Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury is an insult to the brain caused by an external physical force, that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment.
Traumatic Brain Injury can be cause by shaking (as in Shaken Baby Syndrome), a direct blow to the head (concussion), or impact from bullet, knife or other sharp object that forces hair, skin, bone and fragments from the object into the brain (penetration injury).
Closed Head Brain Injury
When a person receives an impact to the head from an outside force, but the skull does not fracture or displace this condition is termed a "closed head injury". The brain swells but has no place to expand, thus causing increased pressure within the skull which can force brain tissues to compress, causing further injury.
When a person suffers severe physical injuries, the focus is often on the visible injuries. Closed head injury to the brain is one of the most overlooked and sinister outcomes of traumatic injuries. Broken bones and cuts can heal, but the unseen injury of a bruised brain may never fully recover.
A brain injury may have a devastating effect on the victim's relationships, occupation, income and quality of life. Although he may look just fine physically, friends, family members, coworkers and employers may not understand or sympathize with an injury they cannot see.
A brain injury can affect the very essence of a person. Personality, memory, reason, and temperament may all be affected in debilitating ways.
Brain Injury Articles
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Recovery Course And Damages
Diagnosing, treating, and managing Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) is one of the most complex issues for clinicians and attorneys who deal with this population. It is estimated that 70-90 percent of all treated TBI cases are mild, with approximately 1.4 million emergency department visits annually. According to the CDC, MTBI is a major public health problem and it is thought that lost productivity after MTBI accounts for the largest component of the economic costs of brain injury annually in the US.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
While the word "traumatic" in the term "traumatic brain injury" has been traditionally used to denote a physical trauma, the very nature of a significant accident that leads to brain injury often involves significant emotional trauma as well. It is generally known that psychiatric disorders such as depression are common consequences of traumatic brain injury, both due to direct neurological effects of brain injury as well as to the psychological reaction to the stresses and losses that often accompany brain injury.
Brain Injuries In the News
MAR-28-07: Woman wins
$3 million settlement from Hampton Roads Transit after a bus crashed into her car, leaving her with a
closed brain injury. [
WVEC: CLOSED BRAIN INJURY]
MAR-06-07: Baby who suffered fetal distress, oxygen deprivation and a
brain injury during his delivery in May 2001, has been awarded $1 million settlement. [
PENN LIVE: BRAIN INJURY]
FEB-27-07: Three-day-old girl suffers catastrophic
brain injuries when she is catapulted from an ambulance that was struck by a drunk driver. $5.3 million settlement is approved by lawyers. [
THE DERRICK: BRAIN INJURY]
DEC-17-03: A $17.5 million dollar verdict has been reached in the lawsuit filed on behalf of Joette Williams and her family. Williams and her husband were found unconscious on Aug. 2, 2001 at the Snake River Lodge & Spa in Vail due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Randy Williams died as a result of the poisoning, and his wife sustained
brain damage and other injuries. [
BILLINGS GAZETTE: BRAIN INJURY]
Brain Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible brain injury lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your brain injury complaint and a brain injury lawyer will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation.
