Brain Injury Attorneys

Acquired brain injuries, often life-altering, encompass any damage to the brain that occurs after birth and is unrelated to congenital or genetic conditions. These injuries can arise from external forces or internal disruptions. 

Brain injuries can disrupt normal brain function, affecting everything from memory and concentration to movement and speech. In some cases, the effects are temporary; in others, they can be permanent, significantly altering a person’s ability to lead a normal life.

Brain injuries can stem from a wide range of causes, many of which happen without warning: 

• Car accidents: Severe impacts, like those in car or motorcycle accidents, are among the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. The intense force generated during these collisions can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to serious damage.
• Sports injuries: Concussions and other forms of head trauma from contact sports like football, hockey, or soccer contribute to a large number of brain injuries. Athletes are particularly vulnerable, and repeated blows to the head can result in long-term damage.
• Violence: Incidents of physical violence, such as assaults, domestic abuse, or gunshot wounds, can cause severe brain injuries. A blow to the head from an assault, a gunshot to the skull, or choking or strangulation can result in life-threatening trauma.
• Workplace accidents: Certain jobs, particularly in construction, manufacturing, or other physically demanding fields, involve a risk of head injury. Falling objects, equipment malfunctions, or accidents on the job can lead to severe brain damage.
• Medical malpractice: Errors during medical procedures or improper use of medical equipment can result in brain injuries. For example, anesthesia mistakes or surgical errors may cause oxygen deprivation, leading to brain damage.
• Defective products: In some cases, faulty products like helmets, vehicles, or construction equipment can contribute to brain injuries. When these products fail to provide adequate protection, they can increase the risk of head trauma.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury happens when the brain sustains damage from an external force, such as a sudden impact, bump, or jolt to the head. The effects of a TBI can vary widely, with symptoms ranging based on the injury's severity.

The severity of traumatic brain injuries varies and includes:

• Mild TBIs:
  • Mild traumatic brain injuries, often classified as concussions, are defined by brief disruptions in normal brain function resulting from a blow or jolt to the head. Still, concussions can have long-term effects, impacting memory, personality, concentration, and mood.
  • Diagnosis typically involves a clinical evaluation, including a neurological exam to assess cognitive and physical symptoms, and, in some cases, imaging tests like CT scans to rule out structural damage.
  • Recovery focuses on rest and gradual reintegration into daily activities, often under medical supervision, to prevent exacerbation of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.
• Moderate TBIs:
  • Moderate TBIs are characterized by loss of consciousness lasting from minutes to hours and more pronounced neurological symptoms, such as confusion, persistent headaches, nausea, and cognitive impairments.
  • Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical assessments, imaging tests to evaluate brain damage, and continuous monitoring for secondary complications like swelling or bleeding.
  • Recovery often involves an extended rehabilitation process, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive exercises designed to restore function and adapt to residual deficits.
• Severe TBIs:
  • Severe TBIs involve significant brain damage resulting from high-impact trauma or penetrating injuries, often accompanied by extended unconsciousness or coma.
  • Diagnosis is made using advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, alongside comprehensive neurological evaluations to determine the extent of the injury.
  • Recovery is typically prolonged and may involve intensive medical care, surgical interventions to address complications, and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach aimed at maximizing independence and quality of life.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries, among the most devastating forms of non-traumatic brain damage, occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen, blood flow, or both. Even a brief interruption can lead to significant damage, affecting critical functions such as speech, memory, vision, or mobility. These injuries often arise from medical malpractice, near-drowning incidents, acts of violence, or birth-related complications, leaving victims and their families grappling with profound physical and emotional challenges. 

The long-term effects may require extensive rehabilitation, specialized care, or adaptive technologies to restore some level of independence.

Pursuing legal action can help in seeking compensation to address the overwhelming costs of traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries and provide support during recovery. Our team can evaluate your case and determine whether you have grounds to file a claim.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can impact individuals in many ways. 

The symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the injury, but they typically fall into three categories:

• Physical symptoms:
  • Headaches: A common sign of a brain injury, ranging from mild to severe.
  • Balance problems: Dizziness, difficulty walking, or feeling unsteady on your feet can signal a brain injury.
  • Vision issues: Blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light may occur.
  • Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms can indicate a brain injury, especially when they occur alongside other signs.
• Cognitive symptoms:
  • Memory problems: Difficulty recalling recent events, conversations, or simple tasks may point to a brain injury.
  • Trouble communicating: Struggling to find the right words, understand conversations, or follow directions can also be a sign.
  • Concentration difficulties: Trouble focusing or staying on task, especially in a work or school setting, can result from a brain injury.
• Emotional symptoms:
  • Personality changes: A person may become more irritable, anxious, or depressed. Sudden changes in mood or behavior are common.
  • Emotional disturbances: Feelings of confusion, frustration, or sadness, which may not be typical for the person, can indicate damage to areas of the brain that regulate emotion.

Why Immediate Medical Attention Is Crucial

Seeking medical attention after suffering a brain injury is essential. Even mild brain injuries can worsen, and early treatment can help prevent further complications. 

In addition to addressing medical concerns, receiving treatment provides essential documentation that can be used in a personal injury case. Medical records and professional assessments will be crucial in supporting a compensation claim.

Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries

The long-term effects of a brain injury can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Once simple tasks become overwhelming, regaining independence can take time. For many, this includes challenges in returning to work or maintaining career goals. A brain injury may require adjustments in job responsibilities or even a complete career change, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual's recovery progress.

Rehabilitation and Support for Recovery

Brain injury recovery often involves a combination of therapies tailored to address cognitive, physical, and emotional needs. Rehabilitation can improve outcomes and help individuals regain their independence.

Long-term care for brain injuries often includes:

• Physical therapy: Aimed at improving mobility and coordination, physical therapy helps individuals recover from the physical impacts of a brain injury, such as difficulty walking or weakness in certain body parts.
• Occupational therapy: This therapy helps individuals regain the skills needed for daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, or bathing, making it easier to live independently.
• Speech therapy: Some brain injury victims experience difficulty with speech, language, and communication. Speech therapy helps to improve the ability to speak, understand language, and effectively communicate with others.

Developing a Life Care Plan

Creating a life care plan following a brain injury involves a detailed, multidisciplinary approach that anticipates the injured individual’s medical, financial, and personal needs across their lifetime. This process often includes consultations with neurologists, rehabilitation therapists, and case managers to assess the injury’s long-term impact on cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Beyond healthcare, the plan must account for adaptive equipment, home modifications, ongoing therapies, and future financial and legal considerations to secure stability. 

By tailoring recommendations to the unique challenges faced by the individual, a comprehensive life care plan becomes a critical roadmap for navigating the complexities of recovery and daily living. It also informs the demand for compensation in the personal injury case.