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After years representing injured riders, Stephen Hay knows how quickly a single accident can lead to a traumatic brain injury.
In this guest blog for Brain Injury Awareness Month, he explains the lasting impact these injuries can have and why early support matters.
March is the first month of Spring, but also the time that seasonal bikers start to dust off their kit and get back out on their bikes.
As the year goes on the sound of motorcycle engines becomes more noticeable for the next 6 months or so.
It’s also at this time of year that Gildeas receives more contact from bikers and their families seeking assistance when they have been involved in an accident.
All too often, despite the protection afforded by modern helmets – brain injuries are suffered.
Traumatic brain injuries
No longer does the medical profession note someone was unconscious for a brief period. This is now considered a Traumatic Brain Injury.
With increasing medical knowledge, the immediate impacts of such an injury are now being identified – as are the possible impacts in later life.
Brain injuries of course are not only the preserve of motorcycle accidents. They can also arise from bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and workplace accidents. No matter the cause – the impact can be significant.
Such injuries can lead to memory or cognitive loss, reduced concentration and problem solving, personality changes, fatigue, speech issues, loss of co-ordination and mental health issues.
As a consequence, these injuries can have wide ranging impacts on all aspects of life. Employment will no doubt be impacted, as will relationships with family members and friends.
How Gildeas assist with traumatic brain injury
This is why we at Gildeas work closely with rehabilitation providers to try and secure early rehabilitation – as this is shown to provide the best long term outcome.
In the same way that soft tissue can be damaged and needs physiotherapy, we have clear relationships with trauma-informed specialists who provide physiotherapy for the brain, known as neuro-physiotherapists.
They work with the injured person to assist them in getting back as much of their previous abilities as possible.
We understand the issues that arise from brain injuries and the losses that can arise. The Scots Law of damages will put you back in the position you would have been in but for the other side’s fault and negligence – insofar as money can.
Therefore, if your career is affected by the injury and you will not earn as much as you would have had the accident not happened – the difference is recovered. If as a result your pension will be lower – the difference is recovered.
If you will need help with daily tasks – the cost of this is recovered. These losses are losses we would seek to minimise through early treatment and rehabilitation.
Meaning you return as close as possible to the person you were before the accident.
In conclusion
Our experience in dealing with brain injuries allows us to identify the issues and provide solutions.
Every person is different and every person reacts differently to injuries.
We make personal injury personal because nobody goes through what you go through.
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Gildeas Solicitors is a recognised law firm specialising in personal injury claims, supporting you throughout Scotland from our offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh. We’re passionate about what we do, whilst putting our clients’ interests first. That’s why we make personal injury personal.
Considering our services? Call our dedicated team today on 0141 331 6070.
