According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1.5 billion people suffer traumatic brain injury (T.B.I.) in the US each year. Many of those injuries are considered acquired brain injury, which is defined as injury to the brain that is neither hereditary, present at birth, or degenerative in nature. Many factors contribute to acquired brain injury. Some include trauma to the brain; intracranial surgery, and toxic exposure (e.g. substance abuse, ingestion or inhalation of volatile agents).
The CDC defines traumatic brain injury with or without skull fracture an "an insult to the brain caused by an external physical force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness." Results of these types of brain injury may include an impairment of cognitive functioning (e.g. particularly with regard to perception, memory, or judgment), as well as physical, behavioral or even emotional functioning.
Whether temporary or permanent, brain injury can be debilitating and may require round-the-clock care by loved-ones or a medical professional. And when that injury is suffered at the hands of another, whether under the care of a physician or as result of a car accident, damages to compensate for care, loss of wages, pain and suffering and more may be recoverable. Additionally, loss of consortium damages may be recoverable for the spouse of a brain injury victim, including the loss of the value of services and loss of companionship of the injured person.
Even mild brain injury can lead to impairment that can affect one's ability to work and quality of life. Mild brain injury can cause "post-concussion syndrome" that can lead to headaches, dizziness, mild mental slowing and fatigue. For some individuals, symptoms may endure for just a few months; and for others, they may persist indefinitely.
Because a brain injury can cause such massive hardships, including physical disability, cognitive impairment and even emotional and behavioral changes, it is vital that when one suffers a brain injury or suspects a brain injury may be the result of another individual's actions or neglect, after seeking immediate medical care, they contact an experienced personal injury attorney that can counsel on liability and possible damages.
Costs can skyrocket when medical treatment, physical therapy and ongoing care become a necessity as a result. An experienced brain injury attorney like those at Panio Law Offices can review your case and assess liability and possible damages. They can help you understand what options are available to you and file a claim against any and all responsible parties. Whether a result of medical malpractice, a car accident or product liability, an injured party in these cases deserves damages sufficient to compensate them for the gamut of expenses, pain and suffering and loss resulting from their injury.
If you have questions about an incident that may have resulted in brain injury, call us at (708) 928-8680. We can help.