Suffering a head or brain injury can bring life-changing consequences, and if you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Speak to our expert head and brain injury solicitors to start your claim.
The consequences of head and brain injuries can be life-changing and devastating to a person and their whole family. While many survivors go on to make a full recovery, some may need ongoing support, and others will require specialist care for the rest of their lives.
Brain injuries are extremely complex and can range from minor injuries – such as a concussion – through to significant and life changing traumatic brain injury. In many cases, the full impact of a brain injury may take some time to be fully realised. Through effective care and rehabilitation from the earliest possible opportunity, the potential for recovery is maximised. Every situation is entirely different, so a person’s needs will be determined by their unique circumstances.
As specialist head and brain injury solicitors, we have extensive experience supporting survivors and whole families through these challenging cases. We know how difficult this time can be and understand the importance of tailored support for both the survivor and their loved ones. We prioritise securing interim payments in advance of a final settlement, making sure you have the funding to pay for rehabilitation, ongoing expenses, and other factors you may need such as specially adapted housing.
If you need legal support on behalf of a loved one because they have, or have been, left with diminished mental capacity as a result of their injury, our specialists will be able to help you access the help and support both you and they need.
Suffering a head or brain injury can be incredibly traumatic for both you and your family. The consequences can be far reaching and, at its worst, involve permanent and life altering injuries. Each brain injury case will be entirely unique, which is why an individual approach to care, treatment and rehabilitation is so important.
Our team is hugely experienced in this very specialised area of work, supporting countless families in rebuilding their lives. When pursuing head or brain injury compensation, we take a holistic approach that goes far beyond the legal claims process; our focus is to facilitate early rehabilitation and put in place a team of therapists. We have an in-house rehabilitation coordinator who can provide immediate support and help you and your family navigate the immediate urgent issues such as communicating with medical staff, applying for benefits, helping navigate a pathway to a rehabilitation centre.
The first step is to get in touch with our team, who will arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss the unique circumstances of your case. We’ll then start the process, working with you or your family to collect all the relevant information and evidence to build your case, and we will keep you up to date with proceedings at every stage.
Matthew Hayden suffered a life-changing traumatic brain injury during an unprovoked assault in 2018. Here he shares his inspiring story along with his mother, Maxine Hayden, who launched a support group named After Matters, offering aftercare for young people and their families after brain injury.
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What are the different types of brain injury?
Most brain injuries are categorised as either ‘traumatic brain injuries’ or ‘acquired brain injuries from internal causes’, depending upon the root cause of the injury and circumstances in which it happened.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) occur due to head trauma, whether this is a singular incident or repeated traumas. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers see cases ranging from concussion, which is often called a mild traumatic brain injury, to more serious cases such as TBIs sustained in road collisions or assaults.
Acquired brain injuries from internal causes describe any brain injury caused by something other than head trauma. This includes, for example, injuries caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain (often caused by a stroke or heart attack) or an increase in pressure on the brain.
Both types of brain injury can lead to a compensation claim if someone else’s negligence has caused or contributed to injury, or the extent of the injury.
What are the main causes of brain injury?
Sadly, head and brain injuries are very common – it is estimated one in three people will experience this injury at some point in their lives. Brain injuries can be caused in a variety of ways, from collisions on the sports field to accidents on the road.
Some of the most common types of accidents we see that have resulted in a traumatic brain injury include:
Acquired brain injuries from internal causes, such as strokes, infections, or tumours, can also occur due to medical negligence. For more information about brain injuries caused by medical negligence, visit our medical negligence page here.
What are the effects of a brain injury?
The effects of a brain injury can be severe and vary greatly from person-to-person. Often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’, many brain injury symptoms are not immediately visible, making them hard to recognise, especially for those unfamiliar with the individual before the injury.
Brain injuries can impact almost every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical health, their cognitive function, and their emotions and behaviours. This in turn can severely impact the person’s ability to move, to speak, to work, to participate in social functions, sustain healthy relationships and live independently.
Specific effects of a brain injury can include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Seizures
Vision and hearing difficulties
Issues with memory and concentration
Speaking and language difficulties
Mood swings and irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Personality changes
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again!
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
It can seem a very daunting prospect to start a claim for compensation, particularly if you are still recovering or coming to terms with your injuries. Our team of specialist head and brain injury lawyers are here to support you every step of the way,
To make a head injury claim or a brain injury claim, you should:
Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today for a no-obligation chat about your case with one of our industry-leading personal injury solicitors
We’ll assess your claim and help you collect all the necessary evidence, working with medical experts and witnesses to support your case
As part of your claim, we will need to access your medical records and arrange an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing legal evidence
Our experts will ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, and rehabilitation to maximise the chances of a full recovery and future independence
We’ll work hard to secure the best possible compensation in negotiations. Rarely, a claim may go to court, in which case your solicitor will support and advise you throughout proceedings
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s head and brain injury lawyers?
At Slater and Gordon, we know how challenging it can be for you and your family following a head or brain injury, and our experienced solicitors work tirelessly to ensure the process is as smooth and stress free as possible. Head and brain injury claims are extremely complex and a specialist in this area of work must always be appointed to handle such cases.
Our team of head and brain injury solicitors are leaders in their field; many have been continuously ranked in prestigious independent legal directories Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
Our expert team includes an in-house rehabilitation coordinator and relationship manager, allowing us to provide a holistic approach to your treatment and ensuring you get the best possible rehabilitation and support with your treatment.
Head and brain injury claims: Hear from some of our past clients
At Slater and Gordon, we understand the intricacies of handling cases that deal with such complex injuries, and our specialist solicitors work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the very best support possible. We’re proud to have supported numerous clients throughout their claims, including:
To discuss your case in more detail and find out how we can help you gain access to the compensation and support you deserve to enable you to rebuild your life and look to the future, get in touch with our specialist head and brain injury lawyers today.
We’re no win no fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work or in a public place.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work and in public places.
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As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
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According to data published by NICE in 2023, over one million people are seen at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments for head injuries in England and Wales alone. 40,000 people were found to have evidence of a traumatic brain injury.
If you or someone you love has suffered a head or brain injury, it is critical that you get the support you need. Making a head injury claim can mean access to rehabilitation and treatment, as well as alleviating any financial stresses you experience during your recovery.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is the term given to damage caused to the brain by any external force after birth. It does not include any injury or condition present at birth (congenital issues).
Examples include traumatic injuries caused by head trauma due to an accident (such as a road collision, a fall, or an assault), or non-traumatic injuries caused by internal factors (such as a stroke, an infection, or a tumour).
While Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are a type of ABI, they are often referred to as a separate type of brain injury due to the circumstances that led to the injury.
How is a brain injury treated?
Many minor head injuries will heal on their own, but it is important to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible as it can be difficult to tell the difference between a minor and a severe head injury. In particular, you should attend A&E if you experience symptoms such as:
Bruising or swelling
An open wound
You were knocked unconscious
Vomiting
A headache that won’t go away
Changes in behaviour
Problems with memory
Crying more frequently than normal in children or babies
You drank alcohol or took drugs before the injury
You have had brain surgery in the past, have a blood clotting disorder, or take medication to prevent blood clots
Minor head injuries can often be treated at home with painkillers and ice packs, and you should not drive or go back to work (or school) until you are feeling better.
A severe head injury can result in a traumatic brain injury and will need more extensive treatment. This will usually involve being admitted into hospital for further tests and observation and may need interventions such as emergency stabilisations (for instance, providing oxygen) or surgery to deal with fractures or bleeding.
How much compensation could I receive for a head or brain injury claim?
Brain or head injury compensation payouts in the UK can hugely vary, and the amount you may ultimately be paid depends on a variety of factors: from long-term prognosis to the cost of any care required.
However, where head or brain injuries leave the survivor with impaired mental capacity, or requiring a high level of care, compensation payments reaching millions of pounds are common.
How much is a head injury claim worth?
The amount of compensation you may be awarded for a head or brain injury can vary significantly depending upon the severity of your injury and the impact that it has had on your day-to-day life.
Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the more compensation you will receive. This is because severe injuries tend to have a much bigger impact on your life. As head and brain injuries can be highly complex, it is crucial that you speak to a specialist solicitor with experience handling these types of claims.
Any compensation award also needs to consider the likelihood of whether you will make a full recovery Where it is determined that your injuries will continue to impact you in the long-term, you could be compensated for any additional financial losses, such as additional care requirements, mobility aids, or reduction in earning potential.
Is there a time limit for making a head or brain injury claim?
Under UK law, an injury claim must be brought within three years of the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, such as if you're claiming on behalf of someone who does not have capacity or is a minor. The time scale may be different in the event the accident happened abroad.
If you or someone you love has suffered a head or brain injury, accessing the right treatment and support plays a vital role in ensuring you make the best possible recovery.
When you make a head or brain injury claim, our solicitors will work with you, rehabilitation professional and independent medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries and the support you need to aid your recovery. Once we have an assessment and the other side has admitted liability, we’ll aim to secure interim payments to fund any treatments or rehabilitation therapies that could help before your claim has been settled.
For more information about how we can support your long-term care, speak to our team about making a claim today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can I get financial support before my head or brain injury claim is settled?
No one should have to worry about their finances after suffering an injury, yet time out of work and expensive treatment and rehabilitation can cause significant financial pressure. That is why we work hard to secure interim payments during your claim, providing you with financial assistance before your claim has been settled.
The amount you will be paid for an interim payment will vary, and the early payment will be deducted from the final amount of compensation once this has been established. For more information, see our guide to interim payments.
Can I make a No Win No Fee head or brain injury claim?
Our head or brain injury lawyers take most cases on a No Win No Fee basis, which means that you won’t be liable to pay any fees if your claim is unsuccessful. There are no upfront costs to pay in making a claim and, provided you act with honesty and within the terms of your agreement with us, you’ll never be at any financial risk when making a claim.
How long does making a head or brain injury claim take?
Every serious injury claim is different, and how long the case will take can be dependent on a number of factors, including the circumstances that led to the injury and how straightforward it is to establish liability. It’s best to speak to a specialist serious injury solicitor, who will review your case in more detail.
Will I have to give evidence in court?
It is very unlikely that you will need to give evidence in a court hearing during your head or brain injury claim. This is because most claims are settled outside of court during negotiations with the negligent party and their insurer.
In rare cases, a head or brain injury claim may proceed to a court hearing. This could be because liability is disputed or because an agreement cannot be reached on the amount of compensation that you are entitled to. In these circumstances, your solicitor can advise you on what happens next and will be with you every step of the way.
Can I make a head or brain injury claim on behalf of somebody else?
If a loved one has experienced a serious injury, they may not be in a position to be able to claim head injury or brain damage compensation for themselves. This could be because the injured person is a child, or the injury has resulted in diminished mental capacity. In either case, the law allows you to claim on behalf of the injured party, to ensure they get the compensation they deserve.
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again! Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)