Traumatic Brain Injury

What is a traumatic brain injury?

A sudden blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head or body, which causes the brain to violently impact the skull can result in traumatic brain injury.  Any kind of traumatic brain injury may cause serious complications.  These include cognitive, behavioral, communication, or sensory processing problems.  In the most serious cases, traumatic brain injury may result in stupor, vegetative state, coma, or death.  It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from a traumatic brain injury each year.

Common causes of traumatic brain injury

Negligence causes motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, physical assault, and more.  Auto accidents cause approximately 50 percent of all traumatic brain injury cases in the United States. Another cause of traumatic brain injury is firearms resulting in death 90 percent of the time. The number one cause of traumatic brain injuries in people over the age of 65 are slip and fall accidents. The most common cause of traumatic brain injury in infants and young children are violent shaking and child abuse. 

A number of cases are the result of medical malpractice. Some malpractice-related causes of traumatic brain injury include:

• Misdiagnoses or failure to diagnose an injury or ailment.
• Improper use of anesthesia during surgery.
• Trauma due to a surgeon's attempt to correct another problem.

Signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury range from mild to severe depending on the seriousness of the injury and include:

• Persistent headache and neck pain.
• Ringing in your ears.
• Sensitivity to light and/or blurred vision.
• Poor memory.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Slow speech or reading skills.
• Lack of energy or sex drive.
• Change in sleep patterns, like insomnia or oversleeping.
• Mood swings.
• Loss of balance and/or coordination skills.
• Confusion.
• Dizziness.

Moderate or severe cases of traumatic brain injury

These iinclude all the same symptoms as above, but also:

• Vomiting.
• Nausea.
• Seizures.
• Slurred speech.
• Unconsciousness.
• Loss of coordination.
• Agitation.

Many of these symptoms might be attributed to something else, but if you've sustained any type of head trauma, there is a possibility you may have a brain injury. A medical professional can evaluate the extent of the brain injury by administering tests including X-rays, MRIs and computerized tomography (CT). Because these types of injuries can be complex and very expensive as well as difficult it is important to consult an attorney who is experienced in representing victims of Brain Injuries.

What are your legal rights?

You may file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your losses, including but not limited to medical bills and pain and suffering. This depends on your proving the injuries you've suffered are directly related to another party's negligence or wrongdoing. It is wise to seek the advice of a qualified attorney who can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.

A very important fact to remember is that all personal injury law suits are subject to a statue of limitations.  This is the time limit established by state law that a traumatic brain injury victim has to file a claim. It varies by state.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious traumatic brain injury due to another party's negligence or wrongdoing contact the Law Office of Barry J. Simon who is a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney who will protect your legal rights and maximize your interests.