Brain injuries can leave their victims permanently disabled‚ and in the worst cases‚ individuals can experience a loss of cognitive functioning and motor skills. Simply put‚ life may never be the same for the sufferer of a brain injury‚ but certain therapies and medical treatments may be able to improve their quality of life. Hire an experienced Carlsbad brain injury attorney from Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers if you are injured by an accident and have significant head injuries.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are complex and often devastating conditions that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. A TBI occurs when the brain is damaged due to a sudden and violent blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move back and forth inside the skull. This movement can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and mood changes.
TBIs can be classified into different types, including concussions, contusions, and penetrating injuries. Concussions are the most common type of TBI and are often caused by a blow to the head or a sudden stop, such as in a car accident. Contusions are bruises on the brain, while penetrating injuries occur when an object pierces the skull and damages the brain.
The effects of a TBI can be long-lasting and may require ongoing medical attention and therapy. In some cases, TBIs can lead to permanent disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you or a loved one has suffered a head injury.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Car accidents: Car accidents are a leading cause of brain injuries, particularly those involving high-speed collisions or rollovers.
- Falls: Falls are a common cause of brain injuries, especially among older adults and young children.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports, such as football and hockey, can increase the risk of brain injuries.
- Assaults: Physical assaults, such as those involving a blow to the head, can cause brain injuries.
- Medical malpractice: Medical errors, such as surgical mistakes or medication overdoses, can lead to brain injuries.
In many cases, brain injuries are preventable, and taking steps to reduce the risk of injury can make a significant difference. Wearing seatbelts, helmets, and other protective gear can help prevent brain injuries in car accidents and sports.
Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries
Most traumatic brain injury treatments are expensive and must be administered over a period of many years. After a traumatic brain injury‚ you may find yourself responsible for the following types of therapies:
- Neurosurgery
- Medications
- Physical and rehabilitative therapy
- Mental health treatment
Severe traumatic brain injuries can lead to significant medical expenses and the need for extensive life care plans due to long-term complications and financial implications.
After an injury‚ a patient may need help learning to perform basic tasks again‚ and in severe cases‚ extreme personality changes can occur. When an individual or family is responsible for shouldering the cost of the treatments above‚ they can expect to spend upwards of $100‚000.
Concussions
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injuries‚ and they are most frequently caused by a sudden and direct blow to the head. The physiological impact of a concussion is usually temporary‚ and most of the time‚ patients do not lose consciousness. Some of the most common effects of concussions include:
- Severe headache
- Deterioration of coordination and balance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of memory
- Disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
Other symptoms‚ such as ringing in the ears‚ delayed response time‚ fatigue‚ and irritability are also observed. Some individuals suffering from concussions are unaware‚ and as time progresses‚ the injury worsens. A concussion is one of the mildest types of brain injuries‚ and when treated promptly and efficiently‚ most patients make a full recovery. However, it is important to recognize that concussions can lead to serious injury, emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention to prevent severe long-term effects and substantial medical costs.
The Cost of Brain Injuries
The cost of brain injuries can be substantial, both financially and emotionally. Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation, can be overwhelming. In addition to medical costs, brain injury victims may also face lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and ongoing therapy and treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the estimated annual cost of brain injuries in the United States in 2019 is around $4.2 trillion. This includes the $40.6 billion annual healthcare costs of nonfatal TBIs.
In addition to the financial costs, brain injuries can also have a significant emotional toll on victims and their families. The physical and emotional pain, as well as the loss of independence and quality of life, can be devastating.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, it is essential to seek the help of a qualified personal injury attorney. A brain injury lawyer in Carlsbad can help you handle the complex process of seeking compensation for your injuries and ensure that you receive the medical attention and support you need to recover.
Cases Involving Negligence
If your brain injury was caused by someone else’s irresponsible or negligent actions, you may have a valid personal injury claim to seek financial compensation. Traumatic brain injuries are often caused by car accidents, physical assaults, slips and falls, and sport activities, but if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, the law may allow you to hold that person liable. Individuals and entities often have an obligation to keep others safe, and when they fail to do this, they are placing the lives of others in danger.
To win a lawsuit, you must establish that the other party is directly responsible for your injury. You must do this by proving that the other party had a duty to engage in certain actions, but failed to. For example, if you slipped on ice in the parking lot of a retail store and sustained a brain injury, the retailer could be held liable if they did not adequately clear the parking lot of ice. Since the retailer was open to customers, it had a duty to ensure that those customers were safe. You could also pursue a case with a Carlsbad brain injury lawyer if the retailer failed to warn customers of potentially slippery areas.
Contact Us
Here at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know that a traumatic brain injury can leave a lasting impact on its victim. Carlsbad brain injury attorneys play a crucial role in supporting individuals who have suffered such injuries due to accidents involving negligence. When you work with a Carlsbad personal injury attorney at our office, you can be sure that you will be treated with respect and compassion. To discuss your case, contact our brain injury attorneys in Carlsbad now at (619) 233-5020. Our firm can get you the compensation you deserve.
