From high-speed car collisions to sudden trips and falls on a wet surface, TBIs happen in the blink of an eye and can dramatically alter the lives of victims and their families. Medical intervention for these injuries often requires a multi-faceted approach, as well as long-term strategies to combat some of the distressing symptoms that accompany injuries to the body’s most vital organ.
Unfortunately, many will find that their lives are never the same after a severe traumatic brain injury. However, if someone else's negligence caused the injury, the legal system provides remedies that can mitigate some of the devastating impacts.
At Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, we routinely handle cases involving brain injury and know that seeking justice after such an event is never easy. However, we are dedicated to keeping our clients and our communities safe, informed, and empowered to exercise their legal rights at all times. If you have a legal matter to discuss, we invite you to reach out to our Atlanta personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
The Facts About Traumatic Brain Injury
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1.7 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury every year. Of these, about 80% result in emergency room visits, 16% require hospitalizations, and 3% result in fatalities. Among the most common causes of these injuries are falls, motor vehicle accidents, struck-by-object accidents, and assault. In general, most of these accidents and their resulting brain injuries are preventable and can be traced back to the negligence of one or more individuals.
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe, and so can their symptoms. In mild cases, known as concussions, symptoms of TBI can include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, and difficulty concentrating or remembering new information. More severe TBIs can cause persistent headaches, repeated vomiting or nausea, seizures, inability to awaken, dilation of one or both pupils, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, and loss of coordination. There can also be significant changes in mood, such as increased agitation, depression, or anxiety. Some symptoms of TBI may appear right away, while others may not surface for days or even weeks after the injury. It's essential to seek immediate medical attention if a TBI is suspected, as timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact recovery.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Automobile accidents are among the leading causes of TBIs. Despite advances in vehicle safety technology, the sheer force of a crash can lead to severe injuries. Often, a brain injury accompanies other physical trauma, including broken bones, lacerations, burns, and contusions. These injuries, in combination, can prolong the healing process for an individual and make it difficult to process the events. Many who survive car accidents suffer from psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The symptoms of traumatic brain injury or a concussion combine wtih these changes to produce profound and distressing effects.
If you suffered a TBI in an automobile accident caused by a negligent driver, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. With the help of a car accident attorney in Atlanta, this action could result in compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Falls, particularly for older adults and young children, frequently cause TBIs. Unsafe premises such as icy sidewalks, cluttered stores, or poorly lit stairwells can turn a simple walk into a life-changing accident. Your state’s laws may protect those injured by avoidable circumstances.
Georgia makes property owners liable for the safety of those who, by express or implied invitation, spend time on their premises. If a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment, leading to a fall, you can hold them liable under premises liability law. In such cases, consult a premises liability attorney in Atlanta who can explain your rights and potential avenues for compensation.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents often lead to TBIs, especially in high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, or transportation. While workers' compensation typically covers these injuries, sometimes the negligence of a third party or an employer's deliberate act or omission can open the door for a personal injury claim.
Workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries, present unique dangers that can lead to TBIs. On construction sites, for instance, falling objects or falls from heights (such as ladders or scaffolding) can lead to severe injuries. Industrial settings also expose workers to dangerous machinery, hazardous materials, or high levels of noise and vibration, all of which can cause TBIs.
Even in seemingly safe office environments, accidents can occur. Slippery floors, improperly stored equipment, or poor ergonomics can lead to falls or other accidents, resulting in TBIs.
In many workplace accidents, workers' compensation provides the primary coverage. However, workers' compensation may not fully cover all the costs of a TBI, particularly if you require long-term or life-long care.
In some situations, you can hold third parties, such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors, liable.
An experienced attorney can identify all potential sources of compensation to ensure that victims of workplace TBIs receive the support they need. In some cases, this may involve filing a third-party claim to pursue financial compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer can explain your rights and options if a job site accident injured you.
Sports and Recreational Activities
Lastly, sports and recreational activities cause many TBIs, particularly for young people. These can range from team sports such as football and soccer to activities like skateboarding and cycling. If a TBI occurs due to inadequate supervision, faulty equipment, or another party's negligence, you may file a personal injury claim.
Regardless of the cause of a brain injury, always seek immediate medical attention. Once you take care of your health, reach out to a skilled brain injury attorney who can assess your situation to see if negligence played a role in the injury.
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Child Injuries Leading to TBI
The natural curiosity, high energy levels, and lack of understanding about danger make children particularly vulnerable to TBIs. Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of disability and death in children and adolescents, especially among infants and toddlers under four and adolescents between 15 and 19.
Car Accidents
Although child restraint laws have done much to improve the safety of children passengers in motor vehicles, car accidents still account for one in four unintentional injury fatalities in those under the age of 13 in the United States. Children also frequently sustain brain injuries as pedestrians or cyclists.
Child Abuse
Child abuse is a significant cause of TBI in infants and young children. Shaken baby syndrome, in particular, causes severe TBIs through violent shaking.
In all of these cases, if a child's TBI results from another party's negligence or intentional harm, parents may file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Pursuing legal action can secure compensation for current and future medical expenses, as well as other damages related to the child's injury.
However, complex and emotionally charged child injury cases often require a compassionate and skilled personal injury attorney who understands the unique legal and medical issues involved in child TBI cases. A child injury lawyer in Atlanta can help families navigate this difficult journey, providing the legal support they need during this trying time.
The Emotional and Financial Cost of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries impose a heavy toll, not just physically, but also emotionally and financially. The emotional impact of a TBI can overwhelm both the victim and their family. Coping with sudden personality changes, mood swings, memory issues, and the loss of cognitive or physical abilities can distress victims, their families, and their friends. It can strain relationships and lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression.
TBIs often require extensive medical treatments, including emergency care, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy, leading to hefty medical bills. Significant indirect costs can include lost income if the injured individual cannot work, home modifications for accessibility, and caregiving expenses. The combined emotional and financial burdens of a TBI underscore the importance of calling a brain injury lawyer to secure the necessary resources for recovery and adjustment to a new way of life.
Regardless of how your or your loved one’s traumatic brain injury occurred, your story doesn’t end here. A brain injury lawyer will understand the significant impact a TBI can have on your life, and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact a brain injury lawyer today to tell them your story during your free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended as general information and may not be applicable to your specific circumstances. Therefore, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a professional legal advisor. We urge you to consult an attorney experienced in handling cases involving traumatic brain injury for advice regarding your personal injury claim.