A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often referred to as an “invisible injury” because a person may even appear to be affected. However, a TBI can cause debilitating, life-long effects, not only for the victim but also for his or her loved ones.
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic head or brain injury due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable by filing a head and brain injury lawsuit. The top-rated lawyers of Hernandez Sunosky, LLP can assist you with the legal process while protecting your rights and fighting to maximize the value of your claim.
What Are The Different Types of Head And Brain Injuries?
The brain is a complex and fragile organ that controls all functions of the body. It controls our emotions, our memory, and our thoughts. It tells our body what to do and how to do it. A violent blow or strong jolt to the head can change everything.
- Concussion
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (brain shifts inside the skull)
- Edema (swelling of the brain)
- Hematoma (pooling of blood)
- An injury that penetrates the skull
- Skull Fracture
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What Types of Accidents Can Lead to a Brain Injury?
A head and brain injury can happen as a result of an accident. When the head is impacted or violently shaken, the brain can be injured. Our lawyers have handled brain injuries involving victims of all ages, genders, and races who were involved in the following types of accidents:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Premises Liability (Slip & Fall)
- Construction Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Assaults and Other Violent Crimes
- Workplace Injuries
- Sporting Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Defective Products
- Medical Malpractice
How Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Classified?
TBIs are classified as either open injuries or closed injuries, depending on how the injury occurred.
Open TBI
Open traumatic brain injuries are openly visible. In other words, the victim’s head was injured. These types of injuries happen when the head comes into direct contact with some object, such as a concrete sidewalk in a slip and fall or the windshield in a car accident.
Closed TBI
Closed traumatic brain injuries are much more serious. These injuries are not as obvious and can occur even if the head is protected. This is because the brain absorbs most of the impact. Typical injuries involve swelling or bleeding in the brain which can cause blood clots, coma, and death.
How Severe is a Brain Injury?
TBIs are categorized on a severity scale of mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
These may not show up on an MRI or CT scan. In many cases, unless the victim loses consciousness or notices a change in cognitive ability, a mild TBI may never be diagnosed.
Moderate Traumatic Brain Injuries
These could have no lasting side effects or they could be permanently disabling. For a moderate TBI, it depends on what caused the injury and how much force the brain had to endure. Common side effects include loss of consciousness and permanent or temporary physical, mental, and behavioral issues.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
These can cause long-term side effects and can even be fatal. Some of these side effects include permanent mental and behavioral issues and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from a traumatic brain injury each year. The degree of damage can depend on several factors and occur in many different forms, including the following:
- Open head injuries can result from anything penetrating the skull, e.g., bullet wounds.
- Closed head injuries can result from car accidents, slips and falls, assaults, and concussions.
- Deceleration injuries happen when the head experiences a rapid change in speed. The differential movement of the skull and brain can cause the brain to slam back and forth within the skull and compress and stretch within the skull.
- Lack of oxygen (hypoxia), which can be caused by heart attacks and respiratory failure.
- During a stroke, blood flow to the brain is blocked, which can cause cell death.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A “sign” is an objective finding that can be identified by another person. A “symptom is a subjective experience that only the victim of a traumatic brain injury feels. The following are some common signs and symptoms of a TBI:
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent headaches or a headache that worsens
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Unable to wake up from sleep
- Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Trouble falling asleep
- Dizziness or disorientation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Seizures
- Numbness or tingling
- Slurred speech
- Problems tasting or smelling
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Memory loss
- Loss of bladder control
If a child experiences a traumatic brain injury, it may be harder for them to explain their symptoms or how they feel. Adults should look for the following symptoms in children who may have a traumatic brain injury:
- Change in eating habits
- Constant crying
- Moodiness
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Change in sleep habits
- Loss of interest in toys
- Loss of interest in playful activities
- Sadness
- Depression
- Drowsiness
Houston Head & Brain Injury Lawyers
Head and brain injuries can alter a life. A head and brain injury victim will need ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome. If you are concerned about what the physical and financial future holds after you or a loved one sustained a brain injury, call Hernandez Sunosky, LLP at 713.981.4100 for a free consultation with our Houston, TX injury lawyers. We can help.
Based in Kingwood, Hernandez Sunosky LLP serves clients in Houston, Atascocita, Humble, New Caney, Porter, Pearland, and across Texas. Our experienced traumatic brain injury and head injury attorneys are here to support you in your time of need, providing the legal expertise and guidance you require to seek justice and compensation.