What is a traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injury, also called TBI, brain injury or head injury, results when a person receives a blow or jolt to the head. The resulting damage to the brain can range in severity from mild to severe.
A mild case of TBI occurs when a person has a brief loss of consciousness or minor, temporary confusion. A concussion is the most common type of brain injury and is often classified as mild. When mild TBI goes undiagnosed the person suffering the injury can miss out on the benefits of rehabilitation and medical care.
The extreme case of TBI, or severe TBI, may involve loss of consciousness for weeks and can result in permanent disability. Typically, a severe case of TBI will result in long-term disability.
What are the primary causes of brain injury?
The most common causes of TBI are from:
- Motor vehicle collisions, such as a car accident or motorcycle accident;
- Falls;
- Violence, such as bullet wounds or blunt trauma injury; and
- Sports.
Each year, an estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury.
How do you prove that I have a brain injury if I am not incapacitated?
Brain injuries do not always exhibit symptoms immediately, but often have a delayed onset of symptoms. In addition, brain injury symptoms may be mild at first and may worsen over time. Symptoms which may be caused by a brain injury include loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia, encephalopathy, seizures, and un-reactive pupils.
We work with experts who will evaluate your condition to ensure your damages are sufficiently proven in the event a jury will be called on to decide damages. The physicians will analyze your skills and capabilities and explain and quantify information about the effects of your brain injury. Neurologists, neurosurgeons and psychiatrists are all critical specialists in a brain injury case.
I feel okay to work – will that impact my chances of a successful lawsuit?
A brain injury may affect mobility, memory, cognitive abilities, and even self-consciousness, but you may still be able to function in your job. If you your physician and therapists have indicated that you can return to work, and you follow their medical advice, there is no reason that returning to work should affect your claim.
You may find that you encounter issues at work that you did not have before that may impair your ability to function to your full capacity.
How soon after my brain injury accident occurs must I file a personal injury lawsuit?
Potential life-time medical care needs and mounting medical bills can be significant when you have a brain injury. Acting quickly to get a fair compensation for a brain injury can ease some of the stress you and your family encounter during your recovery. Filing your claim as quickly as possible is critical to ensure information is properly gathered and documented. Contact our personal injury lawyers to determine when the statute of limitations takes effect, and to begin your case.
The Wyly Law Firm has the resources and experience necessary to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call the Houston, Texas based brain injury attorney at the Wyly Law Firm today at 713.574.7034 or use our online contact form.
What resources are available for victims of brain injuries?
If a member of your family has suffered a serious brain injury, you likely have many questions about caring for your family member and about how to best provide for his or her future. Several organizations exist to help people in this situation.
Many brain injury resources are available. They include:
- The Brain Injury Association of Texas. The Brain Injury Association of Texas is a non-profit public service organization dedicated to improving treatment for brain injuries. The group works to increase public awareness and education, provide family guidance and support research and rehabilitation efforts.
- Office of Acquired Brain Injury. The Office of Acquired Brain Injury is maintained by the state of Texas through the Texas Health and Human Services Comission. The Office of Acquired Brain Injury serves as a resource for survivors of brain injuries and their families, including returning combat veterans, through referrals and coordination of federal, state and local resources.
- Traumatic Brain Injury in Texas. The Texas Department of Health Services provides a substantial collection of online information for Texans about Traumatic Brain Injury.
- Brain Injury Association of America. The Brain Injury Association of America provides service and representation to individuals, families and professionals who are affected by traumatic brain injury.
The Wyly Law Firm, P.C., based in Houston, is committed to representing people throughout Texas with traumatic brain injuries. The firm handles cases in Houston and the surrounding communities, including Harris County, Beaumont, Baytown, Galveston and Pasadena. The firm also handles business law issues and disputes. To contact the brain injury lawyer at the Wyly Law Firm, P.C., call 713.574.7034, or reach the firm through the online contact form.
