TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Personal Injury Lawyer Phoenix, AZ

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction, according to the Mayo Clinic. Falls are the most common cause of TBI, especially in older adults and young children.  Another common cause: vehicle-related collisions involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Mild TBI may cause temporary brain dysfunction.  Serious TBI, however, may result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding, and other physical damage to the brain that may lead to long-term complications or death.  Many of the following factors may play a role in the severity of TBI:

  • Brain damage may be limited to the area directly below the injured portion of the skull
  • Blows to the head may cause multiple points of damage as the brain may move back and forth in the skull during a traumatic event
  • Spinning jolts may cause tearing of brain structures
  • Objects penetrating the skull may cause severe, irreparable damage 
  • Brain bleeding, as well as swelling and blood clots, may disrupt the oxygen supply and cause wider damage.
  • TBI may have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects.  Signs and symptoms of trauma may appear immediately, while others may appear days or weeks later.  Physical symptoms may include headaches and vomiting.  Sensory symptoms may include blurred vision or sensitivity to light or sound.  Cognitive symptoms may include memory or concentration problems.

Nearly 2.6 million people in the U.S. every year suffer some kind of brain injury, according to the Brain Injury Association of America.  In addition, about 52,000 people die of traumatic brain injury, and more than 5 million people who have suffered traumatic brain injury require assistance in performing daily activities.

Traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force, such as a car accident that causes the brain to move inside the skull or skull damage, resulting in harm to the brain.

The severity of brain damage depends on the extent of the injury. A mild brain injury may be temporary, causing headaches, confusion, memory problems, and nausea.  15% of people who suffer a mild brain injury may experience persistent problems after one year.

Brain injury victims may suffer life-changing and debilitating problems, which may result in cognitive, behavioral, and physical disabilities that require dependent care.

Following a collision with injuries, a personal injury lawyer Phoenix, AZ trusts should be consulted.  The attorney can assess fault, look into applicable insurance coverage, injuries, and economic losses.  Experts may be consulted in areas such as accident reconstruction, life care planning.  The consultation should be free, there should be no fees unless a settlement is obtained, litigation may be necessary to attempt to obtain a better settlement.