Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyers Handling Brain Damage Cases
When medical negligence results in a brain injury, significant challenges can arise for both the victim and their family. Our attorneys at the Law Office of Robert Beatty-Walters have experience with brain injury cases and possess a high success rate of protecting the legal rights of injured medical patients in Portland, Oregon, Multnomah County and throughout Washington.
Attorney Robert Beatty-Walters, our founder, has more than 30 years of experience as a medical malpractice advocate and over 40 years of experience as a registered nurse. This experience allows him to separate himself from competitors and defend clients in an uncommon manner.
How Are Brain Injuries Caused In Medical Settings, And How Are Patients Impacted?
Even in medical settings, patients are not always completely safe. Medical negligence is a common cause of many brain injuries as one minor mistake could potentially lead to a life-changing injury. Some of the most common causes of brain injuries in a medical setting include:
- Lack of oxygen
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors
- Untreated infections
- Falls
Whether the injury occurred during surgery, childbirth or a routine medical appointment, patients have a right to take legal action when they have been violated. Furthermore, the impact of a brain injury can lead to long-term anguish for the patient and their family. In fact, patients may suffer from:
- Cognitive impairments
- Emotional and behavioral changes
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue
- Vision and hearing problems
Additionally, families may also suffer when a loved one is dealing with a brain injury. A serious condition such as this can lead to an emotional strain being placed on families. Relationship changes can also be an unfortunate result of a brain injury as the victim may have difficulty communicating. Family members will also need to care for their injured loved one and may also need to offer financial support if returning to work in the future is not a possibility.
Families in Oregon and Washington can overcome these challenges by seeking legal counsel. A traumatic brain injury lawyer can offer representation that is designed to obtain financial support for families to cover the costs of medical care and limit the strain placed on them.
How Long Do Victims Of Brain Injuries Have To File A Lawsuit?
Once a patient has suffered a brain injury, they have a finite amount of time to determine if they would like to pursue compensation by filing a brain injury lawsuit. In Oregon, brain injury victims typically have two years to take legal action and protect their rights. Conversely, those suffering from a brain injury in Washington will have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.
What Documentation Is Required To Support A Brain Injury Lawsuit?
Possessing clear documentation pertaining to the cause and effects of a brain injury can substantially strengthen a victim’s chances of securing compensation for their losses. One of the strongest pieces of evidence victims can provide is their medical records. Medical records, such as X-rays and treatment plans, can show the severity of the injury and the extent of the medical care needed for the patient to make a complete and total recovery.
Obtaining accident reports or official police records of the incident can also offer insight into the cause of the injury and remove any argument against the validity of the claim. Gathering photo and video evidence of the accident may also be beneficial when attempting to seek legal recourse. If possible, victims should attempt to obtain photographs of the accident site, apparent injuries and videos from dashcams or security cameras, depending on the nature of the injury. If any individuals were present at the time of the accident, discussing what took place with them can offer further insight.
Victims may also want to keep a daily log of how the injury affects their daily lives, as it can be an excellent way to fortify a personal injury claim. Furthermore, seeking testimony from expert witnesses and finding an attorney to compile the evidence and create a well-rounded legal claim can help the injured obtain justice.
How Can A Lawyer Help In Negotiating Settlements For Brain Injury Cases?
A lawyer can provide invaluable information and guidance when attempting to negotiate a brain injury settlement. Initially, an attorney can offer support with collecting the evidence required to build a strong case. Assessing the damage that resulted from the injury is also a task that an attorney can help with. Next, the lawyer can take the information and evidence they have accumulated and use it as a negotiation tool with the insurance company. If a settlement with the insurance provider is not attainable, a brain injury lawyer can attempt to maximize the potential payout by taking the case to trial.
Battling For Brain Injury Victims In Oregon And Washington
Our team of attorneys personally walks clients through their legal matters while providing honest representation. We passionately seek answers and compensation for injured medical patients and believe that accountability is always obtainable. Email or call our staff today at 503-688-9915 for diligent guidance.