Brain Injuries: Types, Symptoms and Legal Recourse

Sustaining a brain injury can have severe and long-lasting effects on a person's life. Although many people are aware of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by blunt force trauma, several other types can be equally catastrophic. In this blog, we discuss the various types of brain injuries, their symptoms and how an experienced legal professional can assist in navigating the process of seeking legal remedies for damages.

Brain Injury Types

Understanding the various brain injury types in legal cases is essential because each has a unique way of manifesting and impacting individuals. This knowledge helps build a stronger case, as the specifics of type and severity can accurately quantify damages.

In addition, a clear understanding of the condition enables better collaboration with medical experts, effectively substantiating brain injury claims. By comprehending the nuances, individuals can navigate legal recourse and advocate for their needs more effectively, therefore securing the necessary support for recovery.

The following are the most prevalent brain injury types:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A TBI occurs when an external force, such as a blow to the head due to a car accident, causes the brain to move inside the skull. This movement causes the brain to bruise, bleed or tear, damaging the brain tissue.

• Concussion: A mild TBI caused by a blow or jolt to the head. It typically involves temporary confusion or loss of consciousness and might present symptoms like headaches, dizziness and memory problems.

• Contusion: This refers to a bruise on the brain's surface caused by head impact. Depending on the severity and location, it may result in cognitive, motor and neurological issues.

• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Occurs when the brain rapidly shifts within the skull, causing widespread tearing of nerve tissue. DAI can lead to varying degrees of unconsciousness, coma or cognitive impairment.

Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs)

Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs) encompass diverse non-traumatic injuries that occur after birth, which include:

• Stroke: This occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage.

• Anoxia/Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen to the brain (anoxia) or reduced oxygen (hypoxia) can lead to brain cell death within minutes. It can result from drowning, choking, heart attack or other medical emergencies.

• Infections: Conditions like meningitis or encephalitis cause brain inflammation.

• Tumors: Brain tumors cause damage by pressing on or infiltrating brain tissue, leading to a range of symptoms depending on their location and size.

It is essential to understand the various types of brain injuries as they have distinct symptoms, prognoses and treatment approaches. Therefore, seeking medical care and legal advice after such damages is appropriate to ensure the patient receives the correct diagnosis, treatment and support when filing brain injury claims.

Brain Injury Symptoms

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of a brain injury as it significantly affects the legal recourse of victims. Being well-informed helps understand the complexities of brain injury laws, which play a significant role in obtaining fair compensation and justice.

A traumatic brain injury lawsuit often requires extensive knowledge of these symptoms and their impact on the victim's life. However, every brain injury, regardless of type, can manifest differently in each individual. For this reason, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a brain injury. Symptoms may include:

• Headache or migraine

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Loss of consciousness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Memory lapses

• Confusion or disorientation

• Difficulty concentrating

• Loss of coordination

• Emotional changes, such as mood swings or increased irritability

• Fatigue

• Changes in sleep patterns

Legal Recourse for Brain Injuries

Those who have suffered a brain injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another party may have grounds for filing a traumatic brain injury lawsuit.

A knowledgeable legal professional like Attorney Andrew Littlejohn Johnson can provide guidance and representation in seeking compensation, including:

• Medical expenses incurred in diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating the injury.

• Lost income due to an inability to work or a diminished earning capacity due to the injury.

• Pain and suffering are associated with the physical and emotional burdens of living with a brain injury.

• In extreme traumatic brain injury lawsuit cases, punitive damages may be sought to financially punish the responsible party for their egregious behavior and deter others from similar conduct.

Seek Legal Assistance for Brain Injury Claims

Navigating the complexities of brain injury cases can be challenging, so having suitable legal representation could be crucial to securing compensation for your damages. Attorney Andrew Littlejohn Johnson is experienced in medical malpractice, premises liability, and brain injury laws in South Carolina and can be a valuable resource in seeking justice. Reach out today.