Arlington Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
The human brain serves as the body’s central command center, controlling crucial life functions that enable breathing, movement, heart rate, organ activity, and cognitive abilities. If an accident causes traumatic brain injury (TBI), any of these processes can be impaired, leading to potentially life-altering conditions or even death. Victims and their families may be severely impacted physically, mentally, and financially.
If you or a loved one sustained a TBI due to the negligent actions of another, an experienced catastrophic injury attorney could help you seek compensation from the responsible party. An experienced Arlington traumatic brain injury lawyer could investigate the accident, identify all possible defendants, and work tirelessly on your behalf to obtain a financial recovery.
How Traumatic Brain Injuries Occur and Are Diagnosed
The United States Centers for Disease Control report that motor vehicle collisions and falls cause more than 70 percent of traumatic brain injury hospitalizations. Traumatic brain injuries come in several forms ranging from minor to severe.
Mild TBIs
People who experience unconsciousness or disorientation for the less than half an hour are typically diagnosed with a mild form of brain injury, usually known as concussions. The danger with this diagnosis is that the injury can worsen with time, so while a clear CAT scan or MRI brings relief, it can also discourage people from seeking necessary ongoing medical care. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, mood swings, and fatigue.
Moderate TBIs
Where unconsciousness persists for several hours, doctors usually diagnose moderate patients with moderate TBI. The symptoms are typically the same as those with mild TBI but more acute and persistent.
Severe TBIs
Comas, or prolonged unconscious periods, are usually considered to be signs of severe traumatic brain injury. Some people never wake, while others experience brain death, which is essentially the irreversible conclusion to all brain function and will result in death once the life support machines are turned off. Those who do wake up often face serious and permanent challenges, including seizures, problems with vision and communication, bladder and bowel dysfunction, difficulty swallowing, disorientation, and mood swings.
A seasoned Arlington attorney experienced in traumatic brain damage claims could help someone experiencing any of these symptoms determine whether they have a valid claim to pursue compensation.
What is the Best Protection for Motorcyclists to Prevent a TBI?
Motorcyclists are at an extremely high risk of sustaining a TBI. The best protection a motorcyclist has to combat traumatic brain injury is a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that motorcyclists wearing a helmet were less likely to experience facial and head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. The human brain is incredibly susceptible to damage from the forces generated by a typical motor vehicle accident.
Without a helmet, this effectively leaves the head completely unprotected. The head has no barrier to those forces generated leaving brain vulnerable to traumatic injury. Motorcyclists are warned repeatedly about the importance of wearing a helmet to prevent injuries, but many still choose not to. A diligent TBI attorney in Arlington could further explain why it is recommended to always wear a helmet while on the road.
What Type of Damages are Available for Head Trauma Cases in Arlington?
Brain injuries can be very costly. Costs of hospital bills, medication, home and vehicle modifications, therapy, and home care nurses could be financially crippling. Facing this sort of financial stress undermines the physical healing process and it could trigger severe depression and anxiety.
Plaintiffs who bring successful civil actions against those responsible will be entitled to compensatory damages including economic and non-economic to cover their expenses and losses. Such damages might include medical costs, lost wages, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
In certain circumstances, injured claimants may be awarded punitive damages or exemplary damages. These types of damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter future similar conduct. Punitive damages may be awarded only where the defendant engaged in particularly egregious behavior. A well-practiced attorney in Arlington could review the facts of the case and help claimants with serious head injuries recover compensation that covers the full extent of their damages.
Reach Out to an Arlington Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Now
If you or a loved one is facing the consequences of a traumatic brain injury, the physical, emotional, and financial stress may seem insurmountable at times. But pursuing a legal claim and asserting your rights to recover damages may be a crucial step in moving forward.
Let an Arlington traumatic brain injury attorney help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.