Visual Midline Shift Syndrome (VMSS) is a serious medical condition where a person experiences a sensory and visual shift in the concept of their bodily midline. When this happens, it causes the person to think their center of balance is shifted too far over in one direction, leading them to lean toward the shifted side. This is often caused by instances of traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or other incidents.
VMSS is also called Visual Perceptual Midline Shift Syndrome or Abnormal Egocentric Localization. It can cause problems with balance, center of gravity, walking, and performing simple tasks. As you can imagine, this can lead to a drastic change in the patient’s lifestyle and may cause them to lose the ability to work.
In many cases, Visual Midline Shift Syndrome is caused by the negligent conduct of another person. An example of this is where VMSS results from a brain injury in a car accident. In such instances, it may be necessary to take legal action in order to obtain compensation for the losses caused by the other person’s negligence.
If you or a loved one have developed VMSS, you may need the assistance of an attorney to help you file a claim. At The Brain Injury Law Center, we founded our practice with the intent of specifically representing brain injury victims, survivors, and their families. Contact one of our visual midline shift attorneys at (757) 244-7000 to learn about your legal rights and options.
What is Visual Midline Shift Syndrome?
The main characteristic or symptom of Visual Midline Shift Syndrome is that the patient feels as if their body midline has shifted to one side or the other. This makes it difficult to coordinate their movements and maintain central balance.
VMSS patients may also perceive their world in a strange way. For instance, they may feel that the horizon or floor is tilted, or that walls are leaning and seem to be compressing in on them.
Persons with VMSS may in fact walk as if the floor is uneven. In other words, the person is unable to maneuver through the world in relation to their own centerline.
Another manifestation of VMSS is where a person judges an object to be off to the side of them, when it is actually directly in front of them. As they walk, they run the risk of colliding with the object, further increasing the chances of additional injury.
Common symptoms of Visual Midline Shift Syndrome include:
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- A constant sense of imbalance
- Inappropriate posture
- Efficient weight distribution on the balls of the feet
- Abnormal gait or walk
- Changes in the sense of direction
- “Odd” perceptions of one’s position in space
In many instances, VMSS can also affect the patient’s actual field of vision. If left untreated, VMSS can lead to long-term problems, especially those related to balance and posture. These can affect one’s ability to work and generate income and enjoy life. Filing a lawsuit can provide compensation for the financial challenges brought about by such changes.
Compensation in a Visual Midline Shift Syndrome Lawsuit
VMSS can involve long-term, ongoing treatment that involves several therapy sessions, specialized medical equipment, and rehabilitation efforts. These can create financial burdens on the victim, in addition to any loss of income they may be experiencing due to not being able to work.
Filing a lawsuit can help offset these costs, especially those not normally covered by insurance. A damages award in a lawsuit can help provide compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatment
- Purchase of any medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Loss of the ability to generate income
- Pain and suffering
- Various other costs
The amount of compensation available may depend on several factors, including the severity and duration of the VMSS. Contact an attorney at (757) 244-7000 for assistance if you have been affected by VMSS.
Legal Liability and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome Causes
VMSS can result from many different causes. Common causes of VMSS include:
- Vehicular accidents, including car accidents and truck accidents
- Premises liability cases (such as those involving a slip and fall accident)
- Medical malpractice, especially those leading to stroke or brain injury
- Head injuries from sports and other activities
Different parties can be held liable for VMSS conditions, depending on the causes and the facts surrounding each case. Liable parties may include other people (such as the other driver in a car accident), health providers and institutions, professionals such as doctors, product manufacturers, and other parties.
In many instances, several parties can actually be held liable, which can make the case more complex. The assistance of a Visual Midline Shift Syndrome attorney can help provide clarity and direction regarding which parties to sue.
Hire a Visual Midline Shift Syndrome Attorney
Visual Midline Shift Syndrome involves complex changes to the way a person is able to navigate in the world. Even the simplest tasks, such as pulling an object from a shelf, can suddenly become difficult and frustrating for a person with VMSS. Dramatic changes in a person’s lifestyle and work capabilities often result.
If you or a loved one have experienced VMSS due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. The attorneys at The Brain Injury Law Center have decades of experience dealing specifically with lawsuits involving these types of neurological changes. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 to get started on your claim. Our attorneys have the experience needed to help you obtain the highest compensation possible.
Visual Midline Shift Syndrome Lawsuit FAQs
When should I file a Visual Midline Shift Syndrome lawsuit?
How long does a VMSS lawsuit take?
What documents are needed in a VMSS lawsuit?
Various documents and records can help support your VMSS lawsuit in court. These may include:
- Medical records and doctor’s reports
- Information about your work wages and salary
- Any police reports (for instance, if the VMSS was caused by a car accident)
- Insurance policy information
The more documentation you have for your case, the better. Understandably, you may experience difficulty obtaining these documents if you are currently dealing with VMSS. A lawyer can help you locate these records and other evidence in preparation for trial.
How can a Visual Midline Shift Attorney help me with my case?
VMSS lawsuits can involve a mix of different laws and legal theories, and may often be more complex than other types of injury claims. A lawyer can help you with your case by:
- Researching the laws that apply to your case
- Gathering evidence, documentation, and forms for trial
- Preparing a strong legal strategy for your case
- Determining which parties may be liable for your injuries
- Calculating an appropriate damages award for your losses
Contact an attorney immediately at (757) 244-7000 to begin your path toward recovery. Getting started with a legal claim can help tremendously in lifting the burdens caused by VMSS. Stephen Smith, founder of The Brain Injury Law Center, is internationally recognized as an expert in TBI litigation, with nearly four decades of experience. He also graduated from Marquette University’s Neuroanatomical Dissection of the Human Brain and Spinal Cord program.
Case Results
$7.5 Million Awarded in a Car Accident Lawsuit
The attorneys at The Brain Injury Law Center helped obtain an award of $7.5 million for a woman who suffered a brain injury in a major car accident.
$12.26 Million Awarded in a Slip and Fall Accident Case
Our attorneys helped return a verdict of $12.26 million on behalf of a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a fall. This is the largest slip and fall verdict in Virginia history.
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