​Headway launches 'Action for Brain Injury Week'

​Headway launches 'Action for Brain Injury Week'

Headway the UK-wide charity that works with brain injury survivors and their families to try to improve life after acquired brain injury, have launched their national campaign 'Action for Brain Injury' week today and will run until 14th May.

The Action for Brain Injury campaign is designed to put brain injury survivors, carers and families right at its heart by asking them to share how brain injury has impacted their lives in order to raise awareness.

Each year the campaign focuses on a different topic surrounding brain injury. This year Headway are encouraging people to share expressions of how brain injury has created 'A New Me'. They have asked people to be creative in sharing their expressions and have suggested sharing thoughts by photographs, poems or a letter but the more creative, the better. The charity understands that the concept of 'A New Me' will not only resonate with brain injury survivors but also with family members and carers. They are asking anyone affected directly or indirectly to get involved.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a term to describe an injury caused to the brain since birth. There are many causes of ABI's and can be caused following an accident, a stroke or a tumour but this is not an exhaustive list. The injury is commonly caused by road traffic accidents, slips and trips and extreme sports. However, ABI can effect anyone from all different walks of life. There are currently growing concerns in the media about the professional sports sector and impact on brain injury especially in rugby, boxing and football. Recent research by UK scientists has revealed that heading a ball repeatedly during a footballer's professional career could be linked to long-term brain damage.

Sadly, it is reported that in 2013-2014 there were 348,934 admissions to hospital for people with ABI. ABI admissions have increased by 10% since 2005-2006. With admissions on the increase it is likely that many of us have or will have a family member or loved one who is experiencing this injury.

Brain injury is generally misunderstood and people are left struggling at a difficult time without the support they need. One of the aims of the campaign is to raise awareness about the support and services that the charity offers so that anyone effected is not struggling in isolation.

We as solicitors know how difficult it can be when your life is affected by Acquired brain injury (ABI). Our Private Client Department regularly represents survivors of brain injury through their Court of Protection work.

A person suffering with an ABI may not be able to share or communicate what they need as they may once have done. If they have not made an Enduring Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney, it is still possible for someone that they trust to be appointed to make decisions on their behalf. If this is the case that trusted person must make an application to the Court of Protection to become that person's Deputy. We are experienced in dealing with this type of application and can assist you through the process.

Alternatively, it is possible to appoint a professional Deputy. Lin Whitehead, Partner and Head of Private Client, is one of just 71 panel Deputies appointed by the Court of Protection and covers the Norfolk and Suffolk area. Panel Deputies are supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian and are subject to a strict set of standards, meaning that they always act in the client's best interests. Lin acts for a number of clients who lack the capacity to manage their own affairs including those who have suffered Acquired brain injury (ABI).

We also represent individuals who have suffered a brain injury as a result of the negligence of another. It may be that an individual has an ABI due to a mistake by a medical professional or by a negligent driver who causes a road traffic accident. Brain injury claims are extremely complex, requiring technical knowledge and expertise to ensure that any settlement is suited to the individual client's needs. Our expert Clinical Negligence Department is well equipped to deal with such circumstances. Philip Lumb, Partner, has over 15 years' experience in areas of handling claims for personal injury and clinical negligence, including high value and complex cases.

At Clapham & Collinge Solicitors we are not only able to provide you with the best legal advice we are also able to provide you with emotional support through difficult times to put you in the best position possible going forward. To find out more or discuss your individual requirements in further detail, contact us today on 01603 693500 or email us using 'Make an enquiry' form. Appointments available at our Norwich, North Walsham, and Sheringham offices.