A brain injury claim is a type of personal injury claim brought when someone suffers damage to the brain due to negligence, unsafe environments, or preventable accidents. Brain injuries can be catastrophic, affecting memory, speech, movement, and independence. Road traffic collisions and workplace incidents often link many cases, but home accidents also play a significant role. For Preston homeowners, taking simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of these life-changing injuries.
Local context is important. Preston is a city with a mix of older terraced housing, newer developments, and shared student accommodation near the University of Central Lancashire. Each type of property presents its own risks, from steep staircases in Victorian homes to cluttered shared spaces in student flats. Preventing accidents at home is essential, and in the event of an avoidable injury, legal advice may help determine whether a compensation claim is possible. Marley Solicitors has supported many Preston residents dealing with serious injury claims, guiding them through what can be a daunting process.
What are the main causes of brain injuries at home?
Brain injuries can result from any accident where a forceful impact occurs to the head. In domestic settings, common causes include:
- Falls on stairs or slippery floors
- Falling objects from poorly secured shelves
- Faulty equipment or unsafe electrical wiring
- Accidents in kitchens, such as slipping on spillages
- DIY accidents involving tools or ladders
Even a seemingly minor fall can cause concussion or more serious brain damage. Seeking medical help at Royal Preston Hospital or another local facility is vital if a head injury occurs.
Can I claim compensation for a brain injury in Preston?
Yes, in some situations you may be able to claim. You could pursue a brain injury claim if unsafe rental housing, poorly maintained communal areas, or another party’s negligence caused your injury. For example:
- A tenant falling on a loose step that the landlord failed to repair
- A visitor injured by a collapsing ceiling in a poorly maintained property
- A child hurt by defective equipment supplied with a home
To succeed, you would usually need to show that:
- The property owner or another party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty by failing to keep the environment reasonably safe
- This breach directly caused the brain injury
A solicitor can review the facts and advise whether a no win no fee arrangement is appropriate for your claim.
Precautions Preston homeowners should take to reduce brain injury risks
Taking steps to create a safe home environment can protect both residents and visitors. Practical measures include:
- Securing stairways: Fit sturdy handrails, ensure steps are in good repair, and install adequate lighting
- Preventing slips and trips: Use non-slip mats in kitchens and bathrooms, clean up spillages quickly, and keep floors clutter-free
- Safe storage: Do not overload shelves or cupboards with heavy items that may fall
- Childproofing: Fit safety gates and corner protectors to protect young children from head injuries
- Electrical safety: Have wiring checked by a qualified electrician and avoid using faulty appliances
- DIY safety: Wear protective gear, use ladders responsibly, and follow tool instructions carefully
By taking these precautions, Preston homeowners can reduce the likelihood of serious accidents in their properties.
What should I do if someone suffers a brain injury at home?
Responding quickly can make a significant difference. Steps to follow include:
- Call emergency services immediately if the person loses consciousness or shows signs of confusion
- Keep the injured person still and supported until professional help arrives
- Record how the accident happened and take photographs of the area if possible
- Seek follow-up care through local GP surgeries or rehabilitation services after initial treatment at hospital
- Contact a solicitor if you believe negligence contributed to the accident
What compensation could cover in brain injury claims?
Brain injuries can have life-altering consequences, so compensation often covers a wide range of needs, such as:
- General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Special damages for financial costs, including loss of earnings and future income potential
- Medical expenses for surgery, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation
- Care and assistance if long-term support is needed
- Adaptations to housing, such as stairlifts or widened doorways for mobility aids
For example, a Preston homeowner who suffered a brain injury from falling down defective communal stairs may claim not only for their physical injury but also for adaptations to help them live independently.
How much compensation could I receive for a brain injury in Preston?
The amount varies widely depending on the severity of the injury. As a broad outline:
- Mild brain injuries with short recovery times may attract compensation of several thousand pounds
- Moderate brain injuries causing longer-term difficulties with memory, concentration, or mobility may result in significantly higher awards
- Severe brain injuries leading to permanent disability or long-term care needs can result in very large settlements
Each case is unique. Solicitors compare the circumstances to official guidelines and previous cases to provide clear advice.
Could you please let me know the time frame for bringing a brain injury claim?
In most cases, the time limit is three years from the date of the accident. Exceptions apply to children, who can claim up until their 21st birthday, and to individuals lacking mental capacity, where the limit may not apply until capacity is regained. Acting quickly is best, as evidence is stronger when gathered soon after the incident.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for Preston brain injury claims?
Brain injury cases require specialist handling because of their complexity and long-term consequences. Marley Solicitors provides:
- Free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case
- Clear explanations of your options, including no win no fee arrangements where appropriate
- Careful evidence gathering to prove liability and quantify losses
- Support throughout medical assessments and negotiations
By combining local knowledge of Preston housing and services with legal expertise, Marley Solicitors offers reliable support to families coping with the effects of brain injuries.
FAQ
What if my brain injury happened in rented housing in Preston?
You may be able to claim against your landlord if they failed to keep the property safe. Examples include broken staircases, loose carpets, or faulty fixtures that caused your accident.
Can children bring brain injury claims in Preston?
Yes. A parent or guardian can make a claim on behalf of a child. Alternatively, the child can bring the claim themselves once they turn 18, provided it is within the time limit.
Speak to Marley Solicitors about brain injury claims in Preston
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in Preston due to unsafe conditions or another party’s negligence, you do not have to face the situation alone. Marley Solicitors offers free consultations and clear advice on whether you can claim. With experience helping families across Preston secure compensation, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to begin your claim and take the first step towards securing the support and compensation you need.
