Granite Bay Brain Injury Lawyer
Those who know someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury understand what the feeling is like. The person they know faces an uncertain future. They are unsure of whether or not they going to regain many of the motor and mental functions that they used to take for granted. They are nervous, scared, and uncertain of what to do next. This feeling has become an unfortunate reality for far too many people in this country. Those who are dealing with head and brain injuries should make sure they understand some of the basics about neurological damage before deciding what to do next. This can ease the stress that many patients and their families feel.
A Myriad of Causes for Brain InjuriesPatients who are feeling symptoms of traumatic brain injuries often wonder how they injured their head in the first place. Unfortunately, there are many causes of brain injuries that patients should keep in mind, including:
Competitive Sports: While football has taken most of the heat, there are many sports that can lead to a head injury. Soccer, basketball, and lacrosse players are also at risk of suffering a concussion, contusion, or other head injuries. Brain injuries can also impact athletes of all ages, not just professionals. Everyone playing sports should remember to use the proper protective equipment every time.
Pedestrian Accidents: Unfortunately, patients can suffer brain damage just by walking down the sidewalk. Sometimes, a vehicle doesn’t heed the crosswalk approaching. Other times, it could be a bicycle coming down the sidewalk at full speed. Collisions with an unprotected pedestrian can lead to serious injuries.
Vehicular Collisions: Motor vehicle collisions also run the risk of leading to head injuries. A motorcyclist can strike the pavement at full speed. Trucks can lose control and wind up in major accidents. Drivers and passengers can collide with the dashboard, window, or pavement, leading to significant head trauma. Everyone should pay attention to their surroundings while operating a motor vehicle to minimize the chances of an accident.
Workplace Injuries: Some people work in careers that run the risk of personal injury. Construction workers and those who operate heavy machinery should make sure that they take proper precautions while on the job. On the other hand, even those who work behind a desk might suffer a head injury. A wet floor or tumble down the stairs can lead to a slip and fall accident with significant medical ramifications.
Management of a Traumatic Brain InjuryIf a patient is suspected of having a traumatic brain injury, a few important steps are going to take place. Examples include:
Critical Care First: Before asking questions, the physician will want to make sure that the patient is clinically stable. The doctor will ensure that the patient is breathing appropriately. If not, the patient might be intubated. The patient’s blood pressure will need to be normalized and controlled. This could involve a bag of intravenous fluids or a blood transfusion.
Imaging is Necessary: Doctors will also take a CT scan or MRI of the patient’s head. This will provide more information about the potential of bone fractures, bleeding, or swelling in the patient’s skull. If any of these are present, neurosurgical intervention might be warranted.
Assessment and Plan: Once the patient is clinically stable, the physician will take down all of the important information regarding the history of the injury. The medical professional will also perform a physical exam to assess for any ancillary injuries. After this, more information will be given regarding the next step and potential prognosis.
Finances are ImportantSome patients and their families might find themselves asking about the finances of such as an injury. Unfortunately, a brain injury is an expensive matter. Examples of costs include:
Surgical Care: If a patient requires surgery, the bill could be expensive. Even for families with health insurance, they could be on the hook for a deductible or coinsurance. A subsequent stay in the ICU will only add to this cost.
Follow-up Visits: Even after a patient has been discharged, they will likely have follow-up visits with medical specialists. This could include lab work and rehabilitation that insurance may or may not cover.
Lost Wages: Patients who have suffered a brain injury often cannot return to work for a significant amount of time. Some may never return to work. These lost wages can leave a family in dire straits, searching for answers.
A Legal Professional can HelpA personal injury attorney can provide a significant number of services to help ease the burden of a traumatic brain injury. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to maximize the potential benefit and ensure that claims are paid out. They can also peruse the medical records and look for potential damages. If someone has suffered an injury as a result of the neglect or inaction of someone else, they should be held responsible. This might require paperwork; however, an experienced attorney can take all of the paperwork off of their clients’ shoulders. The patient can turn their attention towards their recovery.
I’m Ed Smith, a Granite Bay Brain Injury Lawyer. Families dealing with a traumatic brain injury may find themselves overwhelmed with the legal, financial, and logistical implications of such a situation. I encourage everyone facing a brain injury to contact my team at 916.921.6400 for friendly, free advice.
I have been admitted to the list of members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This is a group of personal injury lawyers who have been ranked among the country’s top trial attorneys. The legal professionals in this group have settled cases or won verdicts of at least $1 million dollars.
View my previous verdicts and settlements.
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