Traumatic brain injuries can cause many complications—both immediately and well into the future. When your life or the life of someone you love has been affected by severe head trauma, you likely have a lot on your plate between managing treatments, dealing with insurance, and missing time at work. If another person caused the injury, you deserve to have them pay for the damage.
A Lynnwood traumatic brain injury lawyer could help alleviate your stress by managing your case and determining the best way to try to get you the compensation you deserve. We could track medical expenses, negotiate with insurance companies, and determine when a lawsuit might become necessary. Call one of our seasoned catastrophic injury attorneys today to get started.
What Leads to Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries can occur anytime there is too much force applied to a person’s head. Therefore, these injuries can happen in any number of scenarios. Some of the more common instances include:
- Falls or slips
- Sports injuries
- Automobile collisions
- Accidents on construction sites
Many attorneys deal with these types of accidents regularly, but that does not mean they have experience handling traumatic brain injuries. Brain injury cases come with many complications, such as a wider variety of losses, including future damages, and a greater necessity for testimony from medical experts. It can make a critical difference to an injured person’s recovery to work with a Lynnwood attorney that specializes in handling cases that involve severe head trauma.
When Is The Deadline To File a Lawsuit?
If it becomes necessary to pursue compensation for an injury, there is always a limited period in which the injured person must file the lawsuit. The exact deadline will depend on the type of suit necessary. If the injured person, as is often the case, is suing another for recklessly or carelessly causing their injury, then Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080 provides that the victim must file the suit within three years of the date the injury or accident occurred. If, on the other hand, the injured person was hurt by the intentional, violent actions of another person, Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.100 states the injured person must file their lawsuit within two years.
Occasionally, a family member may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one who died from a traumatic brain injury. In that situation, it is important to remember the period still begins on the date of the deceased’s initial injury, not their death.
Deadline Extensions
There are a few specific instances when the deadline for filing a lawsuit may be extended—for example if an injury was not readily apparent at the time of the accident. When an injured person attempts to file a lawsuit after the time limit has ended, the person they are suing can have the judge dismiss the case right away.
Because of this harsh consequence, it is critical that an injured person consult a Lynnwood attorney who has experience in traumatic brain injuries as soon as possible. Even though three years may seem like a long time, a good case can take time to put together, and it is always easier to construct a strong argument while the evidence is fresh.
Call a Lynwood Attorney With Experience in Severe Head Injuries Today
When you or a loved one has received a traumatic brain injury that was not your fault, you do not have to struggle on your own. You should not have to worry about how you will pay your medical bills or other expenses. A Lynnwood traumatic brain injury lawyer may be able to help. Call one of our skilled attorneys today to schedule an initial consultation to learn more.