A brain or spinal cord injury can immediately and drastically alter a person’s life. These injuries often lead to lasting physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, emotional changes, and overwhelming medical expenses. Recovery is rarely simple, and in many cases, full recovery may not be possible.
When someone else’s negligence causes such trauma, victims may have the right to pursue a brain or spinal cord injury claim. In Montana, these claims can involve complex legal and medical issues, especially when long-term care or permanent damage is involved. Understanding your rights and the legal process is an important first step after a serious injury.
What Qualifies as a Brain or Spinal Cord Injury?
Not all injuries are treated the same in personal injury law. Brain or spinal cord trauma is often classified as a catastrophic injury because these injuries can affect vital functions of the body and mind.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range from concussions to penetrating skull injuries and brain bleeds. These can happen during car crashes, falls, assaults, or sporting accidents. Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, dizziness, speech issues, and emotional instability. Some people develop permanent cognitive impairments or behavioral changes.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result from sudden trauma to the spine, often in high-impact events like vehicle accidents or falls from height. Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or full paralysis, chronic pain, nerve damage, or loss of function in limbs or organs. Even incomplete injuries—where the cord is not fully severed—can lead to serious long-term complications.
In both cases, the impact is often permanent. Montana law allows victims to bring a spinal cord injury lawsuit or a brain injury personal injury case when negligence, reckless conduct, or defective products are to blame.
What Damages Can Be Claimed?
Because of the severity of these injuries, the financial stakes are high. Medical care for a long-term disability, brain injury, or paralysis can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially when ongoing therapy or in-home care is needed.
A successful claim may include damages for:
- Medical bills: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, medication, and future care.
- Lost income: Wages lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and lifestyle limitations.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in hobbies, relationships, or activities.
- Home modifications and assistive equipment: Wheelchairs, ramps, hospital beds, or adaptive devices.
- In-home care or rehabilitation: Ongoing costs for nursing or specialized physical therapy.
Families may also seek permanent injury compensation in cases involving total disability or lifelong care needs. This is common in neurological damage lawsuits, particularly those involving children or young adults with a long life expectancy ahead.
Why These Claims Require Specialized Legal Support
Montana law takes brain and spinal injuries seriously, but it doesn’t mean compensation is guaranteed. You must show how the injury happened, who’s at fault, and how it’s impacted your life. That’s not always easy, especially if symptoms aren’t obvious immediately or the condition worsens over time.
These cases often involve:
- Medical experts: To explain the extent of injury and the prognosis.
- Life-care planners: To calculate future costs associated with treatment and support.
- Accident reconstructionists: To determine how the injury occurred and who is liable.
- Insurance disputes: Insurers typically undervalue brain trauma legal options or downplay the effects of spinal cord damage legal cases.
Without legal guidance, victims may accept low settlements that do not reflect the actual cost of care. That’s why working with an attorney who understands spinal injury claim settlement strategy and the full scope of brain injury negligence is critical.
An experienced legal team can manage the legal process of a head injury claim from start to finish—gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and building a strong argument for damages. They will also prepare your case for trial to fight for fair results if necessary.
Talk to a Kalispell Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
If you are facing a cognitive impairment lawsuit or trying to recover after a serious accident left you with catastrophic injuries, you shouldn’t have to deal with the legal system alone. The team at Travis & Brann, PLLP can walk you through your options and fight for the support you need to rebuild your life.
Our personal injury lawyers will be happy to explain your legal rights and next steps. You can call (406) 752-7550 to speak with a team member, or fill out our online contact form, and someone will reach out to you directly.
Let Travis & Brann, PLLP advocate for your recovery so that you can focus on healing and the road ahead.
