Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when external trauma causes the brain to strike the skull. This contact leads to brain damage, with the extent of the damage determining the severity of the injury.
TBIs are categorized into three types: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild TBIs, also known as concussions, are relatively common compared to moderate and severe head injuries. However, any head injury can result in substantial long-term damage, even if a person seems to make a full recovery. A Mandeville traumatic brain injury lawyer at Smiley Injury Law could help you explore your legal options for financial recovery. Our catastrophic injury attorneys could advocate on your behalf to achieve a favorable outcome.
Any external force impacting the head and causing the brain to collide with the skull can result in a TBI. The external force does not have to directly strike the head. For example, a sudden stop can cause the body to halt while the brain is still moving, resulting in it hitting the inside of the skull.
Falls are the leading cause of TBIs. Older adults and young children are most prone to TBI injuries – not because they are more vulnerable to TBIs but because they are more likely to fall. Falls may happen on slippery surfaces or from heights, such as ladders or staircases.
Motor vehicle accidents are another major cause of TBIs. While car and truck accidents may cause brain damage, motorcycle, bike, and pedestrian accidents carry a significant risk for TBIs. Motorcycle accidents –particularly when the driver is not wearing a helmet – can result in severe brain injuries. These accidents may also involve multiple people at fault for a person’s injuries.
Sports – especially contact sports – put people at risk for head injuries. Football is notorious for its concussion risks, but hockey and soccer are high-risk as well. Even non-contact sports like skateboarding and bicycling can lead to concussions.
Workplace accidents could also result in TBIs. Employees may sustain injuries from explosive blasts or being struck by objects. If a TBI results from a workplace accident, it could affect an individual’s ability to recover compensation.
Assaults may lead to TBIs, with domestic violence being a leading cause of TBIs among women. Child abuse can also result in TBIs, including shaken baby syndrome, a specific type of child abuse that affects a child’s brain.
The cause of a TBI does not necessarily affect a person’s physical recovery, but it may substantially impact whether they can obtain compensation from a negligent party. During a consultation, a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Mandeville could explain the different factors that might impact an individual’s case.
In the past, the general public—and even some of the medical community—believed that mild TBIs were not a big concern. Concussions were often thought to resolve on their own within a short timeframe, with no lasting effects. However, with more research, it became clear that concussions, especially repeated concussions, can cause tremendous brain damage.
Moderate and severe TBIs can have long-term consequences. Symptoms may include memory loss, slurred speech, confusion, prolonged unconsciousness, and even behavioral or personality changes. These symptoms can persist for long periods and, in some cases, may be permanent. While treatment may help reduce symptoms in some people, not everyone makes a full recovery. Additionally, people with moderate and severe TBIs have a higher risk of developing conditions like epilepsy, progressive brain disorders, and degenerative diseases.
The severity of the TBI impacts a person’s ability to recover economic and non-economic damages. A traumatic brain injury attorney may work with medical experts and other specialists in Mandeville to establish the value of the claim based on the individual’s diagnosis and prognosis.
Compensation for TBI cases will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and the severity of the injury. However, insurers may try to lowball settlement offers or minimize the impact of a TBI, especially in mild cases.
A Mandeville traumatic brain injury lawyer knows how to gather evidence to support your claim and demonstrate the need for economic and non-economic damages. They could also identify any other individuals who may share liability. Seek the services of Smiley Injury Law today.
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