Gomez Trial Attorneys » San Marcos Brain Injury Law Firm

San Marcos Brain Injury Law Firm

Car accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. Do not underestimate the seriousness of head trauma. Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries develop over time, and sometimes do not appear until days or weeks after the initial insult. Depending on the extent of the injury, there may be long-term or even permanent damage. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to an accident, contact Gomez Trial Attorneys for a free consultation.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain. This commonly occurs in car accidents, assaults, and contact sports. Penetration of the brain can also cause TBI. Brain injuries may require rest, medications, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, psychological therapy, and even surgery.

A TBI may initially show no symptoms, or only mild confusion and short-term loss of consciousness. Headaches and memory loss are also common symptoms. It may also result in more severe symptoms that require immediate surgical intervention — periods of unconsciousness, brain bleeding or swelling, persistent lethargy, even total lack of response to stimulation.

Types of TBI

Everyone is familiar with the most common type of TBI, concussion. Another common TBI is contusion, which refers to bruising the brain tissue – scattered areas of bleeding along the surface of the brain. A diffuse axonal injury occurs when the nerve cells stretch or become sheared when the brain moves back and forth very quickly, damaging the nerve axons.

Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when an injury causes bleeding in between the brain and skull. Normally, this space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid that cushions and protects the brain. The fluid is what cushions the brain. When your head is hit hard enough to cause an impact between the brain and skull, small arteries may tear and cause bleeding.

When a blood vessel ruptures, the leaking blood forms a clot, or a hematoma. The clotting helps the cut to stop bleeding. However, if the hematoma is large enough, it can create pressure against the brain, or even lead to compression of the brain. While your veins are capable of absorbing small hematomas, larger clots often require surgery to remove.

TBI Statistics

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that about 2.53 million people visited the emergency department for traumatic brain injuries. Of those, 812,000 were children. Of the 2.53 million people, about 288,000 were hospitalized. 23,000 of those hospitalizations involved children. About 56,800  persons died from TBI, including 2,529 children.

The CDC also found that unintentional acts, including falls (47.9 percent), motor vehicle accidents (13.2 percent) and being hit by something (17.1 percent) were the most common reasons people suffered from a TBI.

Of the TBI-related deaths, intentional self-harm accounted for 32.5 percent, unintentional falls accounted for 28.1 percent and motor vehicle wrecks accounted for 18.7 percent.

For more brain injury statistics and the Gomez Trial Attorneys can be reached at 833-GET GOMEZ (833-438-4663). The experienced brain injury attorneys are ready to answer any questions you may have about your case, just schedule a FREE consultation today.

TBI and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Repeated TBIs may lead to CTE later in life. Football players and other athletes in contact sports who suffer from at least one concussion may develop CTE.

Only an autopsy can conclusively diagnose CTE, although some symptoms may include:

• Problems thinking;
• Emotional issues;
• Physical issues; and
• A change in behavior.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of CTE may appear years after people suffer from head trauma.

Caretakers and TBI

As the symptoms of TBI differ among individuals, so does the length of time a person may experience symptoms. Secondary symptoms, such as psychological and physical issues, make it difficult for caretakers and patients alike to deal with TBI. Unlike a broken bone, which takes approximately six to eight weeks to heal for most, TBI symptoms are unpredictable and could last a few days, many years, or a lifetime.

Those injured in an accident should always contact an attorney if diagnosed with TBI. If the condition has the potential to last many years, victims might be entitled to long-term medical care for TBI-related issues. Because insurance companies aim to make a profit, they are not inclined to provide compensation for long-term illnesses.

A TBI personal injury lawyer can fight for compensation for loss of income, physical and cognitive therapies, and even caregivers if family members are not available to help. If the accident was a result of gross negligence or intentional act, the court may order the defendant to pay punitive damages as a punishment for his or her behavior.

While the extra money doesn’t make you or a loved one suffering from long-term traumatic brain injury whole again, it does help relieve financial stress associated with long-term medical care.

Contact Our San Marcos Brain Injury Attorneys Now

After suffering from a brain injury, contact a San Marcos brain injury lawyer at Gomez Trial Attorneys, or call us at 833-GET GOMEZ (833-438-4663). Even if you are still in the hospital, you or a loved one should not hesitate to contact the office regarding your brain injury.