Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries an individual can suffer. The impact of a TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that permanently alters the victim’s ability to function. If someone’s reckless action or unlawful act caused a TBI for you or a loved one, you should know your legal options. With decades of combined legal experience, the Valley Injury Team is here to help. We can investigate the circumstances of your injury and demand fair compensation to help you with medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses caused by someone’s negligence. Call the Valley Injury Team for a free consultation.
Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability. They also contribute to a family’s financial decline since the cost of treating TBIs can be as high as $3 million.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospitals in the United States admitted approximately 214,110 people for TBI-related injuries in a recent year. However, these estimates don’t account for TBIs treated in urgent care, primary care, emergency departments, or those that go untreated.
Each year, approximately 70,000 people die from traumatic brain injuries.
TBIs are the number one cause of disability and death of people 45 and younger, more than breast cancer, AIDS, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis.
Several types of personal injuries can result in traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often occur due to negligence or intentional harm, making them eligible for compensation under personal injury law. Below are some of the most common scenarios:
Car Accidents — The force of a collision can cause the brain to jolt inside the skull. Even minor accidents can result in concussions or more severe injuries like brain contusions or hemorrhages.
Motorcycle Accidents — Riders are particularly vulnerable to TBIs due to the lack of protection compared to cars. Helmets can reduce the risk but not eliminate it.
Truck Accidents — The massive size and weight of trucks can cause catastrophic injuries, including TBIs, especially in high-speed or multi-vehicle collisions.
Slip and Fall Accidents — A fall on a hard surface can lead to a TBI. Unsafe conditions, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces, are common causes.
Workplace Falls — Construction workers and other laborers are at high risk of falling from heights, which can lead to severe TBIs. Employers must enforce safety regulations to minimize these risks.
Sports Injuries — Football, hockey, and boxing are examples of sports with a high risk of TBIs. Repeated head impacts can cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition.
Physical Assaults — Blunt force trauma to the head during an assault can cause significant brain injury. Victims of domestic violence are particularly at risk.
Medical Malpractice — Surgical errors or misdiagnoses can cause or contribute to a TBI.
The treatment and long-term prognosis of a traumatic brain injury depend on its severity and the timeliness of medical intervention. Here is a brief overview.
Initial Treatment
Head injuries almost always require emergency care. Immediate medical attention focuses on stabilizing the patient, reducing brain swelling, and preventing further injury. This may involve surgery, medication, and intensive care. In cases of severe TBIs, medical professionals may perform surgery to remove clotted blood, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure within the skull.
Rehabilitation
After the initial treatment ends, victims often require extensive physical therapy to regain motor skills and strength. Depending on the extent of the injury, this process can be long and arduous. They may need occupational, speech, and cognitive therapy to relearn how to dress, eat, and speak. Neuropsychologists are crucial in helping patients recover communication abilities and cognitive function.
Similar to the type of initial treatment and length of rehabilitation, the long-term prognosis for TBIs depends on the extent of damage to the brain:
Mild TBIs — Concussions and other mild TBIs often have a favorable prognosis, with most patients recovering fully within a few weeks or months. However, some may experience lingering symptoms such as headaches or memory issues.
Severe TBIs — The long-term prognosis for severe TBIs is more uncertain. Some patients may recover fully, while others could suffer permanent disabilities, including cognitive impairments, paralysis, or behavioral changes.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — This degenerative condition comes from repeated head trauma. It often leads to severe cognitive and emotional difficulties later in life.
Dealing with the intense physical and emotional suffering from a TBI is challenging enough. The stress can be overwhelming when you add the task of seeking compensation from those responsible for the injuries. A personal injury attorney serving Mesa can provide valuable assistance in seeking the compensation you deserve. Here’s how:
Investigating the Incident — Attorneys gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case. They may also consult with medical experts to establish the extent of the injury and its impact on your life.
Establishing Liability — An attorney can determine liability based on available evidence. An experienced attorney can identify all liable parties, which may include drivers, property owners, employers, or medical professionals.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies — Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney knows their tactics and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
Filing a Lawsuit — If the insurance company does not negotiate in good faith toward a fair settlement, an attorney can represent you in court. They will present your case to a judge or jury, advocating for maximum compensation.
If you have suffered a TBI because of something someone else did, you could recover different types of compensation from them, including:
Medical Expenses — This covers the cost of emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. You may also seek compensation for future medical expenses if the injury requires long-term care.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity — If the injury prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can recover compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if the injury diminishes your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be compensated for loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering —Traumatic brain injuries often result in significant physical and emotional pain. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic impact of the injury, including physical discomfort, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Disability and Disfigurement — Severe TBIs can lead to permanent disabilities or disfigurement. Compensation in this category accounts for the life-altering nature of the injury and the challenges it imposes.
Wrongful Death — If a loved one dies from a TBI someone else caused, you could recover compensation for their wrongful death.
Traumatic brain injuries deeply affect victims and their families. The Valley Injury Team has the experience and resources to help TBI victims and their families pursue the compensation they deserve. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in Mesa offer full-service legal representation so that you can focus on recovery and rehabilitation. To learn more about your legal options and potential for compensation, call the Valley Injury Team for a free consultation.
If you suffered injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or wrong doing, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. At Valley Injury Team, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you need. We’re proud to serve clients throughout the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Queen Creek.
Valley Injury Team is committed to helping you understand your legal rights and options, reducing your stress and uncertainty, and giving you the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
