A traumatic brain injury is a life-altering event for the victim and loved ones alike. Faced with a lengthy recovery, pain, and suffering, and the need for extensive medical care, the physical, emotional and financial burdens can mount quickly. The burdens can be more difficult to bear when a traumatic brain injury is caused by another party’s negligent, reckless or willful misconduct. That’s when it helps to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side.
Sherman Law Firm provides aggressive legal representation to brain injury victims and their loved ones throughout the state of Texas. By learning about your family, understanding your circumstances, and identifying your medical needs, we will design a well-conceived legal strategy to help you win the maximum compensation you deserve. When you become our client, you will have peace of mind, knowing that we will always stand by you.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head or body that results in brain dysfunction. Depending on the circumstances, a severe head or brain injury may lead to:
- Concussion
- Loss of consciousness
- Cognitive impairment
- Skull fracture
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Also, there are specific types of traumatic brain injuries, closed and open:
- Closed TBI — Arises when a blow to the head causes the brain to impact against the skull, which can lead to swelling in the brain or blood clots
- Open TBI — Involves a skull fracture whether caused by a fall or collision, or an object penetrating the skull, such as a bullet or falling debris
A traumatic brain injury is also classified as either mild, moderate, or severe:
- Mild TBI — A period of lost consciousness, confusion or disorientation, lasting for less than 30 minutes
- Moderate TBI — A longer period of unconsciousness, up to 6 hours, and some degree of memory loss
- Severe TBI — Results in an extended period of unconsciousness or a comatose state, as well as significant cognitive impairment
Types of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Common types of brain injuries include:
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- Concussions — Resulting from a blow to or violent shaking of a person’s head
- Contusions — A blow to a person’s head that results in bruising or bleeding
- Diffuse axonal Injury — A strong shaking back and forth or rotation of the head side to side
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- Penetration Injury — A sharp object (e.g. knife, a bullet, or a falling object), penetrates the skull
- Anoxic Brain Injury — Complete lack of oxygen to the brain
- Hypoxic Brain Injury — Decreased oxygen to the brain
Symptoms and Treatment of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injury symptoms range from mild to severe, including:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sleep and/or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irritability, anxiety, and depression
A mild traumatic brain injury is typically treated with rest and over-the-counter pain medication, however, the victim must be closely monitored for persistent or worsening symptoms, and physical activities should be avoided until the victim is cleared by a doctor.
A moderate or severe TBI will require immediate emergency care to make sure the brain has an adequate supply of blood and oxygen. In some cases, surgery may be needed to prevent injuries from worsening or minimizing damage caused by inflammation, bleeding or lack of oxygen.
The Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can have lasting consequences, such as:
- Cognitive impairments (e.g. memory loss)
- Weakness in the extremities
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Hearing or vision loss
A severe brain injury may even lead to changes in the victim’s personality, while some brain injury victims are left with impaired social skills, are unable to perform their usual work, lose the ability to concentrate, or experience mood swings and depression.
Also, many brain injury victims require rehabilitation to relearn basic skills such as walking or talking. Severely injured victims may not be able to care for themselves, requiring assistance with basic daily functions — dressing, eating and bathing. Ultimately, brain injury victims require prolonged medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation; permanently disabled victims will need lifelong care.
Contact Our Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
Our attorneys understand that you may have concerns. Where can I find proper medical care? How will I pay for the medical expenses? Will I ever get back to my normal routine? We can help with those concerns by obtaining the compensation that considers all of your future medical and financial needs. While many brain injury cases can be resolved through a complex negotiation with an insurance company, if an insurer fails to make a reasonable settlement offer, we will take them to court. Above all, we will always put your best interests first, and never stop fighting for you. Please contact our office today to speak with our attorneys.