Brain Injuries

New Hampshire and Massachusetts Brain Injury Lawyer

New Hampshire and Massachusetts Brain Injury Attorney

Brain injuries have the potential to be devastating, tragic, and life-altering. They are certainly among the worst injuries a person can suffer. Cognition, speech, and language are all put at risk when a person’s brain is injured, as well as sensory perception, everyday functioning, and psychological health. Oftentimes more than one of these is jeopardized during a brain injury.

You may be thinking in terms of severe, traumatic, or mild brain injuries, but even historically mild brain injuries such as concussions can have severe repercussions that last a lifetime.

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Traumatic Brain Injuries in the United States

A traumatic brain injury (also called a TBI) is usually the result of receiving a violent blow to the head. It happens either when the head collides with an object or an object pierces the skull, entering the brain tissue. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did a study about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the United States. The study found that:

  • Each year, traumatic brain injury (TBI) leaves six times more people disabled than spinal cord injuries, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis combined
  • Over five million citizens of the United States who have a brain injury currently do and will require lifelong help to perform daily living activities.
  • Seniors, teenagers, and young children remain most likely to suffer a brain injury.
  • Men are three times more likely to die of a TBI.
  • Men are one and a half times more likely to sustain a brain injury.
  • Falls are the leading cause of TBI.
  • On average, an American high school lineman endures the equivalent of a twenty-five MPH car crash in blows to the head each football season.

Where Do Concussions Fit in?

In movies and tv shows, characters get hit over the head. Usually, they see an EMT, and the EMT tells them they may have or do have a concussion, and that is the last we hear of it. The reality is very different. Concussions can have consequences that last days, weeks, months, or a lifetime. Concussion sufferers may think their brain injuries are mild and therefore do not merit a lawsuit, but we believe in holding people accountable. If you or a loved one suffer from a concussion that was caused by the actions or negligence of another individual you may be eligible for compensation.

A concussion is also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), but the side effects of concussions can be anything but mild to a person living with one. They occur when a bump, jolt, or blow to the head causes the brain to move quickly within the skull. This can, unfortunately, cause major alterations in the normal functioning of the brain. These symptoms are typically noticed directly after the injury, but some concussions may not be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.

Symptoms of a Concussion

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Sleep Trouble
  • Changes in Mood
  • Problems with Memory

Regardless of when you first noticed the concussion, Buckley Law Offices is ready to schedule your free consultation at your earliest convenience. Let us do the heavy lifting while you rest and recover; we’ve been fighting for the rights of people like you for over thirty years. Contact us today to discuss your case.

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Common Causes of Brain Injuries in New Hampshire and Massachusetts

  • Falls
    Falling down the stairs, off of ladders, in the bath, and in the shower are highly common causes of brain injuries. Depending on where you fell, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
  • Violence
    Domestic violence, child abuse, and assault all put people at risk for brain damage. If you were injured at the hands of another person, contact Buckley Law Offices to discuss your case.
  • Sports Injuries
    Skiing, football, basketball, hockey, paintball, baseball, softball, soccer, and other sports with the potential for high impact all elevate the risk for brain injury, so many brain injury victims are athletes
  • Vehicle-related Collisions
    Cars, SUVs, and trucks, but also unconventional vessels like boats and snowmobiles can collide violently, putting passengers and operators at risk of brain injury

What Kind of Lawyer Should Work on a Brain Injury Lawsuit?

Brain injury lawsuits are unique amongst personal injury lawsuits. A brain injury can happen anywhere—in a car, at work, over a friend’s house, on a boat, and wherever else a person can be, really—so the best brain injury attorney will be one practiced in a wide range of personal injury cases.

For example, if you were injured in a boating accident and that injury resulted in brain damage, leaving you with cognitive difficulties, you would require a lawyer who knows their way around boating accidents in addition to brain injuries. If that situation were made more complicated by, say, medical negligence at the hospital that first treated your brain injury, your case may require an attorney who is well versed in medical malpractice, boating accidents, and brain injuries.

Buckley Law Offices has over thirty years of experience winning personal injury lawsuits and recovering financial compensation for brain injury survivors and victims. We work tirelessly to protect your rights. Contact us at your earliest convenience for a free consultation.

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Contact Buckley Law Offices to Speak with a
New Hampshire or Massachusetts Brain Injury Attorney

Over two million people each year visit emergency rooms across the United States as a result of a brain injury. In New Hampshire, over 13,000 people and their families seek medical attention for a traumatic brain injury every year. These brain injuries, like most brain injuries, occur largely because of car accidents, sports injuries, strokes, and falls. Although there is much promising research being done to help brain injury victims, most people living with a brain injury require significant attention, medical care, and representation.

If you suffer from a brain injury due to negligence or malpractice, let us look over the details of your case. We will use over thirty years of experience and our well of resources to examine the specifics of your situation and determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation. Contact us to schedule your free consultation at your earliest convenience

Brain Injury Lawyer New Hampshire: Seeking Justice and Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are some of the most severe and life-altering injuries that a person can suffer. They can disrupt every aspect of a victim’s life, from their cognitive abilities to their emotional health and overall quality of life. When these injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence—whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or a workplace incident—the victim and their family have the right to seek compensation for their losses. As a brain injury lawyer in New Hampshire, I understand the complexities of these cases and am committed to helping my clients secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Closed Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a specific type of brain injury that occur when an external force causes the brain to move within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or other damage. TBIs can be classified as either open or closed:

  • Open Head Injuries: Involve a break in the skull, such as a penetrating wound.
  • Closed Head Injuries: Do not involve any break in the skull but can be equally or more damaging due to internal brain trauma.

Why Closed Head Injuries Are Particularly Dangerous

Closed head injuries are often referred to as “invisible injuries” because the damage is not visible to the naked eye. This invisibility can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, making the injury more difficult to detect and prove in a legal context. Closed head injuries can result from various types of accidents, such as:

  • Car Accidents: Sudden stops or collisions can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to bruising or bleeding.
  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls, especially for older adults, can cause significant brain injuries, even if there are no external signs of trauma.
  • Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football or soccer can cause repeated head trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
  • Workplace Accidents: Falls from heights, being struck by objects, or accidents involving machinery can all lead to serious brain injuries.

The Challenges of Proving Brain Injury Cases

Proving a brain injury case involves demonstrating that the injury was caused by another party’s negligence and that the resulting damages have had a profound impact on the victim’s life. This can be challenging because:

  • Invisible Symptoms: Symptoms like memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating are often dismissed as minor or unrelated to the injury.
  • Delayed Diagnosis: Closed head injuries may not be immediately apparent, making it harder to link the injury to a specific event or accident.
  • Complex Medical Evidence: Brain injuries require detailed medical evidence, including imaging tests (MRIs, CT scans) and expert testimony, to prove the extent of the damage.

An experienced New Hampshire brain injury lawyer will know how to gather the necessary evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a strong case that clearly demonstrates the impact of the injury.

New Hampshire’s Legal Requirements for Brain Injury Cases

If you’ve suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence in New Hampshire, it’s important to understand the legal process and your rights:

  • Statute of Limitations
    The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Hampshire is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means that you must file your lawsuit within this timeframe, or you may lose your right to seek compensation. However, in cases where the injury’s effects are not immediately apparent, the clock may start from the date the injury was discovered (the “discovery rule”).
  • Comparative Fault in New Hampshire
    New Hampshire follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if the victim is found to be partially at fault for the accident that caused the brain injury, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.

The Impact of Brain Injuries on Victims and Families

Brain injuries can have a profound effect on the victim’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. They often lead to:

  • Cognitive Impairments: Difficulty with memory, concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving.
  • Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and personality changes.
  • Physical Disabilities: Loss of coordination, balance issues, seizures, and chronic pain.
  • Loss of Independence: Many brain injury victims require ongoing care and support, making it difficult or impossible to live independently.

The ripple effect of a brain injury can also take a toll on the victim’s family, as they may need to take on caregiving responsibilities, alter their work schedules, or deal with the emotional burden of seeing a loved one’s personality and abilities change.

Types of Compensation Available for Brain Injury Victims

Victims of brain injuries in New Hampshire may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers past, present, and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury, as well as future earning potential if the victim is unable to return to work or must take a lower-paying job.
  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the injury.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities or hobbies that the victim once enjoyed.
  • Long-Term Care and Assistance: If the injury requires long-term care or home modifications, compensation can cover these additional expenses.

Steps to Take After Suffering a Brain Injury in New Hampshire

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Always see a doctor after an accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Brain injuries can have delayed symptoms, and early diagnosis is key to preventing further damage.
  2. Document the Injury and Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, medical visits, and treatments. This documentation will be important evidence in your case.
  3. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: Adhering to your treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments can demonstrate the seriousness of your injury and your commitment to recovery.
  4. Consult a Brain Injury Lawyer: Contact a New Hampshire brain injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Brain Injury Claims in New Hampshire

How do I know if I have a valid brain injury claim?

You may have a valid claim if your brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident, fall, or assault. Consulting with a brain injury attorney can help you evaluate your case.

How long do I have to file a brain injury lawsuit in New Hampshire?

You generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, it’s best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines.

What if the brain injury symptoms were not immediately apparent?

If symptoms appeared later, the statute of limitations may begin from the date you discovered the injury, rather than the date of the accident. This is known as the “discovery rule.”

What is the value of a brain injury claim?

The value of a brain injury claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and the costs of medical treatment and long-term care. An attorney can help calculate a fair amount of compensation.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under New Hampshire’s comparative fault rule, you can still file a claim as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What should I do if the insurance company denies my brain injury claim?

If your claim is denied, contact a brain injury lawyer immediately. They can help you understand the reason for the denial and explore options for appealing the decision.

Contact a New Hampshire Brain Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible. As a dedicated New Hampshire brain injury lawyer, I’m committed to helping victims and their families pursue justice and compensation. Contact me, Dave Buckley, today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

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