Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a life-altering experience that can leave you and your loved ones with a multitude of challenges. In addition to the physical and cognitive effects of the injury, you will face many medical bills, missed time at work, and a possible reduction of your future employment prospects. However, you do not have to face this daunting situation alone. A traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you recover compensation.
Contact a Peachtree Corners traumatic brain injury attorney at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics
The extent of the impact of TBIs on society is truly staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 223,135 TBI-related hospitalizations occurred in the U.S. in a recent year. TBIs also contributed to about 30 percent of all injury deaths. About 150 people die daily from TBI-related injuries. The Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission indicates that an estimated 3.5 percent of Georgia’s adults live with a disability resulting from different types of traumatic brain injury.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can result from various incidents. Some traumatic brain injury causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car crashes are one of the leading causes of TBIs. Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and trucks can lead to severe head injuries.
- Slip and fall accidents – Slips, trips, and falls, particularly among older adults and in the workplace, often result in traumatic brain injuries.
- Workplace accidents – Construction sites and industrial settings are notorious for TBIs due to falling objects, falls from height, machinery malfunctions, and other dangers.
- Sports and recreational activities – High-impact and extreme sports, as well as certain recreational activities, often cause TBIs.
- Assaults and violence – Physical assaults, gunshot wounds, and domestic violence often lead to traumatic brain injuries.
Short and Long-Term Symptoms of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries present a wide array of symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. These symptoms may arise immediately after the incident, or they may appear days or weeks later. Traumatic brain injury symptoms can be physical, cognitive, and emotional, varying in severity and duration based on the extent of the injury.
Short-Term Symptoms
Short-term symptoms commonly in the initial days following a TBI include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
Individuals may also experience sensory issues such as:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Changes in the ability to smell
More concerning signs can include:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Slurred speech
- Drainage coming from the ears or nostrils
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
On the cognitive front, short-term symptoms may involve:
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Concentration issues
- Difficulties with attention
These cognitive disturbances can often cause disorientation or a slowed thought process.
Emotionally, individuals might exhibit mood changes, agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior patterns shortly after the incident.
Long-Term Symptoms
Long-term symptoms of TBIs can persist for months or even years post-injury.
Physically, these may present as follows:
- Chronic headaches
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Coordination problems
Some people might also experience ongoing sensory problems or have seizures. In some severe cases, individuals can sustain a partial or total loss of motor function or sensory abilities.
Cognitive difficulties can continue long-term, including:
- Problems with memory and reasoning
- Attention deficits
- Executive functioning issues (problem-solving and decision-making)
Some individuals face challenges with language and communication, such as expressive difficulties or comprehension issues.
Emotionally, TBI victims can suffer from the following:
- Persistent personality changes
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
These changes can significantly affect an individual’s social interactions, relationships, and overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these symptoms following an accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, contacting a dedicated Peachtree Corners traumatic brain injury lawyer at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation.
How Are TBIs Treated?
The treatment for TBIs is complex and multidimensional, often necessitating a team of medical professionals. Initial treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient and preventing further injury. This might include ensuring adequate oxygen and blood supply, maintaining blood pressure, and preventing further damage to the brain.
Once the patient is stable, rehabilitative care begins. Treatment at traumatic brain injury rehabilitation centers in Georgia can involve:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Psychological support
- Surgery to remove clots or repair skull fractures
- Medications to manage symptoms and complications
However, it is crucial to note that the specific treatment strategy will largely depend on the nature and severity of the injury.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit?
To succeed in a traumatic brain injury lawsuit, we need to show that someone else’s carelessness or mistake led to your injury. It’s like piecing together a puzzle to tell your story.
First, we must show that the other person was responsible for keeping you safe. Think of it like this: Drivers need to pay attention to the road. Property owners should keep their premises free from hazards.
Next, we must demonstrate that they did not live up to that responsibility. Maybe a driver was texting, or a store owner left a spill unattended. These are just examples. Each case has its unique set of circumstances.
The third part of our puzzle is connecting their failure to your injury. We need to prove that if they had acted responsibly, they would not have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Finally, we have to show that this injury caused you harm or loss, such as medical bills, lost earnings, or even the emotional stress you have endured.
It can be challenging to fit all these pieces together, and that’s where we come in. At Brauns Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, PC, our Peachtree Corners TBI attorneys have the experience and skills to take you through this process and seek the justice you deserve.
What Compensation Is Available Through a TBI Lawsuit?
Through a traumatic brain injury lawsuit, victims can seek a broad range of financial recoveries to help alleviate the burden of their situation. Traumatic brain injury compensation may cover out-of-pocket costs, including medical bills for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation services. Compensation may also extend to cover ongoing and future care needs, particularly in severe TBI cases.
Moreover, if the TBI has led to an inability to work, whether temporary or permanent, injured individuals could receive compensation to account for lost wages and diminished future earning potential.
Beyond these tangible costs, a TBI lawsuit can also provide compensation for the intangible impacts of the injury. This compensation might include money to help make up for the physical pain and emotional distress that the injury has caused, as well as any detrimental effects on the injured person’s lifestyle and relationships.
In some circumstances, if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or harmful, the court may award additional compensation to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future. As always, the specific compensation you may be entitled to depend on the unique facts of your case. Engaging a Peachtree Corners TBI lawyer from Brauns Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, PC is essential to better understand what you can expect to recover.
What Is the Deadline for Filing My TBI Lawsuit?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including TBI claims, typically gives you two years from the date of the injury to initiate legal proceedings against the at-fault party. However, there may be exceptions or nuances depending on your specific situation. Therefore, consulting with a Peachtree Corners TBI attorney as soon as possible can help ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines.
What Should I Do After Suffering a TBI in an Accident?
First, call law enforcement and seek medical care. Next, follow these steps:
- Gather evidence from the accident scene, if possible, even if that means sending a friend after the fact. Photos or videos of the scene, damaged equipment or vehicles, or your injuries can be compelling evidence. Your friend could also gather contact information from witnesses.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation of lost wages.
- Avoid discussing the incident with insurance adjusters or the at-fault party’s lawyers before consulting your attorney.
- Contact a reliable traumatic brain injury lawyer to guide you through the legal process of getting compensation as soon as possible.
Contact the Peachtree Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident due to another party’s wrongdoing, you deserve compensation for your losses. The experienced attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC are passionate about helping victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Our experience, knowledge, and resources allow us to aggressively fight for your rights. Contact our traumatic brain injury lawyer today for a free consultation to learn more about how our legal team can protect your interests.
