Traumatic Brain Injury: The Silent Epidemic
More than 1.5 million American civilians will sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) this year, according to the Brain Injury Association of America.
U.S. citizens are five times more likely to sustain a TBI than multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, HIV/AIDs and breast cancer combined. — Brain Injury Association of America
At Biren | Katzman, our personal injury attorneys have abundant experience assisting people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries because of negligence. We are committed to helping them obtain full financial compensation for all of their accident-related damages.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries involve a sudden blow, jolt or shock to the brain from an outside force. TBIs can be closed head injuries or penetrating injuries, such as those from gunshot wounds or other projectiles. Causes of TBI include:
- Motor vehicle/traffic accidents
- Head struck by or against objects
- Explosions
- Industrial Accidents
- Construction accidents
- Falls
The force involved in some TBIs is such that after the initial impact, the brain slams into the skull directly opposite from the site of impact, causing another injury. This is known as a coup-contrecoup injury and can occur even when there are no external signs of trauma like contusions, lacerations, etc.
Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Even so-called mild closed head injuries can cause deficits in thinking skills, emotional and behavioral functions, as well as physical abilities.
Cognitive problems associated with brain injuries include impaired memory, concentration, attention, slowed learning, and difficulty with planning, reasoning or judgment (executive functioning). People with brain injuries may not be able to remember the names of friends or family members or remember how to drive to familiar places or basic information they have known all of their lives.
Emotional and behavioral problems include depression, anxiety, impulsiveness, irritability, aggression, mood swings, emotional ability and thoughts of suicide. The person with the brain injury may not immediately notice these changes. Often family members and coworkers are the first to recognize the problems.
Physical problems include fatigue, headaches, nausea, problems with balance or motor skills, loss of coordination, sensory losses, sensitivity to light or sound, sleep disturbance, coma, hemorrhage and seizures.
To learn more about how we handle traumatic brain injury claims, please visit our page on Proving Brain and Spine Injuries. To schedule a free consultation about your case, please call Biren | Katzman Trial Lawyers toll free at 866-604-5887 or e-mail our Los Angeles office.
