoid such accidents that result in brain injury. To read more about the jury verdict, please click the link.

A radio personality will return to work after enduring a traumatic brain injury which affected his speech and mobility. The host endured the head injury after a car crash. He spoke about his treatment and how frustrated he was after the doctors told him he may never be the same. The doctor’s had told the host that he may not be able to trust his brain. After the brain injury doctors told the man that his brain is going to tell him certain things that are completely wrong. The radio host will now use his experience to educate the public about traumatic brain injuries which effect approximately 1.5 million Americans each year. To read more about the brain injury, please click the link.

An Illinois woman died on Saturday, from a traumatic brain injury, when she fell out of a Pedicab while on vacation. The fall caused severe brain damage. The woman was visiting San Diego for a National Education Conference. The vehicle made a sudden move, causing the woman to fall out and causing a serious brain injury. For more information on this fatal brain injury click here

Recently, the Illinois Senate rejected a bill that would require Illinois motorcyclists to wear a helmet. The bill was introduced by Sen. Donne Trotter and opponents voiced the opinion that riders should have the right to choose whether or not to wear a helmet. Many believe that the number of motorcycle deaths and brain injuries could be reduced if helmets are required.

As warmer weather approaches, more and more motorcyclists will be on the road. Helmets can help to protect riders who are involved in accidents from traumatic brain injuries or death. According to a report by the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 157 motorcycle fatalities in Illinois in 2007. Of these, 121 riders were not wearing a helmet. Read more about the motorcycle debate in Illinois by following the link.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a motorcycle accident, we encourage you to contact our attorneys to discuss your case.

A grandfather saved his 11-day old granddaughter’s life from an oncoming truck by pushing her stroller out of the way. The man suffered a traumatic brain injury which resulted in impaired speech, broken ribs, broken wrist, partial blindness and lost the ability to walk. The doctor working with the man says the brain injury rehabilitation is progressing.

For the full story, click here.

Six months after a serious truck accident near the Illinois-Missouri border, Mark Tiburzi is left with severe brain trauma. The 53-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury after a truck crashed into a line of 10 vehicles, injuring 15 and killing 3. At least 5 personal injury lawsuits have been filed since the automobile accident. Due to his brain injury, Tiburzi can breathe independently, but needs a feeding tube to eat and lives in a nursing home. His wife of 25 years said, “I talk to him… but he doesn’t talk back.” The truck driver was distracted by his cell phone when he caused the accident. For the full story, click here.

TBI Clubhouses are opening around the nation to help support brain injured victims. Brain injuries can occur for a variety of reasons from participation in contact sports to involvement in a car accident or bike accident. Brain injuries leave some victims unable to function or carry out daily tasks to live on their own. Traumatic Brain Injury homes exist to provide support, a social network and medical care to victims of brain injuries. A mother whose son experienced a brain injury after a truck accident has opened a new Midwest clubhouse to provide support to families who struggle similar to herself. Brain injury bills are high whether due to medical expenses or trial expenses and some foundations help in meeting those costs. To read more about this courageous mother’s story click here.

Tonight, on the Discovery Health Channel at 7pm in Chicago, a documentary will air telling the story of an Illinois couple’s life following the wife’s devastating brain injury. In 1987, just months before the couple’s wedding, the bride suffered brain injury in a horrific car accident. The show will document the Illinois couple’s love and life following brain injury. Be sure to tune in.

For the full article.

A car accident that resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit also resulted in traumatic brain injury for the victim. The defendant driver failed to stop at a stop sign and tried to turn eastbound, causing the victim to swerve to avoid a direct impact. As a result, his car swerved and tripped on the median curb, rolled over, and slammed up against a palm tree. The roof was crushed and he was ejected into the street. He sustained a serious head injury that resulted in his wrongful death a week later.

For the full article.

Months before an Illinois couple were to wed, the future bride’s life was shattered in a car accident. She suffered a devastating brain injury which left her impaired and unable to walk. It took the 24 year-old seventeen days to open her eyes and another seven months to utter a word.

The couple wed seven years and thousands of hours of physical therapy to help the brain injury after their original wedding date. The husband runs often outside while pushing his wife in her wheelchair. This couple’s tale of coping after the brain injury will air Sunday, December 14 at 7pm in Chicago on the Discovery Health Channel.

For the full article.

An 11 year-old recently passed away after falling off a truck in a parade. She suffered serious head wounds in the truck accident fall.

For the full article.

Two Catholic high school students struck a tree in a car accident after leaving a Miami party. One student suffered a wrongful death while the other student sustained permanent catastrophic brain injuries. A brain injury lawsuit resulted in a large settlement for the surviving victim.

For the full article.

Two years ago, a woman’s fiancée was injured in a hit-and-run on his way home from a night out. The car accident left him unable to walk or talk. Now, the fiancée of the brain injury victim is determined to raise awareness of a charity that helps brain injury victims and their families.

For the full article.

One Chicago woman is amazing people everywhere she walks. She is a “miracle woman.” She went from being pronounced dead, in a 3-month coma with brain stem damage to being able to walk and talk today. It has been 33 years since the Chicago woman suffered the brain trauma. In 1975, she was driving through the Chicagoland area when she was victim to a car accident where she was struck by a drunk driver. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Now, she’s married with two small daughters. This Chicago woman is a survivor.

To read the full story.

An $8,400,000 verdict was recently awarded in a personal injury lawsuit to a 21-year-old woman who was in a car accident and sustained severe and permanent brain injury. The woman claimed that she was a victim of auto repair negligence, resulting in the motor vehicle accident. She had her car repaired twice by the defendant auto repair facility for stalling, but her car stalled on the freeway four months after the final repair. The woman was rear ended and suffered severe brain injury. She will no longer be able to work or attend school.

Click here for the full article

A $15 million verdict against Goodyear Donlop Tires for product liability and personal injury was recently made in favor of a woman who suffered a severe brain injury in a motorcycle accident near Pontiac, Illinois. The motorcycle's tire, manufactured by Goodyear, suddenly deflated causing a crash during which the brain injury occurred even though the woman was wearing a helmet. The crash has led to severe cognitive defects and paralyzation. The woman is now permanently bound to a wheel chair and will require full time care for the rest of her life.