A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a serious injury that can be caused by a forceful external blow to the head, a sudden jolt to the body, or a penetrating head injury. A TBI directly impacts brain functionality leading to catastrophic injury or possibly death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 153 people in the U.S. die from TBI-related injuries every day, contributing to about 30% of all injury deaths. Slip and falls account for about half of all TBI hospitalizations.
Traumatic Brain Injuries can happen to anyone involved in a serious accident. When a head injury is the result of a car accident or another personal injury incident, it is essential to seek medical attention as quickly as possible, even if there are no immediate signs of major injury.
The Importance of Hiring a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
If a head injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney as quickly as possible. Attorneys who specialize in TBI cases can help you seek the help of specialists, understand the special circumstances of your claim, and help you seek complete damages.
Our Kern County award-winning team of personal injury attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates is known for our expertise in handling cases of catastrophic injury, including TBI, resulting from explosions and workplace injuries. Serious cases involving threatening injuries require time, talent, and resources that the firm is prepared to provide in order to obtain the best possible compensation for each situation.
Severity and Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Although mild TBIs account for about 80% of all brain injuries, moderate and severe TBIs are considered a primary cause of injury-induced death and severe disability in the United States. While all TBIs affect the neurons in the brain, doctors use three main variations of TBI to measure the scope and treatment of an injury:
- Mild TBI, also known as a concussion, is typically the result of closed brain injuries, such as being struck in the head by an object, or if a nearby explosion impacts the head. Usually, the injured person remains awake or experiences a brief laps of unconsciousness.
- Moderate TBI
- Severe TBI refers to the injured person being in a coma state for at least six hours due to significant hemorrhaging, contusions, or hematoma among other life-threatening concerns.
There are three general categories of injuries that are known to cause TBIs:
- A crushing injury occurs when the skull is struck or compressed by an object, injuring the brain as a result.
- A penetrating brain injury typically happens when the skull is cracked, and the brain is directly impacted, bruised, or punctured.
- Closed head injuries are the most common form of TBI and also have the highest potential to go unrecognized and untreated. A closed head injury happens as a result of direct force and causes the head to move quickly in one direction, forcibly pushing the brain against the skull and causing significant damage to cells and tissues.
Major Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can be the result of any significant incident that impacts the head in a major way. Some of the most common causes of TBI include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Crushing injuries
- Assault
- Workplace Injuries
- Explosions
Lasting Affects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Surviving victims of traumatic brain injuries are often left to live with disabilities that significantly impact their daily lives and directly affect their quality of life. If negligence played a role in causing the TBI, it is possible to file a lawsuit against the negligent party to hold them accountable for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and future earnings. Examples of long-term effects of a TBI include:
- Cognitive impairments such as coma, confusion, memory problems, and amnesia
- Motor impairments such as paralysis, tremors, or spasticity
- Sensory or perceptual impairments such as loss of hearing, sight, or touch
- Onset medical conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychiatric disturbances including suicidal behavior.
Speak to a California Brain Injury Attorney Today
Anytime you or a loved one are involved in a serious accident that results in injury or wrongful death, it is important to contact an attorney as quickly as possible to initiate a claim and understand the best next steps for your case. Working with an experienced attorney who can advocate for your rights and guide you through the claims process is essential.
Rodriguez & Associates is a recognized leader in handling serious cases across the state of California. Contact our team of award-winning attorneys today to discuss your case and identify your optimal path to full financial recovery.