Table of Contents

• Traumatic Brain Injury Compensation
• Traumatic Brain Injury Causes
• Fighting the Insurance Company After a TBI
• What to Do After a TBI Accident
• Did You Sustain a TBI? Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz Today

Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz

When it comes to traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, choosing the right legal representation is paramount. Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz stands out as a premier law firm for several compelling reasons.

With over 100 years of combined trial experience, our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the table. This extensive experience allows them to navigate the complexities of traumatic brain injury cases with a deep understanding of the legal landscape.

Our firm’s track record speaks volumes — having successfully recovered millions of dollars for our previous personal injury clients. This impressive history of securing substantial compensation demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes in TBI cases.

Traumatic brain injury cases require a nuanced understanding of medical and legal intricacies. The Cape Girardeau personal injury attorneys at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz possess the specialized knowledge needed to tackle the complexities of TBI litigation, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and effective representation.

In addition, pursuing compensation for traumatic brain injuries often involves substantial resources. Our law firm has the necessary financial and investigative resources to thoroughly build and present a compelling case. Our commitment to providing clients with the best possible representation is evident in the dedication of resources to each case.

Finally, our law firm’s commitment to clients is clear by our guarantee that you won’t pay any fees unless they win your case. This contingency fee arrangement demonstrates our confidence in our ability to deliver results. It ensures injured clients and their families can pursue justice without financial risk.

Our recent successes on behalf of our clients include:

• $20 million verdict in wrongful death case after a train collision
• $17 million verdict in a personal injury case
• $2.5 million Settlement for a wrongful death electrocution case
• $2 million settlement for an auto injury case
• $1.8  million settlement for an auto accident/wrongful death case
• $1.7 million verdict for an auto injury case involving a police car
• $1.5 million settlement for an auto injury crash case
• $1.25 million settlement for an auto injury case
• $1.1 million settlement for a product liability and road design defect case
• $950,000 settlement for a medical negligence/wrongful death case
• $776,000 settlement for medical negligence against the Veterans Administration
• $600,000 settlement for an auto injury case
• $4 million verdict in an industrial explosion case
• $2.3 million verdict in a chemical exposure case
• $3.55 million settlement in an industrial brain injury case

Our Cape Girardeau office is conveniently located off Kingshighway Street, just east of the Cape Woods Conservation Area near Blues Highway 61.

1610 N. Kingshighway

Suite 201

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Traumatic Brain Injury Compensation

TBI compensation can be challenging to predict as it depends on many variables, such as:

• Who is liable for the injury
• How the injury happened
• The insurance coverage involved
• The extent and severity of the TBI
• The strength of the evidence in the case

Predicting the full extent of the effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is inherently challenging. The impact of a TBI can manifest in diverse ways, and the settlement amount or court award a person may receive stems from the specific harm they endure as a result of the injury.

Doctors have many metrics to diagnose brain injuries, but a diagnosis does not predict the symptoms and effects a victim will experience. Often, victims who believe their injury will heal with time and rest develop complications that plague them for months or years. Severe TBIs can cause coma, permanent disabilities, cognitive impairments, and other serious and debilitating issues.

A compelling personal injury case is one that a lawyer can effectively present to a judge or jury. When there is clear evidence of medical treatment, lost wages, and the persistent impact on the victim’s life, it strengthens the case for a more comprehensive compensation package. If insurance companies know they will likely lose in court, they are more willing to settle favorably out of court.

Where Do Accidents Occur in Cape Girardeau?

Since so many things can lead to traumatic brain injuries, they can happen almost anywhere—in a motor vehicle on the roadway, on private or public property, on a sports field, or even in a hospital. Anywhere people work, live, attend, school, or travel can have risks of TBIs.

Traumatic Brain Injury Causes

The causes of traumatic brain injuries are diverse, often resulting from significant trauma to the head. Whether it’s a forceful blow, jolt, shake, or bump, these incidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries. No matter how it happens, a traumatic brain injury can involve a severe disruption in the brain’s normal functioning.

The consequences of traumatic brain injuries can be profound and permanent, altering various aspects of a person’s life. These injuries can potentially impact speech patterns, emotional control, and even personality. It is difficult to pinpoint all the severe effects traumatic brain injuries can have on an individual and their future.

In many instances, traumatic brain injuries stem from the negligence of another party. Car accidents, for example, can result in severe blows to the head, often due to the negligence or reckless behavior of a driver.

Common Instances of Negligence Leading to Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often stem from various negligent incidents, each presenting unique circumstances:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes and pedestrian accidents significantly contribute to TBIs. Despite advancements in vehicle safety, factors like high speeds, reckless driving, and non-compliance with traffic rules significantly elevate the risk of severe head injuries in various traffic incidents.
• Slips and Falls: Slip and fall accidents, particularly in poorly maintained premises, on icy sidewalks, or on wet floors, can result in diverse injuries, including head trauma. Negligence in providing adequate warning signs or addressing known hazards is a crucial factor.
• Defective Products: Malfunctioning safety equipment, defective helmets, or other faulty consumer goods can lead to accidents causing TBIs. Manufacturers bear the responsibility of ensuring their products meet safety standards.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Due to limited protection, motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, including TBIs. Negligent drivers who fail to yield the right of way or violate traffic rules are common causes.
• Assaults: Acts of violence, such as physical altercations or attacks, can lead to traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, third parties may be held responsible for inadequate security or delayed intervention. For instance, if an apartment complex with a history of crime neglects to improve lighting or security patrols, they may share responsibility if a resident is assaulted and suffers a TBI.

Fighting the Insurance Company After a TBI

In cases of personal injury, including those involving traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), insurance companies are expected to provide financial support to victims following an accident.

This support should encompass various expenses such as medical bills, therapy, and rehabilitation costs, lost income due to the inability to work, and damages for pain and suffering.

Despite these expectations, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by downplaying or outright rejecting claims. This conflicting agenda between insurers and victims can complicate the resolution process, potentially requiring a fight for rightful compensation.

Given the unique nature of each insurance policy, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of its terms when filing a claim. Familiarity with details like coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions is essential for assessing your case.

This is where you need an attorney.

Our Cape Girardeau traumatic brain injury attorneys are well-prepared for interactions with your insurer and help identify any attempts to undervalue your claim. Consulting with a TBI lawyer can also clarify the compensation you may be entitled to under your policy.

Unfortunately, engaging with insurance companies often presents various obstacles for victims. These may include delays in settlements, inadequate compensation offers, aggressive insurance adjusters, and unwarranted claim denials.

A lack of understanding about insurance matters can exacerbate these challenges, particularly in the case of TBIs, which insurers may downplay due to the potential for high payouts.

Facing these hurdles reveals the importance of hiring a skilled personal injury attorney. They can advocate on your behalf, negotiating with the insurance company to safeguard your rights and pursue the full compensation warranted by your individual circumstances and policy particulars.

What to Do After a TBI Accident

After a TBI, prioritize ongoing medical care and carefully document damages to build a robust case.

Here’s why you need to take these actions to support your claim.

Following a prescribed treatment plan not only promotes your recovery but also shows the seriousness of your injuries. Following through with rehab and other aspects of your medical treatment plan adds credibility to your case, highlighting that trained professionals recognize the severity of your injuries.

Adhering to a treatment plan underscores your commitment to addressing your injuries and actively working toward recovery. This diligence significantly strengthens your case, indicating that you are taking your injuries seriously and making earnest efforts to regain your health.

Keeping thorough records of medical expenses, prescriptions, therapies, and related costs serves as tangible evidence of the financial impact of the accident. This documentation is crucial for establishing the economic damages incurred due to the incident.

Finally, maintaining a detailed journal allows you to document your pain, suffering, emotional distress, and daily challenges resulting from the accident. This provides a personal account that complements medical records, offering a comprehensive view of the impact of your TBI on your life.

By presenting this information to our law firm, you empower your Cape Girardeau traumatic brain injury attorney to construct the strongest possible case on your behalf. They can leverage this documentation to effectively advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to obtaining a fair outcome for the challenges you’ve faced due to the accident.

Did You Sustain a TBI? Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz Today

A seasoned Cape Girardeau traumatic brain injury (TBI) attorney plays a crucial role in navigating the details of these complex cases. They undertake a comprehensive investigation, collect relevant evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with medical professionals to construct a strong case for an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Drawing on their skills and experience, the Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz attorneys ensure that victims and their families stand the best possible chance of securing the compensation rightfully due to them for their TBI injuries.

Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz today at (573) 335-6651 or online to learn more about the services we offer and schedule your complimentary TBI case consultation.

Testimonial:

I had never worked with lawyers, and at first I was scared, not knowing what to expect. When I first met with Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. I’m a shy person, and they gave me confidence to speak out. The experience was very good. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend them. They’ll take care of everything. – Laura A.

Testimonial:

I had never worked with lawyers, and at first I was scared, not knowing what to expect. When I first met with Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. I’m a shy person, and they gave me confidence to speak out. The experience was very good. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend them. They’ll take care of everything. – Laura A.