Oct 23,2021
Any injury has the potential to disrupt a victim’s life and ability to enjoy activities they love. This is very true for victims of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are a wide range of causes of a TBI, and victims suffer from different symptoms.
If you or a loved one is the victim of a TBI caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another party, you are entitled to recover for all the damages caused by the TBI. Read on to better understand common causes of TBI, symptoms suffered by victims, and what damages the defendant should cover.
A TBI is any injury that disrupts normal brain function and is caused by either a blow to the head or a penetrating injury to the head. In 2019, there were approximately 61,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States, and each year there are around 288,000 hospitalizations. These injuries have resulted in an estimated 13.5 million people living with a disability because of a TBI in the U.S.
While any blow to or penetration of the head can cause a TBI, some causes are much more prevalent than others:
Higher rates of TBI have been identified in children, the elderly, and males.
TBI victims suffer a wide variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the blow or penetration to the head:
Some TBI symptoms are present shortly after suffering the injury while others could show up over time. A TBI can also increase a victim’s likelihood of suffering from epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Certain symptoms will remain for the rest of the victim’s life while others might diminish or increase in intensity over time.
There are limited courses of treatment for TBI victims. An emergency doctor will work to stabilize the victim and determine whether surgery is necessary by performing necessary tests including a CT scan. The provider will need to determine if the brain is receiving sufficient oxygen, whether there are blood clots or skull fractures, and if it is necessary to relieve pressure inside the skull.
After emergency treatment, the patient and their doctor will work together to determine a long-term treatment plan which could include any of the following:
Some victims will only require medication or therapy immediately following the accidents while others may require this additional support for the rest of their lives.
If another parties’ intentional or negligent actions caused the accident that resulted in your TBI, they are responsible for your damages. While the circumstances of each accident are unique, there are certain people that are more likely to be at fault, especially because car accidents and falls are leading causes of TBI in the U.S.
Work with your lawyer to assess the circumstances of your accident to determine liability. Potential liable parties include:
Your lawyer will work with you to build a case against the responsible party which will include evidence of that party’s negligence. If possible, be sure to secure evidence from the scene of the accident.
The estimated direct and indirect TBI costs each year in the U.S. are $76.5 billion. It’s not surprising this number is so high given the serious and long-term impacts a TBI has on a victim’s life. If your injury was caused by a negligent party, they are responsible for all your damages, including:
Preparing a TBI recovery case can be stressful and force you to relive a traumatic incident and the ways it has changed your life. It is necessary, however, to be comprehensive as you prepare your case in order to ensure you receive the recovery you deserve. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer will be an important partner in your pursuit for recovery. Contact Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC today at (504) 294-3910 or through our website to schedule a free case consultation.