Brain Injury: Personal Injury Damages and Legal Issues

Traumatic brain injury, a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injury can occur when an object suddenly strikes the head, or an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. The symptoms of traumatic brain injury can range from mild to severe depending on the amount of damage done to the brain. Furthermore, the symptoms resulting from traumatic brain injury can be subtle, and without the proper tests can go unrecognized. In some rare cases, traumatic brain injury can also be caused by medical malpractice due to a doctor or medical institutions negligence to properly diagnose or properly treat an injury.

Brain Injury and Accidents

Approximately 1.5 million brain injuries occur each year and are a major cause of death or disability in both adults and children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it is estimated that nearly 5.3 million people living with long-term or permanent brain injuries need assistance to perform the tasks of daily living. Automobile accidents account for half of the traumatic brain injuries. While slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes for people over 65.

Legal Issues

The fact of the matter is that most traumatic brain injuries are involving some sort of accident; they do not magically appear out of thin air. Since car accidents are usually involved, many complex legal issues are created. Insurance companies are generally very skeptical of brain injury claims. They usually don't settle them before filing a law suit. Proving a traumatic brain injury case can prove to be an uphill battle, and you need to make sure you are ready for that battle.

Damages

Although science has been advanced to the point where it can diagnose injuries and other dysfunctions, it has been less successful in understanding the complicated piece of machinery we call a brain. Therefore, the brain is beyond a level that can be easily defined and measured. So what does this mean exactly? Essentially your brain and mind are priceless. Damages to other organs can leave life livable, so every organ has its price, but damage to the brain can steal the quality of your life forever, therefore, it’s priceless.

Medical Attention and Records

The worst thing you can do if you suffer a traumatic brain injury is to assume that you have not received an injury, or that the injury will somehow miraculously heal itsel. If you suffer a brain injury but do not seek help or medical attention, you’re going to have a hard time convincing others that the traumatic brain injury was caused by the accident. This may also leave you helpless when it comes to recovering damages from the person who caused your injury. Look for symptoms such as losses or lapses of memory, or any other deficits.

Always Seek Legal Advice

If you believe you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, seek medical attention and do so early. Do not hesitate and wait to see if the injury will magically go away. Furthermore, if you feel someone is responsible for the injury, whether through an intentional act or as a result of accident or negligence, consult an attorney who is experienced in dealing with cases involving traumatic brain injury to determine if you should file a lawsuit. Robert Mansour is a personal injury lawyer in Santa Clarita. Please call Robert's office for a free consultation.

From the author: Santa Clarita Personal Injury Lawyers

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