St. Charles Brain Damage Lawyer

Sustaining brain damage after any accident can affect you for the rest of your life. But our team of St. Charles brain damage lawyers can help you cope with your pain and recover the damages you’ve lost. 

At Morelli Law Firm, our St. Charles personal injury lawyers will build a strong case on your behalf to make sure that you recover your losses. We offer a free case evaluation to all of our clients.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Brain Damage?

Brain damage can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with brain damage:

Cognitive Symptoms

Brain damage often affects cognitive functions, leading to difficulties with thinking, memory, and concentration. Common cognitive symptoms include confusion, difficulty organizing thoughts, impaired judgment, memory loss, reduced problem-solving abilities, and difficulty with attention and focus.

Cognitive issues can range from mild to severe. In some cases, victims experience a generally slowed cognitive processing speed. 

More serious injuries may cause conditions like anterograde amnesia, where new memories cannot be formed. Cognitive rehabilitation and compensatory strategies help manage symptoms, but limitations tend to be permanent without a full recovery.

Physical Symptoms

Brain damage can result in a range of physical symptoms. These may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, coordination difficulties, weakness or paralysis in specific body parts, seizures, and sensitivity to light or sound. In more severe cases, you may experience changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

Long-term physical effects are also possible. Chronic pain conditions sometimes develop, and epileptic seizures may emerge later due to neural scarring. 

Some victims face mobility issues or loss of bodily functions that require assistive living. Physical therapy aims to improve function, but injuries often leave a permanent impact.

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms

Brain injuries can have a significant impact on emotional and behavioral well-being. Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, agitation, anxiety, depression, increased impulsivity, difficulty controlling emotions, and a decreased ability to cope with stress. Personality changes and social difficulties can also occur, leading to relationship challenges and withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.

Emotional consequences can be pervasive and challenging to manage long-term without support. Counseling and medical therapies may be necessary to regulate mood, limit impulsivity, improve coping strategies, and maintain relationships. Emotional wellness largely depends on rehabilitation success and lifestyle modifications.

Communication and Language Difficulties

Depending on the location of the brain injury, communication, and language functions may be affected. Individuals may experience difficulty finding the right words (expressive language difficulties), understanding spoken or written language (receptive language difficulties), or experiencing challenges with reading and writing. Speech problems, such as slurred speech or difficulty articulating words, can also occur.

With therapy, some language abilities can improve over time through compensatory techniques and the use of strategies like written texts or communication devices. However, permanent impairments are common, particularly for severe injuries. Ongoing challenges may require ongoing speech and cognitive therapy.

Do You Need Legal Representation to Get Compensation for Your Pain?

While having a lawyer isn’t required after you suffer brain damage, there are several benefits of working with a St. Charles brain damage lawyer. An attorney can help ensure you:

• Receive full and fair compensation: Brain injuries can have lifelong impacts and costs. A lawyer will aggressively pursue all damages to maximize your recovery.
• Navigate a complex legal process: Brain injury claims involve medical records, expert witnesses, insurance negotiations, and potentially a trial. A St. Charles brain damage attorney knows how to build a strong case.
• Avoid settlement pitfalls: Insurers may try to undervalue a claim or pressure a quick resolution. A lawyer will fight undue delays and unfair settlement offers.
• Qualify for benefits assistance: Some brain injury victims require long-term care. An attorney can help access public aid programs to supplement any damages awarded.
• Manage stressful situations: Pursuing compensation during recovery adds challenges. A lawyer alleviates stress by handling legal paperwork, communicating, and advocating on your behalf.

How Long do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Brain Injury in St. Charles?

According to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120, you have five years from your injury date to file a personal injury claim. Five years is a long time, but make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to file. If you wait too long, you could miss the deadline because every brain injury case is different and could have a shorter deadline than the statute of limitations states.

To be safe and still qualify for compensation, you should file your personal injury claim as soon as you can. If you’re unsure of how much time has passed or this is your first claim, our team of St. Charles brain damage attorneys at Morelli Law Firm will be happy to help you file on time.

What Damages Are Recoverable After Suffering Brain Damage in Missouri?

After you’ve suffered a brain injury, dealing with the losses you’ve suffered can add more stress to your life. With the help of our brain damage team in St. Charles, you can recover the following damages:

• Past and future medical expenses: This includes costs for initial hospitalization, emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, home health care, assisted living, and lifetime case management.
• Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for wages and benefits lost due to an inability to work or return to previous employment after the injury.
• Cost of household services: Damages for household duties or chores that the injured person can no longer perform.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain experienced during recovery and ongoing effects of the injury.
• Disfigurement: Damages for permanent physical changes and resulting emotional and social effects.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Settlement money for aspects of daily living negatively impacted by cognitive and physical impairments.
• Assistive medical equipment: Costs for devices like prescription medications, wheelchairs, and communication aids.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation With Our St. Charles Brain Damage Lawyers

At Morelli Law Firm, our brain damage lawyer in St. Charles is ready to take on your case and hold the liable parties responsible. We can answer any questions you may have about your case or the legal process. 

Contact us to schedule a free consultation.