If you or a loved one is experiencing seizures after a head injury, your entire life can be affected. Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) can develop over night and can bring serious implications for your health, career, independence and emotional wellbeing.
But how long do symptoms last and can you claim compensation to support your recovery? In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about seizure after head injury compensation. We’ll look at the condition, who can claim and how Injury Lawyers 4u can help you through the process.
What are post-traumatic seizures?
PTS are seizures that happen because of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These can happen immediately after the injury or could be delayed by days, weeks or even months. This can make them difficult to predict, or even diagnose. PTS are commonly associated with concussion, brain trauma, penetrating head injuries and intracranial bleeding. They are split between two categories:
- Early seizures — These occur within the first seven days after your injury.
- Late seizures — These occur after the first week of your injury and can develop into a long-term condition known as post-traumatic epilepsy.
According to the NHS, late-onset seizures after accidents can be the first warning signs of ongoing neurological damage. If you’ve experienced any type of seizure after a head injury, the first thing you need to do is seek medical advice. Once you’re safe, you can consider legal action if you believe your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Common causes of seizure after head injury
There are a few different types of accident that could lead to head trauma and resulting seizures. Below are some of the most common causes for head trauma seizures personal injury claims:
Road traffic accidents
Can you claim for seizures after a car accident? Whether it’s down to a car crash, a cyclist or motorbike accident or an e-scooter accident, a sudden blow to the head from a road traffic accident can cause seizures that you can claim for.
Workplace accidents
If you work in construction, manufacturing or industry, you are at higher risk of head injuries due to falling objects, machinery incidents or unsafe working conditions.
Slips, trips and falls
A simple slip, trip and fall can result in a serious concussion or brain injury, especially if your head hits a hard surface. These accidents are common in public places or poorly maintained private properties.
Medical negligence
In rare cases, seizures can be the result of medical negligence. This might be a doctor failing to spot, diagnose or treat brain trauma properly. For example, diagnosing a brain bleed late or failing to monitor a TBI could lead to worse symptoms and potentially seizures.
Claiming compensation for seizures after a head injury
If your seizures have been linked to a head injury and they were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation. At Injury Lawyers 4u, we have supported our clients with head injury claims for decades. Simply get in touch and we’ll begin a claim.
In order for your claim to be successful, you’ll need:
- Medical evidence that links your seizures to the original injury.
- Proof of the accident, including how it happened and who was responsible.
- Documentation of your seizures, including GP notes, witness statements or seizure diaries.
- Evidence of the impact on your finances and lifestyle. This includes time off work, care needs and reduced quality of life.
There is a three-year time limit to make a seizure after a head injury or post-traumatic epilepsy claim in the UK. This begins from the moment your injury occurred, you were diagnosed or you started showing symptoms.
What can be included in your claim?
Seizures don’t just affect your health, they impact your entire life. You may have had to stop working, give up driving or rely fully on others for care and support. That’s why compensation is split between two avenues – general damages and special damages.
- General damages — This covers the pain and suffering caused by the seizures after your head injury and are calculated by the Judicial College Guidelines, so are typically standardised.
- Special damages — This will vary case to case and looks at loss of income, medical bills, travel costs and current and future care costs.
Real-life case study
29 year old Fiona was struck by a speeding car while crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing. She sustained a serious blow to the head that resulted in a brief loss of consciousness. At first, her symptoms seemed mild, but two months later, Fiona began suffering from seizures and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic epilepsy.
When she contacted Injury Lawyers 4u for legal advice, our team helped Fiona pursue a seizure after a head injury compensation claim. We managed to secure funds to cover therapy, medication and income support, while she recovered and adjusted to her new diagnosis.
What to do if you or a loved one has suffered a seizure after a head injury
If you or a loved one has been unlucky enough to experience seizures after a head injury, this is what you should do next:
- Seek medical attention — The first step is to get a full neurological assessment (even after one seizure).
- Keep a seizure record — Jot down any symptoms, seizure activity and how it is affecting your life.
- Get in touch with us — Our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u will offer you a free consultation, assess your eligibility and guide you through the claims process.
Frequently asked questions
How long after a head injury can seizures develop?
Seizures can develop immediately or can be delayed by weeks or months. Late seizures are not uncommon and may still qualify for compensation.
How much compensation could I receive for seizures after a head injury?
The amount of compensation you could receive will vary depending on the severity of your condition, the impact on your life and your future care needs. Our solicitors can give you a better estimate once we assess your case.
Can I make a claim if my seizures started weeks or months after the accident?
As long as there is medical evidence supporting a link between your seizures and the original injury, you may still be able to claim.
Can I claim on behalf of a child or someone who lacks mental capacity?
Parents, guardians, or legal representatives can act as litigation friends and claim on behalf of minors or those who cannot manage their own legal affairs.
Can I claim for psychological effects caused by the seizures?
Mental health impacts like stress, anxiety, depression or PTSD can all be included as part of your overall compensation package.