TBI: A LIFE-CHANGING BRAIN INJURY

The month of March is recognized as Brain Injury Awareness Month, in which the causes and consequences of brain injury and the need for greater awareness about it is observed. There are many causes of brain injuries that can be devastating, and our trusted firm has far-reaching experience with helping clients who have been affected by brain injuries such a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that TBI contributes to a substantial number cases of permanent disability. The CDC defines TBI as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. Brain injury is unpredictable in its consequences, according to the Brain Injury Association of America.

The severity of a TBI may range from a brief change in mental status or consciousness an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. Symptoms include cognitive defects, loss of IQ, memory loss, depression, mood swings or loss of motor skills. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as a suspected severe brain injury occurred and after you see a doctor, so you can know what can be done to help you legally.

Diagnosing brain injury and determining injury severity are two different things, so there is usually further assessment after diagnosis. No two brain injuries are exactly alike because the effects of a brain injury are complex and vary greatly from person to person. Sometimes the effects of a TBI are not immediately noticeable to the naked eye, such as swellings in the brain or internal bleeding. Symptoms of TBI also go unnoticed and deemed as minor when only headaches and momentary forgetfulness occur. An experienced physician is essential to properly diagnose a brain injury.

Brain injury is the start of a lifelong process for many people and requires continuing treatment and support for an individual and his or her family. Their choices, goals, and backgrounds must always be taken into consideration. Living with a TBI can require a range of resources too, and it takes an experienced attorney who has handled these types of brain damages in the past to successfully get you or your loved one in for medical tests to determine the full extent of the brain injury to obtain maximum compensation.              

At our law firm, we understand that a person with a brain injury is a person first, and will treat the individual with respect. We are trial attorneys who are not afraid to take a traumatic brain injury claim to court. When you or your loved one has suffered a TBI or other serious brain injury, let us help you get the compensation you deserve to build a new life around your injury. If you have any questions, we are here for you.

For a full list of potential symptoms of a brain injury, you can view the Mayo Clinic’s article here.