How Much Is a Head Injury Claim Worth?

The value of a head injury claim varies widely. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that don’t reflect the true cost of your injury, leaving you uncertain about what’s fair.

Legal professionals can evaluate the full scope of your damages, like medical bills and lost wages, and pain and suffering, to secure a personal injury settlement that accounts for the long-term impact someone else's negligent actions have on your life.

Unsure if the head injury settlement you are being offered is something that will support your recovery in the long term?

A free consultation with a Michigan traumatic brain injury lawyer from Goodman Acker, P.C., can help illuminate the potential compensation you may be entitled to under the law.

Key Takeaways About Why Legal Representation Matters in Michigan Head Injury Claims

• Injury severity impacts claim value. Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may lead to higher claims that insurers often fight to avoid paying in full. A lawyer can help demonstrate the full impact of the injury to pursue fair compensation.


• Economic and non-economic damages require careful consideration and evaluation. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering all contribute to a claim. Legal professionals can help account for these damages to reflect the true cost of the injury.


• Michigan’s laws can complicate compensation. If you are found partially at fault, your payout may be reduced. Lawyers can challenge unfair fault assignments and work to protect the value of your claim.


• Lawyers evaluate the full scope of a claim. Insurance companies often undervalue claims, especially when future care or lost income is involved. Legal professionals can assess all current and future costs to build a stronger case.


• The type of accident and liability matter. Whether it’s a truck accident, slip and fall, or motorcycle crash, a TBI lawyer from Goodman Acker, P.C., can identify all potentially responsible parties and insurance policies to help pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under the law.

Factors That Affect the Value of a Head Injury Claim

Calculating the value of a head injury claim requires a detailed look at how the injury has impacted every part of a person’s life.

Insurance companies may offer quick, low settlements that do not fully reflect the cost of recovery.

Without legal guidance, it’s easy to overlook key factors that determine the value of a head injury claim.

The TBI lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C., can help identify these elements to build a stronger case and pursue the compensation needed to support recovery:

• The financial impact of the injury depends on its full scope. Medical bills, lost income, and other expenses can quickly add up. A lawyer can help assess these expenses to ensure they are fully accounted for in the claim.


• Medical expenses often go beyond initial treatment. Emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and future treatments all play a role. Legal professionals can document these costs to reflect the true financial burden.


• Lost wages and earning potential are critical considerations. A head injury can temporarily or permanently disrupt one's ability to work. Lawyers can calculate both immediate income loss and the long-term impact on earning capacity.


• Non-economic damages address the personal toll of the injury. Pain, emotional distress, and changes to quality of life are more difficult to measure but are essential components of a claim. Legal professionals can present these damages in a way that highlights their significance.


• Long-term care needs can significantly increase costs. Severe injuries may require lifelong care, including in-home nursing or specialized therapies. A lawyer can work to include these future expenses in the claim.

Legal professionals experienced in Michigan head injury claims can uncover these factors, consult with experts, and build a case that reflects the full scope of damages.

What Damages Can You Recover in A Michigan Head Injury Claim?

Recovering from a head injury often comes with significant financial and personal challenges. Legal professionals can help identify the full range of damages you may be eligible to recover, ensuring no critical details are overlooked:

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the financial losses directly tied to the injury. These are calculated using documentation like bills, receipts, and pay stubs:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments like physical therapy or rehabilitation.


• Lost wages and benefits from time missed at work during recovery.


• Reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.


• Costs for assistive devices, home modifications, or long-term care needs.

In Michigan, No-Fault insurance laws may cover some initial medical expenses and lost wages for auto-related injuries.

However, head injuries from other accidents often require pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim.

A lawyer can help calculate these damages and identify additional sources of recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages in head injury claims address the personal and emotional toll of a head injury:

• Physical pain and suffering caused by the injury.


• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or trauma.


• Loss of enjoyment of life due to long-term effects like cognitive impairment or physical limitations.


• Permanent disfigurement or scarring that impacts self-esteem or daily life.


• Loss of consortium, which refers to the impact on close relationships, particularly with a spouse.

Insurance companies often undervalue non-economic damages, especially in cases involving head injuries.

Legal professionals can help present evidence of how the injury has affected your daily life, using medical records, expert testimony, and personal accounts to build a compelling case.

What Types of Accidents Cause Head Injuries You Can Sue For in Michigan?

About 30 percent of the over 58,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occurring in Michigan annually are related to auto accidents, especially those occurring on I-94 in Detroit or on US-131 in Grand Rapids.

However, this isn’t the only way people suffer these catastrophic and life-changing injuries.

Other scenarios where you might be able to pursue compensation for blunt force head trauma caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless actions include:

• Truck accidents on major freight routes. Semi-truck crashes on I-75 or I-96 can cause severe head injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, such as trucking companies or manufacturers.


• Motorcycle accidents in urban and rural areas. Riders on Michigan’s scenic routes, like M-22, are at risk of head injuries even when wearing helmets. Common injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and TBIs caused by direct impacts or being thrown from the bike.


• Slip and fall accidents in public or private spaces. Falls on icy sidewalks in Lansing or wet floors in Detroit businesses can lead to head injuries like contusions or hematomas. Property owners may be held liable if they failed to address hazardous conditions.


• Workplace accidents in Michigan industries. Construction sites and factory floors can be hazardous, with falling objects or equipment malfunctions leading to head injuries. Work‑related accidents may involve separate benefit systems, but additional claims may be possible when a third party is responsible.


• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents in high-traffic areas. Pedestrians and cyclists in downtown Detroit or near college campuses like Michigan State University are at risk of head injuries from collisions with vehicles. These accidents often result in severe TBIs or skull fractures.

Without legal guidance, it’s easy to overlook key factors that could affect your compensation. A Michigan personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these complexities, ensuring your claim reflects the full impact of your injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact Goodman Acker, P.C., for a free consultation. With experience handling cases across Michigan, we can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Types of Head Injuries That May Be Eligible for Compensation in a Michigan Personal Injury Lawsuit

Head injuries can vary widely in severity, but even seemingly minor injuries can have lasting effects on a person’s life.

In Michigan, victims of head injuries caused by someone else’s negligence may be eligible to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of their injuries.

Common types of head injuries that may qualify include:

• Concussions. Often caused by falls, car accidents, or sports injuries, concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can result in headaches, dizziness, and memory problems. While they are considered “mild,” their effects can linger for weeks or months.


• Contusions. These bruises on the brain are often caused by direct blows to the head, such as in slip and fall accidents or motorcycle crashes. Severe contusions may require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.


• Skull fractures. A broken skull can occur in high-impact accidents, such as truck collisions or workplace incidents involving falling objects. These injuries often lead to additional complications, such as brain damage or infections.


• Hematomas. Blood clots in or around the brain, such as epidural or subdural hematomas, can result from blunt force trauma. These injuries are common in car accidents and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.


• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs range from mild to severe and can result from any accident involving a blow or jolt to the head. Severe TBIs, such as those caused by truck accidents on I-75 or falls from heights at construction sites, can lead to permanent cognitive or physical impairments.


• Penetrating head injuries. These occur when an object pierces the skull and damages the brain, such as in workplace accidents involving tools or machinery. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Head injuries can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from your ability to work to your overall quality of life. A Michigan personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence to support your claim, and pursue compensation for both the immediate and long-term impact of your injury.

Michigan Head Injury Claim Settlement FAQs

Is there an average settlement for a head injury in Michigan?

There is no "average" settlement, as each case is unique. The value depends on the severity of the injury, medical costs, and the long-term impact. A mild concussion settlement will be far less than a claim involving a severe, permanent brain injury. A lawyer can evaluate the specific details of a case to estimate its potential worth.

What should I do if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?

Be cautious. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are often far lower than the true value of a claim, especially before the full extent of a head injury is known. Consulting with a Michigan personal injury lawyer before accepting any offer is a good step to protect a person's right to fair compensation.

How is pain and suffering calculated in a head injury case?

There is no exact formula. Methods such as the "multiplier method" are sometimes used. Typically, the final amount depends on factors including the severity of the injury, the prognosis for recovery, and the impact on daily life. A legal professional can build a strong argument for these damages.

Can I still file a claim if the head injury symptoms appeared days or weeks after the accident?

Delayed symptoms are common with head injuries like concussions and post-concussion syndrome. Seeking medical attention immediately upon noticing symptoms is important to document the connection to the accident. A lawyer can help establish a connection between the delayed diagnosis and the initial incident.

Contact Goodman Acker, P.C., for a Free Consultation to Discuss a Head Injury Claim in Michigan

A head injury can change a person's life in an instant, leaving them and their family facing an uncertain future.

The financial strain from medical bills and lost income only adds to the emotional and physical challenges of recovery. Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, not on what is fair.

A Michigan brain injury lawyer from Goodman Acker, P.C., serves as an advocate, working to level the playing field. We handle the complexities of the legal process from investigating the cause and calculating total damages to negotiating with insurers.

By building a compelling case backed by medical evidence and professional testimony, our brain injury lawyers work to secure the financial resources needed for recovery and long-term stability.

Are you ready to understand the true value of your head injury claim? Contact Goodman Acker, P.C. online or at (248) 831-1507 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.