Brain Injuries

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head, the head suddenly and violently hitting an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Observing one of the following clinical signs constitutes alteration in the normal brain function:

• Loss of or decreased consciousness
• Loss of memory for events before or after the event (amnesia)
• Focal neurological deficits such as muscle weakness, loss of vision, change in speech
• Alteration in mental state such as disorientation, slow thinking or difficulty concentrating
• Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. Mild cases may result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness. Severe cases may result in extended periods of unconsciousness, coma, or even death.
• Seizures may occur sporadically or repeatedly

When considering whether to bring a brain injury lawsuit, a brain injury attorney needs to take the time to really understand the brain injury victim and the type of traumatic brain injury that they have. This is all done with the end goal of helping the client recover from their traumatic brain injury, and get as close as possible to the state they were in prior to the injury. Read here for more information on the different types of traumatic brain injuries. 

Traumatic Brain Injury Causes

The main causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) depend on the type of head injury:

• Falls. This is the most common cause in adults age 65 and older
• Motor vehicle crashes. This is the most common cause in young adults 
• Sports injuries  
• Being struck by an object
• Child abuse. This is the most common cause in children under age 4
• Blast injuries due to explosions

A brain injury lawyer should be able to create a roadmap from the cause of a brain injury to its treatment, and finally the client’s recovery for their brain injury. 

Brain Injury Symptoms

Brain injuries are more common than most people realize, and they often go undiagnosed. The CDC estimates that more than 1.5 million people suffer a brain injury each year. Of those, 85,000 suffer a long term disability; 50,000 die. Severe head trauma can impair physical and cognitive functions or even render the victim comatose, but even seemingly minor accidents can lead to serious brain injuries. Know the signs and symptoms in order to diagnose and treat a head injury as quickly as possible:

• • Dizziness
  • Memory loss
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Changes in vision or hearing
  • Sleep problems
  • Slurred speech, trouble finding words
  • Emotional changes, depression, etc.

Read here for more information on how traumatic brain injuries occur and the symptoms that result.

How a Brain Injury Lawyer at Haffner & Morgan Can Help

The cost, time, and stress that results after a traumatic brain injury is often overwhelming. If you believe your injury was the result of another’s negligence, or if you have insurance that you believe should cover your injury, the attorneys at Haffner & Morgan can help you in both your financial and physical recovery. Consultations are available at no cost to you, and no fees are taken unless you obtain a settlement or positive jury verdict.