While many people recover quickly after a minor brain injury, this is not always the case, and the effects can last a long time. The more severe the injury, the more pronounced and long-term the effects are likely to be. This includes both traumatic and non-traumatic acquired brain injuries. The term ‘non-traumatic brain injury’ refers to brain injuries resulting from internal factors such as illness or lack of oxygen.

Brain injuries can cause changes in behaviour, difficulties with cognition and memory, challenges in expressing or coping with emotions, communication problems, and physical problems such as mobility challenges, balance issues and fatigue. Brain swelling is a potential consequence of traumatic brain injuries that impacts recovery and necessitates medical attention.

Recovery from a brain injury can be a long and slow process, and some people may never recover from some or all of their symptoms.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by a brain injury that was someone else’s fault, JMW’s specialist brain injury personal injury team can help you to make a claim for compensation. We understand the impact and unique challenges that a serious brain injury can present, and our expert brain injury solicitors are here to ensure you secure the legal recompense you deserve.

With many years of experience representing clients affected by brain injury, we understand the needs of our clients and focus our efforts on achieving the best possible outcomes in every aspect of their case. Compensation will support rehabilitation and recovery to help ensure our clients go on to lead fulfilling lives.

During Your Brain Injury Recovery Rehabilitation

Through the rehabilitation code (a framework through which claimant solicitors and compensators work together to ensure the injured person’s health, quality of life, independence and ability to work are restored whilst the legal process continues) JMW can act to ensure you, or your loved one have access to the most appropriate acute care and rehabilitation.

This period immediately following injury can be critical in determining the extent to which a person will recover. Each brain injury recovery process is unique, and if NHS provision is limited or inappropriate, JMW can explore options like private residential or community-based therapies that will help address some of the issues the injured person is facing.

Cognitive therapy is an essential part of the rehabilitation process that helps patients relearn daily activities and improve neuroplasticity. This can lead to continued improvement beyond the initial recovery timeline.

During rehabilitation, JMW will work alongside the injured person and their family to identify their needs and prioritise future goals. These may be in relation to different aspects of life including housing, care, employment, leisure and recreation. Instructing an experienced case manager can be a key component in the successful management of our client’s needs. We work closely with the case managers we instruct to deliver a joined-up, collaborative approach to rebuilding lives. Physical therapy may also be crucial in helping patients relearn how to perform daily tasks, such as walking, feeding themselves, and personal grooming.

For those clients requiring support in the community post-discharge, we play a critical role in ensuring the provision of care is adequate and appropriate for their needs. This enables the injured person to achieve their goals in a safe and secure environment. This support can be lifelong and form the majority of a client's compensation claim.

The injured person may require significant input from family and friends because their ability to complete daily tasks may have been impacted. The person also may need supervision in their community to keep them safe. The “caring role” cannot be underestimated, and JMW will work with the injured person and their families to establish an appropriate care package.

Our experience of working with brain-injured clients also means we can help with housing needs. We are able to instruct professionals to provide advice on how adaptations to the home environment can eliminate or reduce difficulties the injured person faces, and allow them to carry out day-to-day activities safely and successfully. Input from clients and their families is always critically important in these instances, as they are usually best placed to identify issues the person is facing or is likely to face in relation to daily living.

Work can be an important part of our client’s lives. It provides a number of personal and social benefits, including:

• A sense of personal worth
• A chance to participate in a social community
• A structure to the day
• Financial independence

Furthermore, working has been shown to improve quality of life and life satisfaction after a brain injury. Our expert brain injury solicitors can assist clients with planning a return to work in order to ensure that any transition back to work is as seamless as possible. This may involve changes to a previous role or working environment, working hours, training for colleagues. JMW can also assist clients to find work if they are unable to return to a previous role after a brain injury.

An important part of recovery following a brain injury is re-engaging with recreational and leisure activities. Whether it is activities enjoyed prior to injury, or looking for new ways to enjoy leisure time, JMW can assist clients in participating in fulfilling and enjoyable hobbies.