The brain is the most important organ in the human body. It controls even the most basic functions. It allows us to walk, talk, think, and breathe. Because of this, any injury to the brain is serious. A traumatic brain injury can change your life forever and affect the ones you love. If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury due to an accident, a California brain injury lawyer can help you through the recovery process.
There are two different types of acquired brain injuries, traumatic brain injury, and a non-traumatic brain injury. Common causes of brain injuries typically are a result of an external factor (such as a strike to the head), whereas a non-traumatic injury happens because of an internal factor (such as a stroke or a tumor). Every year, more than 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, often referred to as TBIs. But what exactly is a traumatic brain injury?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, a traumatic brain injury occurs as the result of a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury that disrupts the normal functions of the brain. The term is broad and covers a wide range of injuries. A TBI can range from a concussion to a serious skull fracture and brain bleed.
A traumatic brain injury can create a life-threatening emergency. Because of this, emergency room staff will perform a thorough exam to rule out the possibility of a TBI. Doctors use many tools to determine the extent of your injury. Your account of the injury and the symptoms you experience can affect the tests the doctor feels are necessary. Some initial tests may include:
The scary thing about traumatic brain injuries is that symptoms often don’t appear right away. Some injuries can take days or even weeks to present symptoms. But ignoring symptoms of a TBI can prove fatal; that’s why you need to know common symptoms of a TBI and know when to see a doctor.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that you see a doctor right away if you exhibit any TBI symptoms. For children, you need to take extra precaution. Whenever a child sustains a head injury, you should always take them to the doctor, even if no visible symptoms present themselves.
Common symptoms to look for after an accident include:
The symptoms of a TBI will vary from person to person. If you experience any unusual symptoms after a head injury, seek medical care immediately. For a more extensive list of symptoms, click here.
Traumatic brain injuries can happen to anyone, of any age, at any place. In fact, you do not even need to strike your had to suffer a TBI. Statistically, young adults, children four and younger, and adults older than 60 are at the highest risk of suffering a TBI. Males of any age are more likely to have a TBI than females. Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Young children and older adults are more likely to suffer from a fall injury. The CDC reports that falls caused 49 percent of all TBI related emergency room visits for children younger than 17. A staggering 81 percent of all TBI-related ER visits for adults aged 65 and above were fall-related. For young children, falls from trees, playground equipment, and bikes can cause a brain injury.
In 2014, motor vehicle accidents were the second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations, accounting for 20 percent of these hospitalizations. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of death for TBI-related injuries for young adults ages 15 to 24, adults between the ages of 25 and 34, and older adults ages 75 and older. A motor vehicle accident can cause the head to violently thrash around the vehicle and strike other objects. Serious motor vehicle accidents also carry a high risk of a penetrating head wound.
People are paying more and more attention to sports-related head injuries. Studies are beginning to show the long-term effects frequent blows can have on the brain. High-risk sports include football, cycling, basketball, and baseball/softball. According to the AANS, these sports accounted for the highest number of TBI injuries. While swimming may not seem like a high-impact sport, an injury can occur when a swimmer hits the bottom or sides of the pool or collides with another swimmer.
Domestic violence and assault are also common causes of traumatic brain injuries, but these injuries often go unreported. Common causes include blows to the head, gunshot wounds, and stab wounds.
The AANS estimates that traumatic brain injuries incur a direct and indirect cost between $48 billion and $65 billion per year. Extensive injuries can cause lifelong effects. Hospital care and other ongoing services can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, a personal injury attorney can help you recover some of these costs. Common costs associated with traumatic brain injuries include:
Hospital stays are often the most expensive part of a traumatic brain injury. Even a minor injury can cost several thousand dollars. Long term stays can easily top $100,000. In some cases, the patient may never leave the hospital.
A brain injury can have a traumatic effect on the rest of the body. In severe cases, the brain may forget how to perform basic functions, including walking and talking. A physical therapist can help a patient relearn these skills. Physical therapy is often extensive, requiring several sessions a week. This therapy may take place in an inpatient or outpatient facility.
Like physical therapy, speech therapy can help a patient recover after a severe injury. A brain injury can involve all levels of speech, including memory recall, enunciation, and word recognition. Speech therapy can require months or years of ongoing treatment.
After a patient is discharged from the hospital, they may require around-the-clock nursing care. Your personal insurance may or may not cover this cost. Nurses can help with rehabilitation, monitor vital signs, and administer medication.
Some traumatic brain injuries can leave the patient in a persistent vegetative state. This means that they have been in a coma for at least one year. These patients need around-the-clock care. As a loved one, you may find that you do not have the resources to provide this care in your own home. Long-term care facilities provide a room for your loved one and on-site medical care. LongTermCare.gov reports that on average, a private room at a long-term care facility costs $253 per day (or $7,698 per month).
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury can affect the victim and their family emotionally and mentally. It’s not uncommon to feel confusion, anger, depression, and hopelessness. In many cases, a psychologist can help the victim and their loved ones adjust to their new normal and teach them techniques to deal with the associated trauma. This may require extensive treatment and services.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause chronic pain, difficulties focusing, and other neurological problems. Medications can help a patient recover after a TBI. In many cases, the patient will require these medications for the rest of their life. Often, several medications are necessary, increasing the overall cost.
After an injury, a person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury may be unable to or have difficulty getting around. In many cases, adaptive devices and other modifications help make the transition home easier. Common modifications include:
These are all extremely expensive treatments, but depending on the cause of the injury, you may be eligible for compensation. A personal injury claim can help you recover the costs associated with your injury. While the specific amount you can recover will depend on the severity and circumstances surrounding your injury, common damages include:
Traumatic brain injuries are different than any other type of injury. These injuries can change a victim’s life dramatically. But it’s more than that: Traumatic brain injuries affect the entire family. They require tremendous financial resources and can be physically and emotionally draining for everyone involved. Thats why seeking legal assistance through a skilled brain injury firm is within your best interest.
Money can’t take away the pain and trauma that you and your family feel, but it can take away some of the financial burdens.
Understanding your rights after a traumatic brain injury can help you begin to heal and move on. Sadly, insurance companies often undervalue injuries and try to get away with giving you less than you deserve. By contacting an experienced TBI attorney they can help you fight for a fair and just settlement. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights.
John Gomez founded the firm alone in 2005. Today, John acts as President and Lead Trial Attorney. He has been voted by his peers as a top ten San Diego litigator in three separate fields: Personal Injury, Insurance and Corporate Litigation. Since 2000, he has recovered over $800 million in settlements and verdicts for his clients with more than 160 separate recoveries of one million dollars or more. A prolific trial lawyer, John has tried to jury verdict more than 60 separate cases.
no fees unless we recover money on your behalf
No Fees Unless We Recover Money On Your Behalf