Suffering a brain injury is one of the most life-altering experiences a person and their loved ones can go through. At Harris Fowler Solicitors, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face not only the medical and emotional challenges, but also the financial implications of an acquired brain injury (ABI).
If you or a loved one has suffered an ABI due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. We’re here to guide you through every step of the claims process.
What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
An acquired brain injury refers to any brain damage sustained after birth. It can be caused by:
- Trauma (e.g. road traffic accidents, falls, assaults)
- Medical negligence (e.g. oxygen deprivation, surgical errors)
- Workplace accidents (e.g. falls from height, being struck by an object)
Unlike congenital (present from birth) brain injuries, ABIs are not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. They are often sudden and may have long-term or permanent effects on memory, concentration, personality, and mobility.
Can I Make a Claim for an ABI?
If your brain injury was caused by the actions (or inaction) of another person, company, or organisation, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim. Common examples include:
- A driver causing a collision through negligence
- Unsafe working conditions leading to head trauma
- A medical professional failing to diagnose or treat an illness or injury properly
In England and Wales, there is typically a three-year time limit from the date of the injury, or from when the injury was first discovered to make a claim. However, in the case of brain injuries where capacity is affected, this time limit may be extended. If you are unsure about this, please speak to our team who can advise further.
At Harris Fowler, we offer No Win, No Fee agreement which means there are no upfront costs, and you won’t pay unless your claim is successful.
If we are able to take your case on, the next step is gathering evidence such as medical records, expert reports, witness statements, and other crucial evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
An independent specialist medical expert will assess the extent of the injury and its impact on your life, both now and in the future. This will help us assess the full extent of the impact on your life. Compensation can include not just pain and suffering, but also costs for specialist equipment, rehabilitation and care, and medication.
We aim to settle claims as swiftly and smoothly as possible. If the other party accepts responsibility, we may also be able to secure interim payments to help cover urgent costs while your case progresses.
What If My Loved One Can’t Make a Claim Themselves?
If someone lacks the mental capacity to make legal decisions, a litigation friend (often a family member or close friend) can act on their behalf. We’ll support you through this process with sensitivity and respect.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has suffered an acquired brain injury due to someone else’s fault, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice. The sooner we start, the better positioned we are to gather evidence and secure the support you need. Call us today on 0800 213 214.
