Head Injuries

Head injuries can vary considerably in severity, from minor bruises to concussions or a brain injury, but all should be treated with the same level of caution. Even those that appear to be minor can have a lasting impact and cause unpleasant symptoms, while more serious instances of head trauma can cause permanent damage.

If you or a loved one have sustained a traumatic head injury at the fault of someone else, it may be difficult to know where to turn. At Ramsdens Solicitors, our team of legal experts has a great deal of expertise in this area, and will help you, should you wish to make a claim for compensation.

For advice on what to do next or to begin your no win, no fee head or brain injury claim, contact the personal injury specialists at Ramsdens today at 01484 821 500, email us at PICN@ramsdens.co.uk or fill out an online contact form and we will return your call at a time convenient for you.

How can Ramsdens help with your head or brain injury compensation claim?

Our expert solicitors can help you with any aspect of making a claim for a head or traumatic brain injury. When you initially contact us, we will discuss your situation. Here, we will help you to understand how successful your claim is likely to be, how much you could claim and what the process involves. If you decide to make a claim with us, we will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you’re supported all the way.

Below, we answer common questions about why you should make a compensation claim and how we can help.

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

Determining whether you have a valid head injury claim depends on several key factors, and consulting with a specialist solicitor like Ramsdens can help you understand your unique situation. Some general considerations as to whether you can make a claim are:

• Liability: someone else was directly or partially at fault for the accident that caused your head or brain injury. This could be due to negligence, a breach of duty or an unlawful act. It is important to note that we approach claims for injuries from crimes differently. Learn more here.
• Injury: you have suffered a head injury that has been diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.
• Causation: there is a clear link between the accident and the head injury you sustained.

How much is a head or brain injury claim worth?

The value of a head injury claim can vary, depending on several factors, and it can be difficult to provide a specific figure without assessing the individual circumstances. Factors that may influence the value of your claim are divided into two categories:

• General damages, which includes compensation for your physical and mental suffering, increasing in value the more serious your injury. These are decided based on the Judicial College's guidelines.
• Special damages, which include the financial aspects of your situation, including any support and medical expenses, care and assistance costs and lost wages due to being unable to work.

All of your damages are considered when calculating your compensation award. When you call us, we will examine your situation in an initial consultation and offer you an estimate of how much you may be able to claim.

Do I need to pay upfront for legal representation in a head injury claim?

All of personal injury claims we handle, including head and brain injury claims, are handled on a 'no win, no fee' basis, also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA). This means you will not be required to pay any legal fees upfront or if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim is successful, you will make a contribution towards your legal fees by way of a deduction taken from your damages which will be clearly outlined in the agreement.

Ramsdens will discuss the costs involved with you at the outset, ensuring you understand the process and any potential costs involved. Our transparent and client-focused approach means you can pursue your claim with confidence, knowing that you have expert legal representation without the burden of upfront costs.

How do I make a head injury compensation claim?

Making a head injury compensation claim becomes more manageable with advice from our team. Here's a step-by-step guide of how to get your claim started and what the process typically looks like:

1. Consult a medical professional: before you do anything else, seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and document the injury. Do not compromise your own health and safety or delay a diagnosis as head and brain injuries can carry serious consequences.
2. Contact Ramsdens: reach out to the specialists at Ramsdens to discuss your head or brain injury. We will hold an initial consultation to understand your case and explain any questions you may have.
3. Gather evidence: with your solicitor's guidance, compile all the necessary evidence such as medical reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information that may support your claim.
4. Submit the claim: we will assist you in submitting your claim to the responsible party's insurance company, outlining the nature of the injury, how it occurred and the compensation sought, backed up by the evidence we have gathered.
5. Negotiation and settlement: we will negotiate with the insurance company or responsible party on your behalf, aiming for the best possible settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached, your solicitor will guide you through the legal process to take the claim to court.
6. Receive compensation: once the claim is settled, your solicitor will ensure your compensation is paid and that it accurately reflects your losses.

When you work with us to make a head or brain injury claim, we will guide you through the entire process with minimal stress, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

What evidence is needed to support head and brain injury claims?

Collecting substantial evidence is an essential part of making head and brain injury claims, and Ramsdens can guide you through the process to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation. The evidence may include:

• Medical records: comprehensive medical documentation of your head injury, including diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, will be vital to demonstrate the nature and extent of your injury.
• Accident reports: if applicable, police or workplace accident reports can substantiate how the incident occurred.
• Witness statements: statements from witnesses who saw the accident can support your version of events.
• Photographic or video evidence: photos or videos of the accident scene, injuries, or any contributing factors (e.g. faulty equipment) can be powerful visual evidence.
• Financial documents: if claiming for financial losses, include evidence such as wage slips or bills related to medical treatment or property damage.
• Expert opinions: your solicitor may contact experts to provide opinions on liability, medical matters, or other issues to strengthen your claim.

Ramsdens' experienced head injury claims solicitors will assist you in gathering and presenting all necessary evidence to build a strong case for your claim.

Is there a time limit to make a head injury claim?

You typically have three years from the date of the accident or the date when you became aware of the injury to commence legal proceedings. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Children: if the injured person is under 18 at the time of the injury, the three-year time limit usually starts from their 18th birthday, giving them until the age of 21 to bring the claim.
• Mental capacity: if the injured person lacks mental capacity, they will not be subject to a time limit.
• Criminal injuries: if the injury resulted from a criminal act, different time limits may apply. Our CICA Solicitors deal with injuries sustained from crimes.

Given the complexity of the time limits and potential exceptions, it is advisable to contact Ramsdens as soon as possible after the injury. The sooner you do, the sooner we can begin to build your case.

How long does the head and brain injury claims process take?

The duration of the head injury claims process can vary significantly based on the individual circumstances of your case. Typically, a straightforward head injury claim might be resolved in a matter of months, while more complex cases could take years. Any disputes and court proceedings will likely cause it to take longer, but with the help of expert solicitors, you can be sure these will go as smoothly as possible.

Ramsdens' solicitors will be able to provide an estimated timeline based on your specific situation, and we will work diligently to move the claim forward efficiently while ensuring your best interests are protected.

FAQs About Head and Brain Injury Compensation Claims