Damage from traumatic brain injuries are often difficult to identify, especially when there are no visible external injuries on a victim. Sometimes symptoms may not show up for days or weeks after an accident. For this reason, closed head injuries are often missed by doctors, which only lead to further damage down the road.
At Kempton & Russell, we have been handling complex, challenging claims in Missouri involving brain injuries for more than 60 years.
Our Sedalia injury attorneys have successfully negotiated and litigated countless claims for clients suffering from brain injuries after:
While our attorneys have been successful at effectively settling claims, we always prepare each case for trial to ensure that we are able to secure the best possible outcome no matter what happens.
Get the Help You Deserve
Don’t wait for your brain injury to worsen. Call us now at (660) 722-4115 for trusted legal support and start your path to recovery today.
While brain injuries can be difficult to identify, there are often subtle signs and symptoms that you or a loved one may notice.
Common symptoms of brain injuries:
If a family member is experiencing these symptoms, contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately and learn more about seeking compensation. Our brain injury lawyers in Missouri bring proven experience and a vast network of medical professionals who can assist with your treatment and the claims process.
Brain injuries can vary greatly in severity. Here are some of the most common types:
Concussions:
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Although symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or headache are common, concussions are often overlooked. In some cases, these injuries can lead to long-term effects, including persistent headaches or difficulty concentrating. Even if the injury seems minor, it can affect your brain function over time, particularly if you've experienced multiple concussions.
Contusions:
A contusion refers to a bruise on the brain tissue caused by a direct impact. These injuries can cause swelling and bleeding in the brain, leading to serious complications. The severity of a contusion depends on its size and location, and it can sometimes require surgery to relieve pressure or stop bleeding. Larger contusions can lead to permanent brain damage.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI):
DAI occurs when the brain is rapidly shifted inside the skull, typically from a high-impact event like a car accident. This causes widespread damage to the brain’s nerve fibers, often leading to unconsciousness. DAI is one of the most severe types of brain injury and may result in long-term disability or even death.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury:
This injury happens when the brain moves within the skull due to a sudden impact. The brain can hit one side of the skull (coup) and then rebound to strike the opposite side (contrecoup). This double impact can lead to bruising on both sides of the brain and cause severe cognitive and physical impairments.
Brain injuries can have lasting effects on both cognitive and physical health.
Cognitive and Emotional Impact:
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause memory loss, difficulty focusing, and problems with decision-making. Emotionally, victims may experience depression, irritability, and mood swings. These long-term issues can interfere with daily life and affect work and relationships.
Physical Limitations:
Chronic headaches, dizziness, and balance problems are common. Motor skills might also be affected, making it difficult to perform basic tasks. In some cases, vision may be impaired, and a person may have difficulty processing visual information.
Increased Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases:
Studies have shown that individuals who suffer significant brain injuries are at an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease later in life. Brain injuries, especially multiple concussions, can accelerate the development of these diseases.
Getting prompt medical attention after a brain injury is crucial.
Why Prompt Diagnosis is Crucial:
Immediate care can prevent further damage. Even if symptoms seem mild initially, brain injuries can worsen over time. Quick diagnosis allows for proper monitoring and early intervention to reduce the risk of complications.
The Role of Imaging Tests:
CT scans and MRIs are essential tools for diagnosing brain injuries. These imaging tests help doctors identify bleeding, swelling, and other issues that might not be visible immediately. Early detection through imaging is key to managing brain injuries effectively and preventing long-term consequences.
Proven Track Record
With over 60 years of experience, our firm has successfully handled numerous brain injury cases, securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Personalized Approach
We understand that every brain injury case is unique. Our team works closely with you to develop a personalized strategy, ensuring that your specific needs and circumstances are addressed.
No Fees Until You Win
At Kempton & Russell, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe any legal fees unless we win or settle your case. You can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront costs.
Trust our experience and dedication to guide you through this challenging process.
What should I do if I suspect a brain injury after an accident?
If you suspect a brain injury, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Even if symptoms seem mild or delayed, getting an evaluation from a healthcare professional can prevent further damage. After that, contacting an experienced brain injury lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
How do I know if my brain injury is serious?
Brain injuries can range from mild to severe. Some symptoms to watch for include memory loss, persistent headaches, dizziness, confusion, or changes in personality. If any of these symptoms occur after an accident or injury, it’s important to consult a doctor immediately. A brain injury attorney can help assess the long-term impact and guide you through the claims process.
Can a concussion lead to permanent damage?
While many concussions heal over time, repeated concussions or severe cases can lead to long-term damage. Symptoms like headaches, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating can persist. In some cases, multiple concussions may increase the risk of developing chronic conditions such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
How can a brain injury affect my life in the long term?
The effects of brain injuries can be long-lasting and wide-ranging. Cognitive problems like difficulty with attention, memory, and decision-making are common. Additionally, emotional issues such as depression and irritability may arise. Physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and motor impairments can affect daily activities and quality of life. These long-term effects can severely impact your ability to work and enjoy your normal routine.
What compensation can I seek for a brain injury?
Compensation for brain injuries may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the costs of long-term care. If your injury was caused by negligence or another party’s actions, a Sedalia brain injury attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
How long do I have to file a brain injury claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including brain injuries, is typically 5 years from the date of the injury. However, the sooner you consult with an attorney, the better, as it allows for timely gathering of evidence and expert testimony.
Learn more about your legal options after a brain injury. An attorney at our firm can meet with you to discuss your case and how to move forward. We work hard to maximize your claim so you have what you need to recover.
Our office is conveniently located across the courthouse in downtown Sedalia.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Now
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us at (660) 722-4115 for a free consultation.
Our Sedalia personal injury lawyers are ready to help you seek justice and financial recovery, no matter how complex your case may be, and no matter who the legal opponent is. Our legal advocates know how to assert clients’ rights against national insurance companies, large manufacturers, and other deep-pocketed opponents, coming away with legal victories for our clients time and again.
$6.463 million jury verdict in favor of a Missouri coal mining company because of the tortious interference by a state regulatory official with the coal company's agreement to sell to another company.
$4 million jury verdict in favor of an individual whose leg was amputated following a collision with a trailer that came loose from a pickup truck.