My Child Has A Head Injury – What Do I Do Now?

By admin, on January 27th, 2012

Your child being involved in an accident, such as a road traffic accident, is a horrible, scary and traumatic experience for both your child and yourself. Within the turmoil of emotions of fear, relief and anger, and the information from your GP that your child has suffered a serious head injury, eventually the thought ‘What do I do now?’ will crop up. And it’s a horrible feeling when you don’t know the answer.

First things first, let yourself feel whatever emotions you are dealing with. Until you have taken some time to grief you won’t be able to access the situation and work out what to do. Then consider seeking legal advice, as you and your child are entitled to compensation.

Head injuries are very complicated injuries. They often have immediate effects to memory or movability, just to mention some examples, but symptoms of a head injury can also emerge long after the injury was sustained. There are many such factors influencing a legal case, and although a free advisory service such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau offer guidance, and your local solicitor may be able to advise you on general aspects of personal injury claims, where a head or brain injury is involved, it is recommended to seek out a specialist lawyer.

The following shows the other factors that need to be considered during the legal case:

First, the accident itself. A lawyer specialising in this kind of personal injury will present the accident to court in the manner that best illustrates the case. They will be experienced with using reconstructions or expert evidence in this area, and familiar with the kind of medical evidence courts will require.

Second, the severity of the consequences. Head injuries can result in significant alterations to the victim’s daily life, and may impact significantly on their school career and employment future. Lawyers with detailed knowledge of this area frequently have established connections with experts in areas such as physiotherapists, neurologists or other medical practitioners. Their professional opinions will show the court the seriousness of the injury, and the continuous support, both financially and emotionally, which the family and victim will need.

Third, and most importantly, damages. A specialist lawyer is best suited to calculate the correct level of damages that deserve to be claimed. They will also be able to advise on claiming ‘interim’ payments. These are damages that are paid to the person claiming compensation where their claim looks likely to succeed, and permit them to put certain arrangements in place before the case has concluded. Such arrangements can include adjustments to your home to facilitate for your child’s new needs or the costs of rehabilitation courses and support programmes.

Fourth, timing. As mentioned above, not all consequences of a head or brain injury are immediately apparent. In cases where the symptoms take time to fully develop, a specialist solicitor is able to advise on how and when to commence a claim.
Finally, living arrangements. A specialist will be able to assist in arranging affairs, such as living facilities and school needs, so that the consequences of the injury are anticipated and provided for. They will be able to help with matters like power of attorney, dealing with third parties, and putting you in touch with specialists who are equipped to assist your child manage their altered daily life.

Seeking the help of a specialist lawyer is daunting, as their price is higher than that of a non-specialised solicitor. Yet they have the skills to gain the right amount of damages for your child’s current and future needs. When looking for a lawyer, be sure that you take the time to get to know them. A court case of this topic can be a long and emotional journey, so you need someone by your side who you trust, who knows what they are doing, and who is willingly to talk you through the procedure in an understanding and patient manner.

Article of Courtesy of Pannone.com