INFORMATION FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AFTER AN ACCIDENT
A brain injury can ruin your life. This devastating injury can make it difficult to return to work, maintain a marriage, raise a family, or even function independently. Sadly, brain injuries are a common occurrence in the United States. In fact, a brain injury happens every 23 seconds in this country, and it is estimated that over 5 million Americans are currently living with this devastating condition.
If you or a loved one received a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of negligence, you are entitled to financial compensation. This compensation can support you in your time of need.
At Law Office of Joseph Dang, we can help you get that compensation. Call us right away at 858.999.2870 or complete a 30 Second FREE Case Review form to see if you qualify.
Degrees Of Brain Injuries
The severity of brain injuries can vary greatly. In the medical literature, brain injuries are often described as “mild to moderate” or “moderate to severe.” Mild to moderate brain injuries often result in temporary loss of consciousness, memory, or other normal functions of the brain. The term “mild to moderate” can be deceiving, as these injuries can still have long-term effects. Long-term effects of a mild to moderate brain injury can include memory and concentration problems, as well as subtle personality changes.
Moderate to severe brain injuries, on the other hand, result in a prolonged loss of consciousness, memory, or other brain functions. With moderate to severe injuries, recovery is a much slower process. With severe injuries, many normal brain functions may never recover, and round-the-clock care may be required. In these cases, it is essential to have a good attorney, in order to get help with all of the bills and expenses that stem from a moderate to severe brain injury.
TYPES OF BRAIN INJURIES
In the medical literature, there are several basic types of brain injuries:
- Concussions
- Penetration Injuries
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries
- Anoxia/Hypoxia
Concussions often fall under the category of “mild to moderate” brain injuries, though some concussions are more severe than others. A concussion is by far the most common type of brain injury. Essentially, a concussion is when the brain hits the inside of the skull, due to some sudden force. In a car accident, concussions are often caused by whiplash. Serious concussions can reduce cognitive functions and can lead to all types of financial hurdles. If you or your loved one have been impacted by a concussion, give us a call.
Penetration brain injuries result from an object penetrating the skull and piercing the brain tissue. Car accidents can result in penetrating brain injuries. With this type of injury, damage is often localized, and complications will depend on what area of the brain was penetrated. Severe complications can include loss of motor function and loss of language function.
Diffuse axonal injuries are some of the most severe injuries that one can suffer. With this type of injury, the brain is jolted with such force that axons connecting different parts of the brain can tear, with devastating consequences. It is very difficult to regain normal functioning after a diffuse axonal injury, and the injury is often fatal. A high-speed car crash can cause a diffuse axonal injury, due to the rapid movement of the head.
Anoxia and hypoxia are terms used to describe the damage that results from a lack of oxygen to the brain. The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the more severe the damage will be, as more brain cells die with each passing minute. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for a prolonged period, death or loss of cognitive functioning may result. A heart attack can cause this type of injury, as oxygenated blood is not pumping to the brain during cardiac arrest.
It is worth noting that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of brain injuries for Americans age 15-44. If you or a loved one have experienced any of the brain injuries listed above, San Diego Injury and Accident Law Firm can get you the support you need.
CONSEQUENCES OF BRAIN INJURIES
While it is not pleasant to think about, the truth is that there are many consequences – both financial and otherwise – associated with brain injuries. These consequences include:
- Lost Wages
- Medical Expenses (Past, Present, And Future)
- Pain And Suffering
- Loss Of Enjoyment Of Life
- Difficulty Maintaining Relationships
One of the most common (and difficult) consequences that brain injury survivors report is lost wages. Even a mild to moderate brain injury can result in a temporary loss of wages during the recovery process. Moderate to severe brain injuries can make it impossible to return to work. Social Security and Medicare can provide some relief, but not enough. A San Diego Injury and Accident Law Firm attorney can help you compensate for lost wages.
Another common consequence of a brain injury is medical expenses. These can also be devastating. As you know, a short stay in a hospital can cost thousands of dollars, even if you do have insurance. The costs associated with the extensive medical care required for a moderate to severe brain injury can be astronomical. And the worst part: insurance may not cover these costs. Insurers are reluctant to cover long-term rehab, for example, especially if progress is slow. Many families are shocked to discover that they cannot pay for the extensive rehabilitation that their loved one needs following a brain injury. We can help you get the money that you or your loved one needs to recover.
There are also many “non-economical” consequences of brain injuries, including constant physical pain, depression, and loss of relationships. We believe that people should be compensated for their suffering and so does our legal system: severe brain injury cases are often settled for millions of dollars.
CONTACT A SAN DIEGO BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEY TODAY
At JD Injury Law, we can help you in your time of need. We also have experience fighting on behalf of those who have suffered a brain injury. We fight for our clients, with settlements of over $1,000,000.00. Our firm has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including being named to the National Trial Lawyers “Top 100.” Brain injury recovery is an uphill battle. We can help you fight it.