Monterey Brain Injury Lawyers
A brain injury occurs when there is damage to brain cells. These injuries can be caused by trauma, strokes, or tumors. More than 2 million Americans suffer from brain injuries every year. These injuries can range from mild to severe.
There are two main types of brain injury: traumatic and acquired. A traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head from a sports injury, that causes the brain around. An acquired brain injury is associated with pressure on the brain and can come from a tumor, illness, or stroke.
Brain injuries can also be caused by someone’s negligence. If you suffered a brain injury due to a car accident, slip and fall, premises liability accident, workplace accident, or some other incident, you may be able to receive compensation. Allen Law Firm can assess your damages and guide you through the process. Contact a lawyer today to schedule a consultation.
Common Causes of Monterey Brain Injuries
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), over 2,000 people suffer brain injuries in Monterey County each year. Nearly 20 percent of victims have symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. The remainder are treated in hospital emergency rooms and then released to the care of family and friends.
When any type of accident results in bumps, blows, or jolts to the head, it can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Among the most common causes include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents;
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents;
- Sports and recreational accidents;
- Slips and falls or other accidents that occur on someone’s property.
Symptoms of brain injuries may be subtle at first but can worsen over time and may result in long-term disabilities. Any time an accident results in suspected head or brain injuries, seek medical care immediately.
Signs of Brain Injury
Any type of bump, blow, or sudden jolt of the head can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These occur in a variety of different accidents and can impact victims and their families for years after. However, symptoms are often subtle at first. Find out common warning signs of TBI and what to do if this type of personal injury is suspected.
Physical Signs
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Sleep disorders
- Unconsciousness
Cognitive Signs
- Memory loss
- Shortened attention span
- Difficulty processing information
- Impaired decision-making ability
- Difficulty in expressing thoughts
- Difficulty understanding others
Behavioral and Emotional Signs
- Irritability
- Lack of patience
- Extreme stress
- Increased aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Depression
Perceptual Signs
- Change in vision or hearing
- Inability to smell and taste
- Balance issues
- Heightened sensitivity to pain
- Inability to sense time
Dealing With The Long-Term Impacts of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in Monterey can cause physical, emotional, and cognitive impairments. These can impact you for an indefinite period, preventing you from working, engaging in your favorite hobbies and activities, or even performing simple household tasks.
When TBI occurs due to accidents in which the reckless and negligent actions of others are responsible, you have the right to hold them responsible. Depending on the circumstances, insurance policies may be in place to help offset your losses. However, before accepting any type of settlement, be sure and factor in any long-term treatments or other costs you are likely to incur. In cases where insurance is unavailable or traumatic brain injuries are severe, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party may be an option. Under the California Civil Code, this can entitle you to additional amounts of compensation, including;
- Payment of current medical bills and any ongoing treatment, follow-up care, and rehabilitative costs;
- Reimbursement for lost wages and future losses in income or benefits due to long-term disabilities;
- Compensation for pain and suffering, as well as any lost enjoyment in life caused by traumatic brain injuries;
- Exemplary damages, which punish the at-fault party for particularly willful and negligent behavior.
Treatment for Brain Injuries
Mild brain injuries typically do not require much more than pain medications and rest. More severe injuries may require special medications such as anti-seizure and coma-inducing drugs.
In some cases, emergency surgery may be needed to minimize damage to the brain. Surgery can remove hematomas, repair skull fractures, and stop bleeding in the brain.
A significant brain injury will affect various parts of the body and therefore require rehabilitation. A person may need help with walking, talking, or performing other daily activities. Rehabilitation will depend on what part of the brain was damaged. Various therapists may be needed to help a person regain physical and mental function. A person may even be able to return to the workplace.
Recovery can be long, though. While some people improve over time, many brain injury victims suffer from lifelong effects. Those with a severe brain injury have a higher likelihood of dying over the next few years.
Contact Allen Law Firm Today
Brain injuries can result in long-term effects. A person may not be able to work or even perform basic tasks such as eating or getting dressed.
Allen Law Firm can help you obtain compensation for the effects you have suffered from your brain injury. Our Monterey brain injuries lawyers have decades of experience with all types of personal injuries. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (831) 901-3901 or filling out the online form.
