Every year, an estimated 2.8 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can range from mild concussions to life-altering events, impacting everything from thinking and memory to movement and emotions.
If you or someone you know has experienced a head injury, understanding catastrophic brain injuries and your legal options is important. Learn more about complexities of traumatic brain injuries and when you should consider hiring a brain injury attorney.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma or external force disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBIs are often classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on their impact on brain function.
Mild traumatic brain injuries, commonly referred to as concussions, may cause temporary confusion or disorientation. Moderate to severe brain injuries can result in long-term complications such as memory loss, cognitive issues, and changes in behavior.
The symptoms of a catastrophic brain injury can vary greatly depending on the individual and the type of injury sustained. Some people may experience immediate symptoms, while others may not show signs until days or weeks after the injury.
Symptoms may include:
- Brain damage
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
- Memory loss or difficulty remembering recent events
- Changes in mood or behavior
In more severe cases, brain injuries may cause seizures, coma, and death.
Common Causes of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries can occur due to various factors. Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Car and truck accidents
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Assaults
These incidents can lead to sudden impacts or jolts to the head, causing damage to the brain tissues.
Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can vary in their nature and severity, impacting individuals in different ways. While a traumatic brain injury can have different names, there are two primary types.
Closed Brain Injury
The primary characteristic of a closed brain injury is that the skull remains intact. This type of injury is often associated with falls, sports-related accidents, or car crashes where there is no visible wound on the outside but significant trauma inside.
However, this does not mean the consequences are less severe than penetrating injuries. In fact, closed brain injuries may result in various complications depending on the force and location of impact.
Symptoms of a closed brain injury may vary from mild concussions to severe traumatic effects like memory loss, cognitive impairment, or even long-term disabilities.
Penetrating Brain Injury
A penetrating brain injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and penetrates the brain tissue. This type of injury can result from various incidents such as gunshot wounds, stabbings, or traumatic accidents where sharp objects enter the skull. The severity of a penetrating brain injury depends on factors like the size and velocity of the object causing the trauma.
The damage caused by a penetrating brain injury can be localized to one area or affect multiple regions of the brain. This can lead to cognitive impairments, motor deficits, and sensory disturbances.
Immediate medical attention is essential in cases of penetrating brain injuries to minimize further damage and improve outcomes.
Recovery from a penetrating brain injury may be lengthy and challenging, requiring intensive rehabilitation therapy tailored to address specific cognitive and physical deficits resulting from the trauma.
Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Suffering a traumatic brain injury can have severe consequences that impact every aspect of a person’s life. Daily tasks like walking, talking, or even remembering things may become overwhelming hurdles.
Emotional changes are also common after a brain injury, leading to mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Relationships may strain as individuals struggle to regulate their emotions effectively. Additionally, returning to work or school may pose significant challenges due to the cognitive deficits resulting from the injury.
In some cases, traumatic brain injuries may result in permanent disability or even death.
When Should You Hire a Brain Injury Attorney?
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence or intentional harm, it may be beneficial to hire an attorney. Here are some situations where hiring a personal injury attorney may be necessary:
When You Need Help Navigating Legal Processes
Dealing with legal processes can be overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of a brain injury. An attorney can guide you through the complicated legal system and handle all the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
When You Need Assistance in Proving Fault
In cases where someone else is responsible for your brain injury, proving fault is essential in obtaining compensation. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with medical professionals to build a case.
When You Are Facing Financial Hardship
Traumatic brain injuries can result in significant financial burdens, such as medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. Hiring an attorney can help you pursue compensation for these expenses and ease some of the financial strain.
When You Want to Explore Your Legal Options
Understanding all avenues available when seeking compensation for a brain injury is essential. A knowledgeable attorney can explain all potential options so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Let Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello Fight for You
Brain injuries can have devastating consequences, impacting every aspect of a person’s life. A brain injury attorney can help you fight for compensation you might be entitled to.
Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello have been fighting for the people of Louisiana for over 50 years. We’re committed to excellence, and our legal team is ready to help you. Contact us for a free consultation.