Traumatic brain injuries usually result from a violent jolt or blow to the head. Objects, such as a shattered skull fragment or a bullet, can also cause brain injury as they penetrate brain tissue. Lastly, catastrophic brain injury can also be caused as a result of cerebral hypoxia, which occurs when there is a depletion of oxygen to the brain.
Mild forms of brain injury can affect brain cells for a short period of time. A person who has suffered a minor head impact, for instance, can suffer a slight headache and nausea. Severe head injuries, however, can result in bleeding, torn brain tissue, and other forms of physical injury to the brain. Severe forms of brain injury can result in long-term or even permanent medical complications, but they can also result in death.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury can cause a broad range of physical and psychological consequences. An injury can begin to show effects immediately after the incident occurred while other symptoms will take days or weeks to develop. Common signs and symptoms of a brain injury can include:
- Headache,
- Speech issues,
- Nausea,
- Sensory problems,
- Light or sound sensitivity,
- Problems concentrating,
- Problems remembering,
- Changes in mood,
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- Fluid draining from the ears or nose, and
- Loss of coordination
Brain Injury Causes
A catastrophic brain injury can be caused by a number of different incidents. The degree of damage to the brain will depend on a variety of factors, which include the nature of the injury as well as the force of the impact.
The following are common events that can lead to a catastrophic brain injury:
Medical Malpractice – Brain injury that occurs when a person is under the care of a medical professional usually results in cerebral hypoxia, a slow decrease of oxygen, or cerebral anoxic, which is a complete lack of oxygen to the brain. These two forms of brain injury can have serious consequences. The degree of damage to the brain will usually be determined by the amount of time the brain was deprived of oxygen.
Falls – Slip and falls occur regularly, especially in adults over the age of 65. Falls can occur nearly anywhere, but they are particularly dangerous when they occur at construction sites. While many people disregard falls as insignificant accidents, it is important to note that even seemingly minor falls can result in a fractured skull.
Car Accidents – Collisions involving motorcycles, cars, cyclists, and pedestrians can result in a catastrophic brain injury. A person who slams against a windshield or steering wheel upon impact can sustain head trauma.
Sports Injuries – Currently, the extent of brain trauma among football players is becoming increasingly recognized. It is far too common for a football player to experience a concussion while on the field, and regrettably, many players do not begin to show symptoms until after they have already retired.
Violence – Assault is another common cause of catastrophic brain trauma. Child abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome, and domestic violence usually occur at the hands of a family member.
Obtain Compensation Following a Brain Injury
A brain injury can result in a wide array of physical complications, and unfortunately, a majority lead to extensive medical treatment and care. A person who has suffered a catastrophic brain injury can experience a lifetime of learning disability and a difficulty in moving.
If you or someone you love has suffered head trauma, it is highly recommended to seek the legal support of a qualified attorney. When the injury was caused as a result of another’s carelessness, there may be an opportunity to recover compensation, which may be used to cover past, present, and future medical treatments.
The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are highly regarded in the field of personal injury lawsuits. With more than 20 years of dedicated experience, the attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are committed to bringing justice to victims of negligence.
