If you or a loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to know your rights under Iowa law. TBIs can result in severe and permanent disability, making it difficult to work and enjoy life. Here’s what you need to know about TBI claims in Iowa.
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Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an outside force, such as a hit or jolt to the head, causes brain dysfunction. Common causes of TBI include car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assaults.
Symptoms of TBI may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, memory loss, and mood changes. Treatment for TBI typically involves rest, medication, and rehabilitation.
Filing a TBI Claim in Iowa
In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim for a TBI. However, it’s important to start the process as soon as possible, as gathering evidence and building a strong case can be time-consuming.
To file a TBI claim, you’ll need to prove that the other party was responsible for your injuries due to their negligence or intentional wrongdoing. This can be difficult to do alone, so it’s important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you build your case.
Damages in TBI Claims
In a successful TBI claim, you may be entitled to damages to compensate you for your losses. These can include:
Medical Expenses
You may be able to recover the cost of medical care related to your TBI, including hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
Lost Wages
If your TBI has prevented you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages. This can include both past and future income.
Pain and Suffering
TBI can cause significant pain and suffering, and you may be entitled to compensation for these damages.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your TBI has prevented you from enjoying life as you did before the injury, you may be entitled to damages for loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party for their negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
Working with an Iowa Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re considering filing a TBI claim in Iowa, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who has a thorough understanding of Iowa’s laws and procedures for these types of claims. An attorney can help you build a strong case and negotiate a fair settlement.
When choosing an attorney, look for someone who has experience specifically with TBI cases. You’ll also want to ask about their success rate and fee structure.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury in Iowa, you have legal options to recover damages. It’s important to act quickly and work with an experienced personal injury attorney to build a strong case. With the right legal representation, you can get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.