What You Need to Know About Fort Worth Lawsuits for Traumatic Brain Injuries

There are few personal injuries that can be as devastating as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While these injuries can have a wide range of effects, some victims experience long-term physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.

Below, our legal team discusses what you need to know about traumatic brain injuries and traumatic brain injury lawsuits. We discuss common causes, effects/symptoms and compensation that may be available to victims.

Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP has helped car crash victims seek compensation for various injuries. We have secured millions for our clients without any upfront costs or fees. Call our Fort Worth auto accident lawyers today for legal assistance.

Call today to schedule an initial consultation: 817-920-9000.

What Are Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, leading to disruption in normal brain function. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, depending on the force of the impact and the part of the brain affected.

It is important to debunk a common misconception that the only way you could suffer a brain injury is if you get hit in the head. Sometimes victims are violently shaken and this causes brain damage.

What Are the Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Brain injuries can occur in a wide variety of situations, such as during contact sports. You could also slip and fall and hit your head, such as in a retail store or walking next to the pool.

However, one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries is trauma from a motor vehicle collision. These are some of the forces/factors that often lead to brain injury during a car crash:

Direct Impact

The force of the collision can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces, leading to a TBI.

Rapid Deceleration

Even without direct impact, the sudden stop or change in direction during a crash can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to injury.

Flying Objects

Objects inside or outside the vehicle can become projectiles during a crash, striking the head and causing a TBI.

Whiplash

The rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck during a crash can cause the brain to strike against the inside of the skull, leading to a TBI.

Secondary Impacts

In multi-vehicle collisions or rollover accidents, secondary impacts can occur, causing additional trauma to the head and brain.

Penetrating Injuries

These could occur if a sharp object or flying debris pierces the skull and enters the brain.

What Are the Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

The effects of TBIs can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the part of the brain affected. Common effects include:

• Cognitive issues: Difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making
• Physical challenges: Motor skill impairment, paralysis and chronic pain
• Emotional and behavioral changes: Mood swings, depression and anxiety
• Sensory problems: Vision and hearing impairment and altered taste and smell
• Relationship difficulties: TBI survivors often face mood swings and communication difficulties.

What Type of Compensation Can Victims Seek?

Victims of traumatic brain injuries may be eligible to seek compensation for:

Medical expenses

This includes the cost of the initial treatment after the accident, such as surgery, staying at the hospital, prescription medication and medical testing. Depending on the severity of the injury, some victims may seek compensation for future medical expenses if injuries get worse over time. For example, if an individual suffers from cognitive impairments, they may need continuous speech therapy to relearn how to talk.

Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity

Brain injuries often prevent victims from working during their treatment and recovery. This is often because of the physical challenges caused by brain injuries, but the cognitive consequences can also prevent you from working. You can seek compensation for these lost wages.

If you have a long-term or permanent injury, you might not be able to work like you did before the injury. This may mean you need to work in another industry or fewer hours. Your lawyer may be able to seek compensation for the difference between what you earned before the injury and what you are earning after the injury.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering is compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. For example, if you have trouble sleeping due to your TBI. Victims may also struggle to regulate their emotions and your loved ones may notice a change in your behavior/personality. These damages can lower your quality of life.

Pain and suffering can have significant value in a personal injury claim. However, determining the value of these damages can be difficult to determine. Your lawyer can gather various pieces of evidence to prove your case, including:

Call Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP for Legal Help After a Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families. It is important for victims to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney. He or she can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve without any upfront fees.

Call today to discover how we can help. 817-920-9000.