One Punch Awareness Week highlights the devastating consequences that can follow a single moment of violence, including serious brain injuries that can change someone's life forever.

A single punch can take less than a second. The consequences can last a lifetime.

At Switalskis, we have supported a number of clients who have suffered serious injuries following assaults, including traumatic brain injuries. We understand that the impact of an assault can extend far beyond the initial injury, affecting a person's health, independence, relationships, work and future.

As the legal partner of One Punch UK , we are proud to support the charity's work to raise awareness of the consequences of one-punch violence and help those affected.

Katrina Elsey , Director and Serious Injury Manager at Switalskis, said:

“A one-punch assault can happen in a moment, but for the person who is injured and their family, the consequences can continue for years. We have seen first-hand how a serious brain injury can affect every part of someone's life. Our support for One Punch UK is about helping to raise awareness of those consequences, while making sure people affected by these devastating injuries know that support is available.”

What is One Punch Awareness Week?

One Punch Awareness Week is an annual campaign organised by One Punch UK, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating consequences of one-punch assaults.

The charity was established following the death of Kristian, who died after being assaulted in 2011, aged just 19. His mother, Maxine, and her family experienced first-hand the devastating impact that one act of violence can have on an entire family.

One Punch UK works to educate people about the risks and consequences of violence, support victims and their families, and help prevent other families from experiencing the same loss.

How can one punch cause a brain injury?

When someone is punched, the injury isn't necessarily caused by the punch itself.

A person may lose consciousness, fall and hit their head on the ground or another hard surface. The force of the impact can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The severity of a brain injury can vary significantly.

Some people may recover relatively quickly. Others can be left with permanent physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties.

A brain injury is also not always immediately obvious. Someone may look well following an assault while experiencing difficulties with memory, concentration, mood or behaviour.

This can make the consequences particularly difficult for the injured person and those around them to understand.

What are the long-term effects of a one-punch brain injury?

A serious brain injury can affect almost every aspect of a person's life.

Depending on the severity and location of the injury, someone may experience:

• memory and concentration problems
• difficulties with speech and communication
• problems with balance, movement or coordination
• changes in personality or behaviour
• difficulties controlling emotions
• fatigue and headaches
• problems returning to work or education
• difficulties maintaining relationships
• a loss of independence
• the need for ongoing care and rehabilitation.

For some people, these effects can be permanent.

The consequences aren't limited to the person who was injured. Families can also face significant emotional, practical and financial challenges as they adjust to changes in their loved one's personality, abilities or independence.

The impact of an assault can go far beyond the injury

Following a serious assault, the immediate priority is understandably medical treatment and recovery.

But as time passes, the longer-term consequences can become clearer.

Someone who previously worked full-time may no longer be able to work. They may need help with everyday tasks they once managed independently. Activities they enjoyed before their injury may no longer be possible.

Families can also find themselves taking on new caring responsibilities while trying to support someone through rehabilitation and adjust to the changes in their own lives.

This is why recovery after a serious brain injury is about more than treating the initial physical injury.

Specialist rehabilitation, care and practical support can all play an important role in helping someone rebuild their independence and make the best possible recovery.

What legal support is available after an assault?

If you have suffered an injury as a result of an assault, there may be legal options available to you.

Depending on the circumstances and eligibility criteria, someone injured in an assault may be able to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).A CICA claim is a way for victims of violent crime to seek compensation where the relevant criteria are met.

The process can be complex, particularly where someone has suffered a serious brain injury and may require ongoing rehabilitation, care or support.

A specialist solicitor can help you understand whether you may be entitled to compensation and what evidence may be needed to support a claim.

At Switalskis, our Serious Injury Team has experience supporting people who have suffered life-changing injuries, including brain injuries following assaults. We take a wider view of the impact of an injury, considering not only what has happened now but what someone may need in the future.

This can include rehabilitation, care, specialist equipment, adaptations and support to help someone regain as much independence as possible.

Supporting people affected by one-punch violence

Our partnership with One Punch UK reflects our shared commitment to supporting people whose lives have been changed by violence.

One Punch UK provides support to victims and, in many cases, bereaved families following one-punch assaults. Its work includes practical support, education and signposting to other organisations that can help people affected by brain injury and its consequences.

As its legal partner, Switalskis can provide specialist legal support where appropriate, including advice about potential CICA claims.

We know that asking for legal advice can feel like another thing to deal with at an already difficult time. Our approach is to listen first, explain things clearly and help people understand their options.

How Switalskis can help you

One-punch violence can happen in a moment, but the consequences can continue for years.

For someone who suffers a serious brain injury, life may never be quite the same again. Their family may also face a future they never expected.

One Punch Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognise those consequences, support those affected and remind people that one moment of violence can have a lifelong impact.

If you or someone close to you has suffered a serious injury or brain injury following an assault, our specialist team can explain what support may be available.

Find out more about our assault injury claims and how we can help.