TBI Attorney in Pearland, TX

Talented Pearland Lawyers Protecting Victims of TBI

You might have heard of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), but what is it? A TBI occurs when a sudden bump, jolt or blow to the head causes damage to the brain. Millions of people in the United States suffer from TBIs every year. Half of them are caused by car accidents.

TBIs can be mild or severe. You may not even know that you have one until weeks later. A concussion is a common type of mild TBI. Concussions cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and ringing in the ears. A more serious TBI can also cause dilated pupils, slurred speech, numbness in the extremities, seizures and coma.

Because your brain controls your entire body, a TBI can affect your memory, attention and concentration. Your senses may be affected, causing blurry vision and changes to taste and smell. A TBI can also cause paralysis and sleep disorders. You may have trouble reading and writing and you may be unable to understand language. You may have difficulties with speech and your personality could even change.

As you can see, a TBI is a serious physical and mental condition. If you are suffering from one due to someone else’s negligence, seek legal help today by calling the Pearland TBI attorney at Scott M. Brown & Associates.

What is TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a form of brain dysfunction stemming from a forceful impact or head trauma. TBIs are categorized into two types: penetrating and non-penetrating. Penetrating TBIs occur when an object, such as a bullet or bone fragment, pierces the brain tissue. Non-penetrating TBIs, often referred to as “blunt force” injuries, result from external forces powerful enough to displace the brain within the skull, such as car accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents.

TBIs can lead to cognitive and physical alterations, with some of these changes being immediately evident following the traumatic incident, while others may develop gradually over time. Repeated head injuries can lead to a condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), characterized by ongoing, severe changes in mental and physical capabilities that can impede one’s ability to perform basic tasks and maintain employment.

Treatments for TBI

A brain injury is different from a wound. Recovery from a brain injury is slow and you may never even fully recover. Fortunately, some treatments can help you return to normal.

Following a TBI, you will receive initial treatment to help stabilize your body. You will then receive secondary treatment to minimize the risk of other injuries. In some cases, patients need surgery to increase blood flow and minimize swelling in the brain.

After surgery and other secondary treatments, you will start recovery at a rehabilitation center. There, a team of professionals will help restore your physical and mental abilities. They will help you move, eat, think, talk and use the restroom. They will help you increase your independence by using devices and strategies. Even when you go home, you will need to participate in therapy every day so you can get better.

Recovery from a TBI is a long process. Most people see the biggest improvements within the first two years. Many patients suffer from issues for the rest of their lives. Treating a TBI can be very costly. Make sure you receive compensation for the damages you have suffered by having the Pearland TBI attorney at Scott M. Brown & Associates on your side. 

What are the Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from various causes, but some of the most common ones include:

• Slip and Fall Incidents: The majority of traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases in the U.S. stem from slip and fall accidents. Common scenarios leading to TBIs encompass situations like slippery floors, uneven surfaces, construction mishaps, and accidents involving stairs. Property owners have a duty to uphold safe premises and can be held responsible for injuries resulting from negligence.
• Motor Vehicle Collisions: This category encompasses car crashes, motorcycle mishaps, collisions involving bicyclists, and incidents involving pedestrians. A TBI attorney in Pearland, TX can assist victims in navigating the intricate legal process and pursuing compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Injuries Due to Impact: Engagement in sports and recreational activities like football, lacrosse, soccer, snowboarding, and gymnastics can lead to head injuries, particularly when proper safety measures are not adhered to.
• Violent Confrontations: Acts of violence account for roughly 10% of TBI cases. Examples include gunshot wounds, physical altercations, incidents of domestic violence, and instances of child abuse. A Pearland traumatic brain injury attorney can aid victims in seeking justice and compensation for their injuries.
• Other or Unidentified Factors: In some instances, TBI cases may be attributed to different or unknown causes. Irrespective of the circumstances, it is vital to consult with a knowledgeable Pearland, TX TBI attorney to explore your legal recourse options.

It’s important to note that the severity of a TBI can vary widely, from mild concussions to severe injuries with long-lasting effects. Preventative measures, such as wearing helmets, seatbelts, and practicing safety in various settings, can help reduce the risk of TBIs.

What are the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?

Due to the brain damage they entail, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impact a wide array of bodily systems. The most prevalent symptoms can be categorized into three groups: physical, mental, and sensory.

Physical TBI symptoms encompass:

• Persistent headaches or migraines
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Dizziness or a loss of balance
• Muscle weakness, numbness, or a decrease in coordination

Mental (psychological or cognitive) TBI symptoms include:

• Mood alterations or mood swings
• Challenges with memory or concentration
• Confusion
• Agitation, combative behavior, or other unusual conduct

Sensory TBI symptoms encompass:

• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• An unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Changes in the sense of smell
• Slurred speech

In cases of very severe traumatic brain injuries, there may be a temporary or permanent alteration in consciousness, such as entering a coma, experiencing a vegetative state, or reaching brain death. (Individuals who have been in a coma for 30 days or longer may qualify for expedited disability benefits under Social Security’s terminal illness program.)

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek for My Injury?

The types of compensation you can seek for your injury will depend on the specific facts of your case, including the type of injury you sustained, the severity of your injury, and the negligence of the party who caused your injury.

In general, however, there are two main types of compensation that you may be able to recover:

• Economic damages: Economic damages are awarded to compensate you for the financial losses you have incurred as a result of your injury. This can include things like medical expenses, lost wages, and future lost earnings.
• Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate you for the non-financial losses you have experienced as a result of your injury. This can include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their negligence and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

Here are some specific examples of the types of compensation you may be able to seek for your injury:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of all medical treatment related to your injury, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgery, and prescription medications.
• Lost wages: This includes the wages you have lost as a result of being unable to work due to your injury.
• Future lost earnings: This includes the wages you are expected to lose in the future as a result of your injury.
• Pain and suffering: This is compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your injury.
• Emotional distress: This is compensation for the emotional and psychological trauma you have experienced as a result of your injury.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: This is compensation for the loss of your ability to enjoy your life to the fullest extent possible as a result of your injury.
• Punitive damages: These are damages awarded to punish the defendant for their negligence and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

If you have been injured, it is important to speak with an experienced TBI attorney to discuss your case and the types of compensation you may be able to recover.

What is the Process for Obtaining Compensation?

The process for obtaining compensation for a personal injury claim can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, in general, the process involves the following steps:

• Seek medical attention: If you have been injured, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This will help to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. It is also important to keep all of your medical records and bills, as these will be important evidence in your claim.

• Contact a personal injury lawyer: A personal injury lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you throughout the claims process.

• Gather evidence: Your lawyer will help you to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include things like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene.

• File a claim: Once your lawyer has gathered all of the necessary evidence, they will file a claim with the insurance company of the party who caused your injury.

• Negotiate a settlement: Once the insurance company has received your claim, they will likely assign a claims adjuster to your case. The claims adjuster will review your claim and make an offer of settlement. Your lawyer will negotiate with the claims adjuster on your behalf to try to reach a fair settlement.

• File a lawsuit: If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the party who caused your injury. The lawsuit will be filed in civil court, and a judge or jury will decide whether you are entitled to compensation and, if so, how much.

Note that the claims process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to have an experienced Pearland, TX TBI attorney on your side to help you navigate the process and to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Suffering From Traumatic Brain Injuries? Our Pearland Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

A brain injury can cause long-term health effects. Treatment for such an injury can cost millions of dollars and leave you bankrupt without proper legal help.

Brain injuries cause significant damage. You may be unable to work or care for yourself. It’s important to hold the negligent party liable so you can receive full compensation for your injuries. The Pearland personal injury lawyers at Scott M. Brown & Associates can help. To learn more, contact us today.