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Brain Injury Lawyers
What is Traumatic Brain Injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.
At least 5.3 million Americans—2% of the U.S. population—currently live with disabilities resulting from TBI (Thurman 1999). This estimate is based on the number of people hospitalized with TBI each year and does not include people seen in Emergency Departments who were not admitted to the hospital, those seen in private doctor's offices, and those who do not receive medical care. In addition, an estimated 15% of persons who sustain a mild brain injury continue to experience negative consequences one year after injury (Guerrero et al 2000).
TBI can cause seizure disorders such as epilepsy (Hauser 1993). Repeated mild brain injuries occurring over an extended period of time (i.e., months, years) can result in cumulative neurological and cognitive deficits. Repeated mild brain injuries occurring within a short period of time (i.e., hours, days, or weeks) can be catastrophic or fatal (CDC 1997a).
A brain injury may cause problems with:
- Cognition—concentration, memory, judgment, and mood;
- Movement abilities—strength, coordination, and balance;
- Sensation—tactile sensation and special senses such as vision;
- Emotion—instability and impulsivity (Thurman 1999).
Causes of Brain Injury
The leading causes of TBI are firearm use, falls, vehicle crashes including car accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and recreational vehicles. (Thurman 2001).
About Brain Injury
A blow or jolt to the head can disrupt the normal function of the brain. Doctors often call this type of brain injury a “concussion” or a “closed head injury.” Doctors may describe these injuries as “mild” because concussions are usually not life threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious.
After a concussion, some people lose consciousness or are “knocked out” for a short time, but not always — you can have a brain injury without losing consciousness. Some people are simply dazed or confused. Sometimes whiplash can cause a concussion.
Because the brain is very complex, every brain injury is different. Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not show up for days or weeks after the concussion. Sometimes the injury makes it hard for people to recognize or to admit that they are having problems.
The signs of concussion can be subtle. Early on, problems may be missed by patients, family members, and doctors. People may look fine even though they’re acting or feeling differently.
Because all brain injuries are different, so is recovery. Most people with mild injuries recover fully, but it can take time. Some symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer.
In general, recovery is slower in older persons. Also, persons who have had a concussion in the past may find that it takes longer to recover from their current injury.
Medical Help
People with a concussion need to be seen by a doctor. Most people with concussions are treated in an emergency department or a doctor’s office. Some people must stay in the hospital overnight for further treatment.
Sometimes the doctors may do a CT scan of the brain or do other tests to help diagnose your injuries. Even if the brain injury doesn’t show up on these tests, you may still have a concussion.
Your doctor will send you home with important instructions to follow. For example, your doctor may ask someone to wake you up every few hours during the first night and day after your injury.
Be sure to carefully follow all your doctor’s instructions. If you are already taking any medicines — prescription, over-the-counter, or “natural remedies” — or if you are drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs, tell your doctor. Also, talk with your doctor if you are taking “blood thinners” (anticoagulant drugs) or aspirin, because these drugs may increase your chances of complications. If it’s all right with your doctor, you may take acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol®* or Panadol®*) for headache or neck pain.
Danger Signs — Adults
In rare cases, along with a concussion, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain and crowd the brain against the skull. Contact your doctor or emergency department right away if, after a blow or jolt to the head, you have any of these danger signs:
- Headaches that get worse
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting
The people checking on you should take you to an emergency department right away if you:
- Cannot be awakened
- Have one pupil — the black part in the middle of the eye — larger than the other
- Have convulsions or seizures
- Have slurred speech
- Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
Danger Signs — Children
Take your child to the emergency department right away if the child has received a blow or jolt to the head and:
- Has any of the danger signs for adults listed on page 4
- Won’t stop crying
- Can’t be consoled
- Won’t nurse or eat
To protect your legal rights following a traumatic brain injury, it is generally wise to consult an attorney who is experienced in handling head injury cases, and knowledgeable in medical issues such as spastic cerebral palsy. In the event of a head injury, it is also important that your attorney understand the full extent of physical, mental and emotional disability often resulting from such injuries. An attorney who has handled brain injury cases in the past will be able to prepare your case most effectively. For a free review of your claim, fill out the form provided below. Upon submission, your free consultation form will be sent to the sponsored lawyer for evaluation. That lawyer will personally evaluate your case, contact you to further discuss your situation, or attempt to refer you to a qualified lawyer who may be able to assist you. Please be advised that by submitting a free consultation form, you are not entering into an attorney client relationship with the individual firm or lawyer.
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