The cost of living in San Francisco is relatively high. Even successful professionals may not have enough set aside in their savings account to cover their cost-of-living expenses for more than a few weeks if they suddenly stop working. As a result, those who develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may find themselves worrying about how they can afford their rent or mortgage and grocery costs. The financial impact of a brain injury can be extreme. Researchers estimate that the lifetime medical costs could be anywhere from $85,000 to more than $3 million.
Many previously successful adults with TBIs also experience a massive drop in earning potential because of their symptoms. Seeking compensation after a brain injury through a personal injury lawsuit could help people maintain their standard of living despite their increased costs and decreased income. Who could someone potentially sue after sustaining a TBI in the San Francisco area? The following are a few prime examples, but this list is not exhaustive.
An unsafe driver
Motor vehicle collisions are one of the top causes of TBIs. Someone could get hurt by blunt force trauma or the erratic motion of the vehicles during a crash. Given that many drivers in California have minimal insurance coverage, it may be necessary for someone hurt severely in a collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. Either negligence or violations of traffic statutes would open someone up to a personal injury lawsuit after a crash.
A negligent property owner
Brain injuries can also easily be the result of unsafe property conditions. Failing to maintain the floors and stairs could lead to someone falling. So could negligent cleaning practices or a leaking ceiling. When it is clear that negligent property maintenance contributed to someone’s injuries, they may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit against a business or property owner.
A company that produces defective products
There are countless different products that could fail and cause a brain injury. From vehicle components to furniture, many products could cause trauma or falls if they fail due to poor design or manufacturing defects. Someone hurt by a defective product may have grounds for a lawsuit against either the manufacturer of that product or possibly a retailer who sold a dangerous product.
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can help someone struggling with the costs of a brain injury can hold the right party accountable for expenses an individual did not cause for themselves. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help a TBI victim to assess who should be held accountable for their particular harm.