Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of disability and death in the U.S. In fact, TBIs account for approximately 30 percent of all injury deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This type of injury occurs due to physical trauma to the brain and head, such as a bump, blow, shaking, or penetration. Brain injuries can range from mild to severe but in all cases there is some level of disruption to the brain’s normal functioning
- Edema. Cerebral edema is a swelling of the brain which increases the pressure inside the skull. Excessive swelling can block proper blood flow and oxygen to the brain, resulting in the damage or death of brain cells.
- Skull Fracture. A skull fracture refers to a break in the cranial bone due to a serious blow or impact to the head. While not always, a skull fracture can also cause a brain injury, such as a concussion or internal bleeding.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury. A diffuse axonal injury occurs from blunt trauma to the head. When there is a significant blow to the brain, the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers known as axons can tear resulting in a brain injury.
Secondary brain injuries generally occur in the hours or days after a primary brain injury often as a result of complications. Some examples of secondary brain injuries include ischemia, hydrocephalus, cerebral edema, hypoxia, and hypotension. In rare cases, a victim may suffer from what is known as second impact syndrome. This condition refers to the development of severe neurologic injury or death which occurs when a victim suffers a second concussion before completely recovering from a previous concussion.
Types of Brain Injuries
At our Atlanta law practice, we represent clients suffering from head and brain injury cases. Brain injuries may include primary injuries which consist of injuries sustained at the time of the traumatic event, as well as secondary injuries which refer to changes that occur over a period of time following the primary brain injury. The main types of brain injuries that can occur after an accident include:
- Hematoma. A subdural hematoma is caused by a severe head injury that causes blood to collect outside the brain. The increased pressure inside the skull, coupled with bleeding, makes a subdural hematoma a life-threatening condition.
- Hemorrhage. Cerebral hemorrhages occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures causing bleeding in the brain. The bleeding typically occurs at the time of the accident and can continue which increases pressure in the skull. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and may include headache, confusion, weakness, and possibly paralysis.
- Concussion. Although the effects of a concussion are usually temporary, some victims may experience prolonged impaired cognitive function, sleep disturbances, disorders of smell and taste, and psychological adjustment issues.
Primary Brain Injuries
- Hematoma. A subdural hematoma is caused by a severe head injury that causes blood to collect outside the brain
- Hemorrhage. Blood that collects outside the brain when blood vessels rupture.
- Concussion. A physical impact of the brain within the skull.
- Edema. Swelling of the brain which increases the pressure inside the skull.
- Skull Fracture. A break in the cranial bone due to a serious blow or impact to the head.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury. When there is a significant blow to the brain, the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers known as axons can tear resulting in a brain injury.
Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can develop for a wide range of reasons. However, most often brain injuries occur due to a violent jolt or blow to the head. These traumatic brain injuries can cause significant swelling and bleeding in the brain which damage nerve cells and impair mental functioning. While most types of traumatic brain injuries can be treated, there is often lingering effects that can impact your daily life and your future. Research has shown that suffering a traumatic brain injury increases a person’s risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative and neurological disorders.
Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. A fall down the stairs due to an absent or faulty railing, a fall from a ladder due to a defective ladder, or a slip and fall caused by the negligence of a retail store can all lead to brain injuries. Motor vehicle accidents can also cause significant head and brain injuries due to the force of the moving vehicle and the impact of the head against surfaces like the dashboard. The final most common cause of brain injuries includes colliding with or being struck by an object, such as a baseball.
Contact Attorney Anita Lamar
Traumatic brain injuries are unlike any other type of injury, making these cases more complex. It is not always easy to prove the existence of a brain injury without undergoing a thorough investigation of the case and obtaining expert testimony from medical professionals. Due to these challenges, it is important to work alongside an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
Why Choose Lamar Law Office
Hospitalization and treatment following a serious brain injury can be lengthy and ongoing. Brain damage may leave a victim unable to return to work or even perform basic daily tasks. As medical bills start to pile up, families may start to suffer the financial repercussions of the brain injury. At Lamar Law Office, we understand that a brain injury can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Therefore, you should be compensated for the damages you had to incur due to the fault of someone else. If you or someone you love is the victim of a brain injury accident, you will need a seasoned personal injury lawyer to represent you.
At Lamar Law Office, our personal injury lawyer has years of experience working with traumatic brain injury victims and their families. Our team works hard to determine the full economic and non-economic expenses of these injuries to ensure that our clients are able to recover the compensation that they are legally entitled to. With the help of our experienced Atlanta lawyer, brain injury victims are often rewarded compensation for current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Lamar Law Office, we can help you move forward with your brain injury case and seek the justice that you deserve for your injuries. For more information about brain injury claims or for a free case evaluation with attorney Anita Lamar, contact Lamar Law Office today.
