An acquired brain injury (“ABI”) is brain damage caused by events after birth, rather than attributable to a genetic or congenital disease. ABIs impact every aspect of a person’s life and forever change their ability to conduct their ordinary activities of daily living. The effects of brain injury are not only felt by the injured person but also his or her family members. It is an injury that shakes the family unit.
Unfortunately, the incidence rate of brain injuries continues to rise in Canada. In fact, ABI is the major cause of death among cyclists. Most serious brain injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet. Many organizations, including the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, have started initiatives to educate people on the need to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. We encourage you to seek out these programs for further information.
ABIs are not only caused by sudden force or trauma to the head but can also be the result of less overt incidences, including rapid movement of the neck that can occur during serious rear-end collisions which appear innocuous to the external observer. Repeated concussions are becoming a serious concern in many high impact sports (i.e. football) and are believed to cause brain injury, particularly when the concussions are suffered in close proximity to each other.
Brain injuries that are the result of closed head injuries are often very difficult to detect as they are “invisible injuries”. However, they are, without dispute, the most serious. It is vital that anyone who has suffered any form of blow to the head or severe whiplash injury be evaluated by a physician to determine whether there is evidence of brain injury. Often, the symptoms are not noticeable but any delay in treatment can result in a worsening of the condition which could have been prevented simply by obtaining immediate treatment.
At Goodman Halioua LLP we understand the significant and life-altering impact of a brain injury. We are also aware of the difficulty of identifying brain injuries and the hurdles the insurer will place in a brain injured victim’s path. As such, we are in tune with many leading healthcare professionals and leading investigative techniques involving the latest in brain scan technology to identify difficult to diagnose brain injuries to ensure your injury does not go undiagnosed. Accessing the most modern technology allows our clients to obtain an accurate diagnosis while also ensuring that the insurer is held to compensate our clients properly for their enormous future care needs.
Regardless of whether your brain injury is the result of a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall or medical malpractice, the Toronto personal injury lawyers at Goodman Halioua LLP are equipped and specialized to handle your case. We will ensure maximum financial compensation is obtained from the insurance company.
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