I am concerned about my husband and wondered if you can give some advice. He was knocked off his bike by a drunk driver just under 3 years ago (the offender went to prison) and was pretty badly injured. His injuries have got as good as they are going to get (he will always walk with a limp) but one thing that concerns me is his change of character since the accident. He is moody, often depressed, and forgetful but he refuses to do anything about it. I suspect he hit his head quite hard in the accident from the look of the helmet but as far as I know this has not been looked at by his doctors. What do you suggest he does as I would like my pre-accident husband back!?

 

Jancis Freemantle, Broadway

 

Firstly I assume that your husband is claiming compensation for his injuries and financial losses and if so his solicitors must issue court proceedings before the 3 year anniversary of his accident to prevent his claim from becoming statute barred. You say that your husband’s helmet was damaged and that he hit his head. He is displaying common characteristics of head injury and I am amazed that he has not had them investigated sooner. It appears he has sustained a moderately severe head injury. Emergency doctors are often presented with life, limb or organ threatening injuries and concentrate on rectifying those issues on patient presentation. If his helmet was obviously damaged I am surprised a brain scan was not undertaken to determine the impact of the blow.

 

It is vital that your husband is seen by a doctor and the relevant test undertaken and treatment provided where possible although after 3 years such symptoms may well be permanent. His solicitors (assuming he has a claim on going) must send him for expert examinations for use in his claim – I suggest firstly a neurologist and if need be a neuropsychologist. Further disciplines of medical expertise may be required. The effects of his head injury may impact on his ability to perform his job properly and he should be adequately compensated for this. He can be taught coping strategies, for example diary reliance to overcome memory problems. Common symptoms of head injury are listed below. In compensation claims symptoms of head injury are often overlooked by lawyers so accident victims should speak to their lawyers if they are experiencing symptoms as below.

 

Headache, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, anxiety, emotional upset, irritability, depression, tiredness, problems concentrating and with memory, putting thoughts together or multi-tasking.