A brain injury can disrupt every aspect of life, from physical health to financial stability. At Brown & Brown, LLP, we understand the profound challenges that come with these injuries. For over 30 years, our attorneys have been dedicated to helping individuals in St. Louis and nearby Illinois navigate the complexities of personal injury law.
We approach each case with diligence, aiming to secure the compensation our clients need to move forward. If you’ve experienced a brain injury due to an accident or workplace incident, we’re here to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
Brain Injury Types and Causes
Brain injuries can be divided into two primary categories:
- Closed Head Injury: A sudden impact causes the brain to collide with the skull.
- Open Head Injury: An object impacts the skull and damages the brain.
Brain injuries can cause serious medical problems and change a person’s life forever. They often stem from:
Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on the severity of the damage.
Common physical symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Trouble with balance
Cognitive issues may involve memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or slowed thinking. Emotional and behavioral changes – such as irritability, depression, anxiety, or mood swings – are also possible.
In moderate to severe cases, symptoms may include loss of consciousness, seizures, slurred speech, or profound disorientation.
Some signs can appear immediately, while others may take days or weeks to develop.
Diagnosing a Brain Injury
Diagnosing a brain injury typically begins with a physical and neurological exam to assess symptoms like coordination, reflexes, memory, and cognitive function. If a traumatic brain injury is suspected, a provider may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to detect bleeding, swelling, or structural damage.
In milder cases, symptoms might not appear on imaging, so healthcare providers rely on reported symptoms and observation over time. For ongoing symptoms, patients may need to work with specialists like neurologists or neuropsychologists.
Early and accurate diagnosis is important for guiding treatment and managing short- and long-term effects.
What to Do Immediately After Suffering a Head Injury in an Accident
If you suffer a head injury in an accident, seek medical attention right away – even if symptoms seem mild.
Some brain injuries do not show immediate signs but worsen over time. Avoid moving too much or resuming normal activities until a doctor evaluates you.
If possible, document the scene of the accident by taking photos, gathering witness contact information, and noting what happened. Keep track of any symptoms, no matter how minor, and follow all medical instructions.
Avoid driving or operating machinery until cleared by a healthcare provider.
If another party may be responsible for the accident, consult a personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights and begin the process of filing a claim.
Statute of Limitations for Brain Injury Lawsuits in Missouri or Illinois
The statute of limitations for brain injury lawsuits varies by state.
- Missouri: You generally have five years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Illinois: The timeframe is shorter. You typically have two years from the date of the injury or the date you discovered the injury to take legal action.
Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing compensation, regardless of the injury’s severity.
Exceptions may apply in certain situations, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of the injury. Still, it’s important to act promptly and consult with a legal professional who can ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe for your state.
Why Choose Brown & Brown?
Brown & Brown, LLP has spent more than 30 years standing up for individuals in St. Louis and nearby Illinois who have suffered serious brain injuries. Founded by brothers Dan and Ed Brown, our firm is committed to making a real difference in the lives of those facing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a traumatic injury.
Here, clients are treated as individuals, not case numbers, and receive the focused attention their situation calls for. With a proven record of success and a contingency-fee structure, you pay nothing unless your case is won. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
FAQs
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Dial the 3s to contact us in the St. Louis area of Missouri: (314) 333-3333 or (573) 333-3333. If you live in Southern Illinois, call at the 8s: 618-888-8888. You can also go to our contact page and fill out the form for a one-on-one appointment with the top team of Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
Reviewed by Dan Brown, Founding Partner
This content is reviewed by Dan Brown, Founding Partner at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. Since co-founding the firm in 1993, Dan has represented thousands of clients in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases throughout Missouri and Illinois. Before returning to St. Louis to establish the firm, he tried more than 100 cases while working for the Prosecutor’s Office in Downtown Chicago.
