Minor Brain Injury - The Hidden Damage
At Metcalfes, Kay McCluskey and Steve Duddell have developed so much experience of behaviour following a head injury that we have sometimes been able to detect the problem before any of the doctors. Sending someone for a neuropsychological assessment will usually prove the matter one way or another and as a result, additional damages have been won for people who were previously only claiming for the broken leg or broken arm that they thought was their only injury.
The problem with the aftermath of a crash is that often injuries such a serious fracture will have taken precedence and an individual will often be sedated or unconscious. Symptoms of brain injury can therefore be masked by the treatment for the injuries and it can often be several months before an individual or those around them will notice that something is "not quite right".
Of course, the individual may merely be suffering from the psychological effects of trauma - lethargy due to lack of sleep because the pain keeps them awake; anger and frustration because they are unable to return to work and get on with their normal life, hobbies and domestic activity; worry about financial losses can make people irritable and a pre-occupation with the trauma can make an individual forgetful. These are not just symptoms of brain injury but are psychological effects that will wear off in time although professional help may be needed.
Persisting symptoms can indicate that a head injury, perhaps only a minor one has been suffered and even if the effects are quite short lived, it is only right and proper that the victim receives compensation for the effects.
Below, there is a questionnaire for an individual who thinks they may have suffered a brain injury together with a questionnaire to be completed by a family member.
Whilst completing this questionnaire may not suggest that a brain injury has been suffered, it will give Kay and her team the opportunity to assess whether there is a case and to discuss with you what the options are to pursue this.
It may be that discussion and assessment will show that a psychological condition exists which is equally in need of attention. Here at Metcalfes, we deal with personal injury claims on a personal basis - a questionnaire is only a starting point.
Come to Metcalfes and we will meet with you and discuss the possible claim, ensure that it is properly funded, either on a no win no fee agreement or through insurance which you may already have, and then, we will do our best to ensure that damages are awarded.
For a free assessment of your case, send full details of your injury and completed head injury questionnaires to kmccluskey@metcalfes.co.uk or by fax to 0117 9299551.
Head Injury Questionnaire - Injured Party
Head Injury Questionnaire - Friends & Family
Contact
Kay McCluskey Head of Personal Injury
Steve Duddell Partner
Nikki Taylor Trainee Legal Executive
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