Traumatic Brain Injuries
Experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have significant repercussions on one’s life, including impacting a person’s ability to work, resulting in long-term disabilities, and affecting overall brain function.If your brain injury resulted from an accident that could have been prevented, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your harm.
A traumatic brain injury lawyer can assist in obtaining financial compensation from negligent parties, as a brain injury may result in increased medical bills and the need for additional financial support.
We are Ganim Legal P.C., a brain injury law firm led by Attorney Paul Ganim, who possesses over 30 years of experience in diverse personal injury or catastrophic injury cases that involve brain injury victims. We are the law firm that accompanies you in your journey to adequate compensation.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI or intracranial injury, happens when the brain is injured by an outside force. These injuries can be classified based on how they happened, how severe they are, or other factors like where they occurred.
TBIs can cause a range of problems, from mild headaches to long-lasting disabilities or even death. They can affect your thinking, behavior, physical abilities, and quality of life
If you have a brain injury, it’s important to get medical help right away. Some symptoms may show up immediately, but others can get worse over time if the injury isn’t treated.
Because these severe injuries can be complicated, it’s crucial to gather as much documentation as possible to use as evidence if you need to build a case and prove what happened.
What Are the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury That Exist?
There are several different types of traumatic brain injuries, each with its own characteristics and potential impact on an individual’s life. Understanding the different types can help victims and their families better comprehend the extent of the injury and seek appropriate legal action or medical treatment.
There are several types of major traumatic brain injuries:
Open Head Injury
An open head injury occurs when there is a break in the skull, such as from a fracture or puncture wound. This type of injury can result in damage to specific areas of the brain and may require surgical intervention.
Skull Fractures
Skull fractures occur when the bone of the skull is broken, leading to brain damage. This type of injury can result in damage to specific areas of the brain and may require surgical intervention.
Closed Head Injury
Closed brain injuries, also known as closed head injuries, occur when there is a non-penetrating injury to the brain without any break in the skull. They are typically caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent motion that causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild form of TBI that occurs when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull. It can temporarily affect brain function and may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
Contusion
A contusion is a bruise on the brain that occurs when the brain tissue is damaged due to a direct impact. Contusions can lead to swelling and bleeding in the brain, causing various symptoms depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Penetrating Head Injuries
A penetrating injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. This type of injury can cause extensive damage to specific areas of the brain and may require immediate medical intervention. These injuries can also involve other types of brain injuries, such as hemorrhages, at the same time.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
DAI is a severe form of TBI that occurs when the brain rapidly shifts or rotates inside the skull. This movement can cause nerve fibers in the brain to stretch or tear, resulting in widespread damage. DAI often leads to long-term cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury
Coup-contrecoup injury is a type of TBI that occurs when there is a forceful impact to the head, causing the brain to strike against the opposite side of the skull. This can result in two areas of damage – one at the site of impact (coup) and another on the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup). Coup-contrecoup injuries can cause extensive damage and may require specialized medical care and rehabilitation.
What Are the Usual Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Recognizing the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. TBIs can manifest a range of symptoms, varying in intensity and duration. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may develop over time. It’s essential to be aware of these signs as they can impact an individual’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Sleep disturbances
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Cognitive Impairment Symptoms:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory loss or amnesia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed processing of information
- Slurred speech and communication problems
- Emotional Symptoms:
- Mood swings or irritability
- Depression or anxiety
- Aggression or agitation
- Changes in personality
- Emotional Distress
- Apathy or lack of motivation
If any of these symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is advised to ensure proper care and recovery, especially after a head injury.
It does not matter how mild you believe your symptoms are. If you have recently suffered any of these symptoms, get medical assistance.
What Can Cause a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Seeking traumatic brain injury lawyers after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial in ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve. TBIs can result from various incidents, such as slip-and-fall accidents, auto accidents, workplace accidents, truck accidents, physical assault, sports-related injuries, or even medical malpractice. Regardless of the cause, it is important to recognize the symptoms of TBIs and take immediate steps to seek medical attention and gather necessary documentation.
Traumatic brain injuries can occur due to various causes, including:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Intentional and unintentional blunt-force trauma
- Motor Vehicle accidents
- Physical assault
- Sports injuries
- Medical negligence
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
At Ganim Legal P.C., we can guide you through the different traumatic brain injury claims for maximum compensation. Schedule a free consultation to assess your situation and determine your possibilities.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Suspected TBI
Whenever you think you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you must try your best to remain calm. Traumatic brain injuries often alter the state of mind—at least temporarily—so it is very important to maintain your calm so as not to worsen your symptoms. Then, immediately seek medical attention before the symptoms get any worse.
Whenever you receive medical attention, you should also gather the following forms of documentation:
- Medical prescriptions
- Medical tests (CT scans, x-rays, etc.)
- Documented medical visits
- Medical examinations
Hiring a Brain Injury Lawyer to Assist with Your Personal Injury Claim
A brain injury lawyer specializes in the complexities of TBI cases, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Such personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the medical aspects of TBIs and how they impact the victim’s life, enabling them to present a compelling case. They also understand the long-term costs associated with TBIs, which can include the following:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced earning capacity
- Wrongful death
A personal injury law firm’sexperience is crucial in quantifying these damages for adequate compensation.
Moreover, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming for brain injury survivors and their families. A traumatic brain injury attorney takes on the burden of legal proceedings, allowing the victim to focus on recovery. They deal with insurance companies, gather necessary evidence, and represent the victim in court if needed. Their negotiation skills are key in securing settlements that truly reflect the physical and emotional toll of the injury. Their guidance is indispensable in ensuring a fair legal process and outcome.
Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a life-altering event, affecting not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being and financial stability. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, it is crucial to hire a qualified brain injury lawyer to handle your brain injury lawsuit.
Compensation for Medical Costs
One of the most significant aspects of seeking legal help after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is ensuring you receive compensation for your medical bills. TBIs often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation therapy, and ongoing medication.
A skilled traumatic brain injury attorney will work diligently to gather all necessary evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the resulting medical costs. They will consult with medical professionals to accurately assess your current and future medical needs, ensuring you receive fair compensation for all past, present, and future medical expenses related to your TBI.
Compensation for Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
A severe brain injury can result in significant time away from work, causing a loss of income and financial strain. In some cases, the effects of a TBI may be so severe that the victim is unable to return to their previous job or earn the same income as before. A brain injury lawyer will work to calculate and seek compensation for these lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
They will gather evidence such as employment records, pay stubs, and expert testimony to demonstrate the financial impact of the TBI on your ability to work and earn income. They will consider factors such as your age, education, skills, and the job market to assess the long-term financial consequences of your injury accurately. This compensation is essential for ensuring you can support yourself and maintain financial stability despite the limitations caused by your TBI.
Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiating a settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involves detailed discussions with fault parties or their insurers. This is a critical step where a personal injury attorney’s legal expertise is vital. This process involves engaging in discussions with insurance companies or the responsible party’s legal representation to reach an agreement that adequately compensates the victim for their injuries and losses. A lawyer skilled in TBI cases will negotiate with insurance companies or opposing counsel to reach a fair settlement. Their experience in such negotiations is crucial, as they understand the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts.
How We Can Assist You
These are some of the ways in which Ganim Legal P.C. helps you:
- Determine the amount of compensation for your traumatic brain injury
- Assess the several adjacent non-economic damage claims
- Figure out the scope of your traumatic brain injury
- Evaluate liabilities
- Become your advocate for damage compensation
Schedule your free initial consultation with a Ganim Legal P.C. representative today.
