An accident can have not only physical but also serious neurological consequences. When you sustain brain injury due to an accident, this is referred to as acquired brain injury (ABI). This injury can completely change your life: you may experience lasting limitations in work, memory, concentration, and social interactions.

At Arslan Lawyers we assist victims of ABI to safeguard their rights and obtain appropriate compensation.

What is acquired brain injury (ABI)?

ABI is brain injury that occurs after birth due to an external event or an internal cause, such as oxygen deprivation. In personal injury cases, brain injury often results from:

• Traffic accidents (rear-end collisions, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents)

• Workplace accidents (falls from height, blows to the head)

• Medical errors (for example oxygen deprivation during surgery)

• Violent crimes or abuse

Consequences of ABI

The consequences of ABI are often far-reaching and differ from person to person. Possible symptoms are:

• Memory and concentration problems

• Reduced tolerance to exertion and easily fatigued

• Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings)

• Physical limitations (symptoms of paralysis, balance disorders)

• Problems with work and social relationships

Many victims find that those around them do not always understand how profound acquired brain injury is, because symptoms are often invisible.

Compensation for acquired brain injury

Victims of acquired brain injury are entitled to full compensation. Such as:

• Medical expenses (treatments, therapies, medications, assistive devices)

• Loss of income (both now and in the future)

• Home and transport adaptations (wheelchair, stairlift, adapted car)

• Domestic help and informal care

• Pain and suffering compensation for pain, grief, and loss of quality of life

In cases of ABI, the compensation amounts are often high because the consequences are usually lifelong.

Pain and suffering compensation in cases of ABI

Pain and suffering compensation is a form of compensation for harm that cannot be directly quantified in money. In cases of ABI, pain and suffering compensation plays a major role, because victims are often permanently limited in their work, hobbies, and social life.

Factors that determine the amount of pain and suffering compensation

• Severity and permanence of the injury: the more severe and permanent the consequences, the higher the amount.

• Age of the victim: younger victims often face more future losses and generally receive higher compensation.

• Impact on daily life: loss of work, hobbies, or independence weighs heavily.

• Pain and discomfort: both physical and psychological.

• Comparable cases: judges look at earlier rulings to determine the amount.

Examples from practice

• A young woman who was left with memory and concentration problems after a traffic accident was awarded pain and suffering compensation in addition to reimbursement of medical and loss of income.

• A man who became permanently dependent on a wheelchair due to a workplace accident was awarded one of the higher pain and suffering amounts in the Netherlands, because of the lasting and far-reaching limitations.

• A patient who suffered brain damage due to a medical error and could no longer live independently was awarded pain and suffering compensation that was also based on the loss of self-reliance and enjoyment of life.

Pain and suffering compensation is therefore customized, with both medical severity and personal impact central.

Examples from practice (general)

• Traffic accident: A young man suffered brain injury after a motorcycle accident. He could no longer perform his work as a mechanic and had lasting concentration problems. Arslan Attorneys calculated his loss of earning capacity and secured substantial compensation, including damages for pain and suffering.

• Workplace accident: A woman suffered brain injury after a fall from scaffolding during her work. The employer argued that the woman had not been paying sufficient attention. However, the judge ruled that the employer had not taken adequate safety measures. The woman received a substantial compensation for loss of income and household assistance.

• Medical error: A patient sustained permanent brain injury due to oxygen deprivation during surgery. The hospital’s liability was initially disputed. After the intervention of Arslan Attorneys, the insurer ultimately acknowledged the error and a substantial amount of compensation was paid out.

Checklist: what to do after a brain injury from an accident?

• 🚑 Seek immediate medical help and have the cause and effects properly documented.

• 🧾 Request medical records from your GP, specialist, and hospital.

• 📝 Record symptoms and limitations in a diary.

• 📸 Keep evidence of the accident (photos, witnesses, police or accident reports).

• 👨‍⚕️ Request referrals to a neurologist or rehabilitation physician for expert evaluation.

• 📂 Collect financial records (pay slips, employment contract, benefits information).

• ☎️ Get in touch quickly with a specialized personal injury lawyer.

Why choose Arslan Advocaten?

• Specialized knowledge of acquired brain injury cases

• Collaboration with medical and financial experts

• Personal and dedicated approach

• We ensure that no item of damage is overlooked

• Free legal assistance: the liable party pays the costs

FAQ about acquired brain injury (ABI) and personal injury

1. How do I prove that my brain injury was caused by the accident?
With medical documentation, specialist reports, and witness statements, the causal link can be demonstrated.

2. How is the amount of compensation determined?
Based on all types of damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. With ABI, the amounts are often substantial due to the lasting effects.

3. Does an ABI case take longer than other personal injury cases?
Yes, often it does. Because the consequences are long-lasting and far-reaching, careful investigation into future losses is required.

4. Do I also get compensation for informal care provided by family?
Yes, informal care can also be part of the compensation.

5. Will a personal injury lawyer cost me money?
No, the costs are recovered from the liable party. Our assistance is free of charge for you.