A traumatic brain injury has catastrophic consequences. They happen every day as a result of car and truck accidents, falls, and intentional injuries. When a Keyes traumatic brain injury occurs, the injured party’s life can be turned upside down. They may lose the ability to work at the same job, be unable to socially engage with others, and, in some cases, require around-the-clock care.

No one likes to think about this, but you need the medical and legal help you deserve when it happens. Due to the complexity of a traumatic brain injury in Keyes, financial hardships often emerge. Bills start to mount, and there is no money for many. Insurance companies are not anxious to pay what you deserve; your family is caught in the middle. This is where an experienced Keyes brain injury lawyer can help.

At AutoAccident.com, we serve clients who have suffered severe injuries and are trying to recover physically and financially. Brain injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Being out of work and paying for it out-of-pocket would put a monetary stranglehold on most families. But you do not have to do it alone.

We fight for our client’s right to be compensated by the negligent party or their insurer. The law allows an injured party to recover damages associated with an injury to the head both now and in the future. We carefully investigate the accident site and, in doing this, procure evidence that will assign fault. This is a necessary part of any personal injury, and without evidence of wrongdoing, the case cannot proceed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1.5 million Americans suffer a brain injury annually, and of that number, 61,000 die. That amounts to 166 deaths each day caused by a TBI. Another 230,000 people suffered a severe injury and were hospitalized but survived. Overall, about 90,000 individuals suffer a disability that is defined as long-term. The young and individuals older than 75 are more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Today, about 5.3 million people are living with a long-term disability caused by a TBI. The disability takes a toll both financially and intellectually, changing lives. It is practically impossible to determine the emotional toll this takes. Unlike other injuries, a TBI is not always recognizable. You cannot put a bandage on the resulting sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional deficits. However, a TBI takes people out of the workforce, causes social issues, and robs families of the injured party’s cognitive support once provided.

There are many reasons for a TBI. They also vary in terms of seriousness and the symptoms associated with them. Remembering that the symptoms are closely related to the causative agent is essential. Some of the most common TBI causes are:

• Falls
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Blasts
• Violent incidents

There are also brain injuries that have nothing to do with trauma. These are referred to as non-traumatic brain injuries and include:

• Stroke
• Infections
• Tumors

Some of the most common TBIs are:

• Concussion: This type of brain injury occurs when the hard surface of the interior skull impacts the brain. It can have serious repercussions or mild ones. The mildest concussions resolve within a month or two with rest and analgesics. Severe concussions can take longer to heal, and for some, cognitive disability persists.
• Coup Contrecoup: A coup injury to the brain occurs on the impact site, causing a bruise to form. The impact sometimes causes the brain to hit the interior skull on the opposite side. This is referred to as a coup contrecoup traumatic brain injury. Both the coup and contrecoup injuries are focal and cause bleeding. The contrecoup injury is generally considered worse.
• Subarachnoid hematoma is a collection of blood below the arachnoid membrane, one of three protecting the brain. The blood places pressure on the brain that can be life-threatening. It usually requires surgical intervention. The main symptom is a severe headache.
• Subdural hematoma: This collection of blood accumulates between the dura and the arachnoid layer. As with a subarachnoid hematoma, the blood puts pressure on the brain. Symptoms are exaggerated in older individuals, and it may take longer for the blood to accumulate. The blood is resorbed in some individuals, but it must be surgically evacuated in others. Symptoms include slurred speech, confusion, and headache.
• Diffuse axonal injury: This diffuse damaging injury occurs when the brain moves back and forth after impact. The rapid movement shears the axons and has serious consequences. The axons carry impulses within the brain, and if this connection is lost, it causes significant damage.

The symptoms of brain injury are:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Disorientation
• Distraction
• Lack of concentration
• Visual problems
• Balance difficulties
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Issues with sleep
• Irritability
• Seizures

The following tests are employed to diagnose a brain injury:

• X-rays
• MRIs
• Glasgow coma score

The treatment is related to the degree of damage. For instance, most mild concussions resolve with rest. Brain injuries that are labeled moderate to severe require hospitalization. A neuro check is done each hour on these patients. Hypertonic saline pulls water from the brain since its heavy salt concentration removes fluid. Surgery is often needed. Each case is different when considering the length and extent of recovery.

Watch the YouTube video below to learn about new treatments for TBI.

When a negligent person causes a traumatic injury, you have the right to be fully compensated. This includes medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If their actions were especially egregious, then punitive damages may be added.

The insurance company representing the defendant might provide a low-ball offer. Despite the need for financial compensation, it is best not to accept this offer. Traumatic brain injuries do not always respond to treatment, and once you accept the offer, you cannot ask for more. Your TBI personal injury lawyer in Keyes will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our injury attorneys are experienced in helping clients obtain financial damages after a TBI. Call our injury lawyers at (209) 227-1831 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also contact us online. We have been helping Keyes residents since 1982 with all types of car accidents, truck crashes, and wrongful deaths.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 11.22.23 Photo courtesy of VSRao cd llo [cs 1127]}