Traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, is a major cause of death in the United States—an estimated 1.5 million brain injuries occur here every year.
Falls and car accidents are common causes of TBI. And sadly, unlike injuries that heal over time, damaged brain cells typically don’t recover. The damage can lead to a variety of health problems including memory loss, physical disability or impairment, and poor general health, often resulting in long-term or even permanent disabilities.
In cases where a TBI is caused by the negligent actions of someone else, (i.e., drunk driver, negligent employer, etc.) financial recovery may be possible.
If you’ve suffered a brain injury and you’d like to know if you have a case, call the Minton Law Firm at 501-408-2087 or contact our Little Rock attorneys online to get started now. Our Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers specialize in these kind of lawsuits and can help you get the compensation and justice that you deserve. With years of experience in TBI cases, our attorney will know how to build the strongest case and work towards providing you with the best possible settlement. Secure the representation you need and get started on your path towards resolution today.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired brain injury commonly caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head or neck, which can cause the brain to move inside the skull, stretching, twisting, or tearing brain cells or nerves.
The effects of a brain injury can impact physical and cognitive abilities alike. And because “trauma” involves a spectrum of events, traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe.
Mild TBIs are commonly referred to as concussions and typically recover on their own in a few weeks. Patients may be instructed to avoid certain physical activities like working out to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.
Moderate to severe brain injuries will require more time to heal and may also include surgery or other medical treatment. These often have long-term side effects and can even result in disability or loss of normal bodily functions.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious issue that has gained more attention in recent years. Traumatic brain injuries involve the disruption of normal brain functions due to external forces like jolts, vibrations, knocks, blows, or even penetrations. Depending on the severity and type of TBI, an individual can experience any number of symptoms including dizziness, constant headaches, memory loss, vertigo and disorientation.
Brain injuries sustained at birth can be devastating for the baby and their family. Unfortunately, these sort of birth injuries are common due to medical negligence or a lack of resources in the birthing process. If your child has suffered brain damage caused at birth, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Make sure to find an experienced lawyer who can assess your case and discuss legal options with you– whilst brain damage cannot be reversed, it is possible to move towards a more secure future for everyone involved in the case.
Understanding the different types of Traumatic Brain Injuries can help you better identify and address any issues you may be facing. Talk to your doctor about ways to best screen for Traumatic Brain Injuries – earlier detection means more successful treatments in most cases!
Is Compensation for a TBI Possible?
If you’ve recently suffered a TBI or have been dealing with the long-term effects of a brain injury, it may be possible to pursue compensation for your injury.
Car wrecks, workplace accidents, and other personal injury cases are often viable claims when seeking financial recovery. Specifically, TBI victims may be able to pursue for compensation for:
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses (previous and ongoing)
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced ability to work
- Disability
- Wrongful death
Can I File a Claim for My TBI?
There are certain guidelines or requirements that victims must meet in order to file a claim against another party for TBI. First, the offender must have acted negligently, or with criminal intent, and those actions must have been the proximate cause of the head injury.
The victim, or plaintiff, must present evidence that supports this claim (e.g., medical records, police reports, etc.), and if the case goes to trial, the case will be argued before a judge.
Personal injury cases concerning TBIs are most common in auto accidents, medical malpractice cases, negligence claims, and product liability cases, but it may be possible to file a claim for other types of accidents.
The only way to know if you’re eligible to receive compensation is to hire an experienced injury lawyer. A personal injury attorney can facilitate a claim against the person or party responsible for your TBI, and they can be vital to your success in receiving comprehensive compensation that will cover ALL related expenses.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Falls and car crashes are the leading cause of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Crashes involving large trucks and motorcycles are historically known to result in traumatic brain injuries.
Other leading causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Sports: extreme or high-intensity sports such as football, soccer, skateboarding, and hockey may pose increased risks to players, especially youth players
- Violence: domestic abuse and child abuse are leading causes of brain injuries. Diffuse axonal, for example, occurs when the skull is shaken or rotated quickly damaging sensitive nerve tissue. This injury is typical in cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
- Penetration injuries: also called an “open head injury,” penetration injuries are wounds in which an object or projectile penetrates the cranium but does not exit the head. Penetration head injuries are serious and often require emergency surgery.
- Cerebral anoxia: brain cells without oxygen begin to die after about 4 minutes. Since blood carries oxygen to the brain, several causes including choking and exposure to toxic fumes like carbon monoxide can implead blood flow and cause this type of brain injury.
Long-term Effects of TBI
When a brain injury is severe, executive brain functions, which process a large number of mental inputs simultaneously may be restricted or impeded altogether. This could affect a victim’s ability to have “normal” social interactions, manage his or her time effectively at work, or learn and remember new skills.
A person’s mood or behavior can also be altered by a brain injury. Irritability, depression, and lack of motivation are common behavioral shifts reported by family members and survivors.
Not surprisingly, these things can impact a victim’s ability to work and preserve a standard of living, as well as maintain interpersonal relationships with family and friends. Other long-term effects of TBI may also include:
- Loss of memory
- Impaired language skills
- Increased risk of stroke or seizure
- Extremity numbness or weakness
- Decreased cognitive function
- Loss of balance
- Partial paralysis
- Sexual dysfunction
Types of TBI Cases Our Lawyers Handle
Our experienced attorneys handle a wide variety of brain injury cases, including accidents caused by car and truck accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, and accidents in the workplace. Furthermore, our legal team understands that no two accidents are alike and we take each case very seriously. We represent clients who have suffered serious brain injuries due to motorcycle accidents as well as those due to slip-and-fall incidents. No matter how complex your case may be – from traumatic brain injuries from assault to mild concussions – we will fight for your rights and work hard to ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You Receive Compensation for TBI?
The short and long-term effects of a brain injury can have far-reaching implications for survivors and family members. A personal injury attorney will provide you with professional, legal support to help you recover damages and advocate for you in court, if needed.
Let the Minton Law Firm represent you or your loved one. Our team is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured people across the state of Arkansas, and we can help you too. But first, a consultation will help our attorneys gather the facts we need to assess your claim.
To schedule a free, no obligation consultation, contact the Minton Law Firm at 501-794-0001 or fill out our online contact form.
We welcome clients from the greater Little Rock and Benton areas, as well as those throughout the state of Arkansas.
