Bumps, knocks and jolts to the head can potentially result in traumatic brain injuries, which can have lasting effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 275,000 people have to be hospitalized for such injuries each year. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, a brain injury may result in a person being paralyzed, experiencing cognitive or neurological deficits, developing epilepsy or other conditions, and any other number of long-term issues.
According to reports, in June 2009, a man sustained a traumatic brain injury while riding his bike home from a night out at the bars in Chicago. The injury reportedly left the man, who had just graduated from college shortly before the accident, a quadriplegic. It was reported recently that the man reached an accident compensation settlement with the city. The city will reportedly pay the man $1.5 million for damages resulting from its negligence in the accident.
The man reportedly sustained the injury after falling into a sewer catch basin that had collapsed. A barricade that should have been blocking the hole was purportedly inside the hole, rather than in front of it. The light on the barricade was also not working. It was reported that the biker crashed into the sign before falling into the sewer catch basin.
People who have suffered traumatic brain injuries due to another’s negligence may find it of benefit to discuss their situation with a legal professional. An attorney can explain their rights and options, as well as offer advice based on their individual situations.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “$1.85 mil. in settlements tied to alleged city negligence,” Fran Spielman, June 24, 2014
