The physical brain damage resulting from sudden impact with an external force, such as the dashboard of a car or a bullet, is known as traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Most traumatic brain injury accidents are preventable and occur because of another party’s recklessness, carelessness, or negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of another’s wrongdoing, you should consult an attorney who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Each year in the United States, 2 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury. Between 70,000 and 90,000 of these individuals are left with significant and irreversible impairments. Approximately 20,000 people will die from a traumatic brain injury each year. Also:
- Males between the ages of 15 and 34 are most likely to suffer TBI.
- People over the age of 75 also comprise a large group of TBI patients.
- TBI is the leading cause of disability in children and young adults.
The physical, cognitive, and emotional changes caused by a traumatic brain injury depend on the location and severity of the injury.
Focal brain damage is confined to a specific area of the brain, usually the area affected directly by the impact.
Diffuse brain damage, common with traumatic brain injury, is the result of the brain moving back and forth inside the skull causing damage to many areas. The major speech and language areas of the brain are often most affected by this type of traumatic brain injury because they sit in pockets that allow for a significant amount of brain movement during a traumatic event. In addition to speech and language problems, this type of traumatic brain injury can leave a patient with sensory disturbances, cognitive impairments and motor system damage.
TBI occurs in three general ways:
- The head being struck with force. A direct blow to the head can be great enough to injure the brain inside the skull. A direct force to the head can also break the skull and directly hurt the brain. This type of injury can occur from car accidents, truck wrecks, motorcycle collisions, firearms, and physical violence, such as being hit or struck with an object.
- The head striking an object. The most common instance of the head striking an object is in falls, often during sports-related activities. Some of the more common activities include tackle football, rugby, skiing, skateboarding, bicycle riding, horseback riding, etc.
- The brain undergoing movement. A rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head can force the brain to move back and forth across the inside of the skull. The stress from the rapid movements pulls apart nerve fibers and causes damage to brain tissue. This type of injury often occurs as a result of motor vehicle crashes and physical violence, such as Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Prompt and proper medical care is crucial in those first few hours and days following the traumatic brain injury. In addition to primary trauma caused by the traumatic event, secondary injuries must be prevented to avoid further damage. Brain bleeding must be mitigated during critical care to avoid further losses. In these initial stages, it can be difficult to assess the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury.
Survivors of a traumatic brain injury are often left with long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits. A survivor may have difficulty concentrating, solving problems, making decisions, processing new information, organizing thoughts, relating to others, and much more. TBI treatment is catered to an individual’s specific impairments. Long-term traumatic brain injury care often involves a team of professionals who specialize in the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation. The aftermath of traumatic brain injury can be arduous for the patient and his or her loved ones, financially and emotionally.
Joe Griffith Law Firm, LLC is able to evaluate traumatic brain injuries and successfully pursue claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff. Additionally, depending on the extent of your injury, you may have a right to public or private benefits such as Social Security disability, Medicare, or private disability insurance payments.
It is always important to consult with an attorney regarding brain injury or traumatic brain injury cases. There are many times when a victim may not be aware of their legal rights, but Top Rated attorney Joe Griffith will quickly determine whether or not you have a right to compensation. JGLF will investigate the facts, assess your claim, determine which parties and insurance companies are to be held responsible, organize all of the details of your case and pursue it vigorously in settlement negotiations or at trial or arbitration. JGLF stands ready and capable to provide its clients the highest caliber of professional service, with a personal touch and a friendly attitude.
More than any other injury, brain injuries or TBIs have greatest potential to alter the lives of afflicted individuals and their families. Call the Joe Griffith Law Firm, LLC to prepare a comprehensive, compelling case for your right to receive compensation and benefits. You can reach JGLF at 843-CALL-JOE (843-225-5563), or contact JGLF via the online form.
