Understanding Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Claims: A Guide to Your Legal Rights

Suffering from an acquired brain injury (ABI) can be a life-altering experience, affecting not only your physical and cognitive abilities but also your emotional well-being and relationships. If your ABI was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim that could help alleviate the financial burden of medical bills, lost earnings, and ongoing care.

At Grieves Solicitors, we understand the complexities involved in ABI claims and are here to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

Reach out to us today on 0800 0747 644 or complete a Free Online Enquiry to tell us more about your situation. Or keep on reading to learn the essentials of brain injury claims.

“I can’t think of any way you could improve your service as I have found everything from start to finish first class.”

What Is An Acquired Brain Injury?

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is any damage to the brain that occurs after birth, distinguishing it from congenital or hereditary conditions. ABIs can result from various causes, ranging from traumatic events such as road traffic accidents and falls to non-traumatic events like strokes, infections, or medical negligence.

Types of ABIs include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Often caused by external force, such as a blow to the head during an accident.
• Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries: These occur due to internal factors such as oxygen deprivation, infections, or medical conditions like stroke.

Understanding the nature of your ABI is crucial in determining the basis of your legal claim and the potential compensation available.

The Impact Of An ABI

The effects of an ABI can be profound and far-reaching, touching nearly every aspect of an individual’s life.

Physical Effects may include:

• Paralysis or weakness in parts of the body.
• Chronic pain and headaches.
• Problems with coordination and balance.

Cognitive Effects often involve:

• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
• Impaired problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Challenges with communication and processing information.

The emotional and social impact can be equally challenging, leading to:

• Depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
• Strain on personal relationships and social isolation.
• Difficulty returning to work or participating in everyday activities.

These impacts highlight the importance of seeking appropriate compensation to cover the extensive care and support often required after an ABI.

Making An ABI Claim

If you or a loved one has suffered an ABI due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. Here’s how the process typically works:

Eligibility: Anyone who has suffered an ABI due to another party’s fault, whether through an accident, medical negligence, or other means, may be eligible to claim. Family members may also be able to claim on behalf of the injured party.

Time Limits: In the UK, there is generally a three-year time limit from the date of the injury or the date you became aware that your injury was caused by negligence. However, exceptions can apply, especially in cases involving children or individuals without the mental capacity to make a claim themselves.

The Claims Process:

1. Initial Consultation: Discuss your case with a specialist solicitor to assess the viability of your claim.
2. Gathering Evidence: This includes medical records, expert witness statements, and any documentation that supports your claim.
3. Negotiations: Your solicitor will negotiate with the opposing party’s insurers to seek a fair settlement.
4. Court Proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor may take the case to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Covering both past and future healthcare costs.
• Rehabilitation and Care Costs: Funding for ongoing care, therapy, and support services.
• Loss of Earnings: Compensation for lost income and potential future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
• Adaptations: Costs related to necessary home or vehicle modifications to accommodate your new needs.

How Grieves Solicitors Can Help

Navigating the legal landscape of an ABI claim can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Grieves Solicitors, we specialise in ABI claims and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Expertise in ABI Claims: Our team has extensive experience handling ABI cases, with a strong track record of achieving favourable outcomes for our clients. We understand the nuances of these claims and are well-equipped to advocate on your behalf.

Personalised Service: We recognise that every ABI case is unique, which is why we offer a personalised approach to each client. From the initial consultation to the final settlement, we work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor our services accordingly.

No Win, No Fee: We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, giving you peace of mind that there are no upfront costs and no financial risk. We only get paid if we successfully secure compensation on your behalf.

Living With An Acquired Brain Injury

An acquired brain injury can bring significant challenges, but pursuing a compensation claim can provide the financial support necessary to help you rebuild your life. At Grieves Solicitors, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Contact us today to discuss your case with one of our expert solicitors and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to us today on 0800 0747 644 or complete a Free Online Enquiry to tell us more about your situation. Or keep on reading to learn the essentials of brain injury claims.

Here at Grieves Solicitors, Personal Injury Specialists, we offer a no win, no fee solution to funding your claim (a conditional fee agreement) which means that you do not have to worry about legal costs and expenses.  You can read about our no win, no fee agreement here.