Brain Injuries
In the United States, it is estimated that 1.5 million people will suffer some form of brain injury every year while almost 50,000 people die every year, as a result of a brain injury. Brain injuries are especially scary because they are often difficult to detect, symptoms may not appear immediately, and long term effects can be debilitating. Because of their unpredictability, what may seem like a mild injury can frequently turn into something far more serious.
Brain injuries are often preventable and frequently the result of the negligence of another. They may be sustained from a variety of accidents, including automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, auto/pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, falling objects, workplace accidents, and assaults.
Common types of brain injuries include concussions, closed brain injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, and acquired brain injuries. Acquired brain injuries are those that occur on an internal or cellular level, and are not the result of some outside physical trauma. Acquired brain injuries include traumatic brain injuries brought on by strokes, near drowning, exposure to toxic substances and misuse or overdose of medication and drugs.
Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries impact cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical well being. Symptoms may include memory loss, dizziness, dramatic mood and personality changes, persistent headaches, trouble sleeping, blackouts, fatigue, nausea, inability to concentrate, blurred vision, violence, depression, and loss of consciousness. What makes brain injuries so tricky is that many of these symptoms may not show up until later. While a person may appear fine in the emergency room immediately following an accident, most of these symptoms won’t become apparent until days, weeks or even months later. Because of the delayed onset of so many of these symptoms, it is vital that a person seek medical treatment after an injury to the head, even when the injury seems mild at the time. Even in mild brain injury cases, 15% of victims will still suffer continued problems a year after their accident.
Costs Associated with Brain Injuries
While the physical and mental implications of a brain injury can be daunting, the costs associated with brain injuries can also be intimidating. It is estimated that the medical costs and lost productivity resulting from brain injuries cost between $48 billion and $60 billion each year. Medical bills, loss of employment, lost wages, lost future wages, and long term care are just some of the factors to consider when contemplating the costs associated with brain injuries.
Brain Injury Claims
Brain injuries are frequently the result of the negligence of another. If your brain injuries are shown to be due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to legal relief and compensation for your injuries. In order to make a claim, you must show that you suffered harm or injuries that were the direct result of another’s negligence. Negligence is present when it can be shown that a person failed to act with reasonable care. Linking a person’s negligent behavior with a victim’s injuries is at the heart of a brain injury case.
Brain Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another, it’s important to seek legal advice from an expert traumatic brain injury lawyer. You will need help gathering as much evidence as possible to prove that your injuries were the result of another’s negligence. Evidence regarding your accident, including witness statements, evidence reports, medical reports, and newspaper articles will be vital.
Additional complex legal issues may also arise if there is long term or debilitating brain injury damage. Impaired cognitive function and physical disabilities may lead to guardianship issues, state entitlement claims, property settlements, estate planning issues, medical malpractice claims, social security claims, and damages based on loss of enjoyment of life.
You do not have to face the stress and anxiety of a brain injury case by yourself. When you suffer from a brain injury, some part of your life will suffer. A competent and knowledgeable brain injury lawyer can deal with insurance companies, employers, hospitals, or government agencies on your behalf. Call one of our Baltimore brain injury lawyers today at Ingerman & Horwitz to discuss your case. Your first consultation is free and confidential. Trust our experienced lawyers to fight on your behalf for legal and just compensation. Call us today at 1-800-776-4529 to schedule your first consultation.