Dealing with a head injury can be a headache, both literally and figuratively. Your prognosis seems to change on a weekly basis. One day the doctor expects a complete recovery, and the next visit you’ve had an “unexpected setback.” Because each person and each injury is so unique, doctors often have difficultly predicting how well a person will recover. You may be told your injury is permanent only to be back to your normal self a year later, or you may expect a full recovery that never quite fully materializes.

What Are My Options?

In either scenario, you may be at a loss to know how to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. With a constant-changing prognosis, how do you know what your injury is worth? Do you accept a payout for a short-term minor injury or hold out for the sizeable settlement due a permanent injury? What comprises a permanent injury?

First of all, you should know that any long-lasting symptom could be considered permanent damage, even if it does not necessarily cause serious disability. For example, any of the following may qualify as permanent damage from a head injury after a motorcycle accident on the Beltway:

  • Frequent headaches
  • Concentration issues
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Fatigue
  • Any long-term need for medicine to maintain a normal life
  • Any other long-term change in some area of your life due to the accident

The good news is that you do have a little time to discover the extent of your injuries before attempting to get compensation. Maryland state law allows victims three years from the date of the accident before a personal injury lawsuit must be filed. As for how serious of an injury you claim, you may want to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you determine what your injury is worth and how much compensation to demand. For more information on how to get the settlement that’s right for you, request your free copy of our book, 10 Tips to Get the Maximum Compensation After a Maryland Auto Accident.