A traumatic brain injury is one of the worst physical injuries a person can suffer, and one of the most challenging aspects of this type of injury is the difficulty of treatment and the unpredictability of symptoms. Two people with virtually identical medical details could appear to suffer the exact same brain injury and have completely different symptoms and recovery experiences. The human brain is extraordinarily complex, and it’s possible for any brain injury to impose a host of long-term or permanent complications on the victim as well as economic challenges for their family.

Possible Effects of Different Brain Injuries

Any damage to the brain potentially carries a host of long-term complications for the victim. Brain injuries are generally categorized into “open” and “closed” injuries. A closed-head injury describes any injury that does not physically penetrate the skull, while an open-head injury indicates traumatic physical injury that pierces the skull and physically ruptures the brain. While open-head injuries are extreme medical emergencies that demand immediate medical treatment, this should not imply that a closed-head injury is minor in any way. A few of the most common types of closed-head injuries that can lead to permanent medical complications include:

  • –Concussions, which are the most commonly reported brain injuries in the United States. These injuries result from the skull impacting the inside surface of the brain. Sports accidents and motor vehicle crashes are two of the most commonly cited causes of concussions. These injuries cause a wide range of symptoms that often subside with time, rest, and appropriate treatment. However, there is always a chance for a concussion to cause permanent harm.
  • –Axonal brain injuries, which describe the tearing of connective nerve tissue inside the brain. These injuries may occur from sudden violent momentum shifts and traumatic impacts from car accidents and other physical accidents.
  • –Anoxic brain injuries, which result from oxygen deprivation. When the brain does not receive oxygen, even for a few seconds, brain tissue will deteriorate rapidly and die. These injuries occur from drowning, suffocation, or exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • –Neurotoxic chemical injuries. It’s possible for a brain injury to occur from exposure to substances that specifically attach to the nervous system. These injuries are often very difficult to treat and have a high chance of causing permanent damage.

Any closed-head brain injury has the potential to cause a host of short- and long-lasting symptoms, some of which are likely to require extensive ongoing medical care. In addition, some brain injuries result in permanent disabilities that cause lasting discomfort, psychological disruptions, and diminish the victim’s ability to work and live independently.
Penetrating open-head injuries have a very high chance of death, but when victims survive these experiences, they are likely to face permanent complications to some degree. If another party is responsible for causing any type of brain injury, the victim and their family should seek legal counsel right away to begin building a personal injury claim against them.

FAQs

Q: Can a Head Injury Cause Medical Problems Years Later?

A: One of the most difficult aspects of head and brain injuries is their unpredictability. It’s possible for a head or brain injury to cause tremendous problems immediately after the injury, but it is also possible for the victim to appear to make a full recovery and then experience a host of problems unexpectedly in the future. Ultimately, it is possible for any head injury to cause symptoms that appear gradually over time or suddenly appear after the victim has seemed to have made a full recovery.

Q: Can You Fully Recover From a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A: Many people who suffer traumatic brain injuries will appear to make full recoveries, and some of these individuals will appear to have no lasting symptoms after initial recovery. However, any brain injury leaves the victim more susceptible to further injuries in the future. For example, if a person sustains a concussion and they appear to make a complete recovery, they will still be more vulnerable to concussions in the future.

Q: What Are the Possible Permanent Effects of a Brain Injury?

A: Any injury to the brain can potentially result in a host of long-term or permanent problems. Depending on the scope, severity, and location of a brain injury, the victim could face sensory disruptions or loss of sensory power, such as vision or hearing loss. They could also experience personality and mood disorders, psychological distress in the form of anxiety and/or depression, and physical symptoms such as persistent migraines, sensitivity to light and sound, and more.

Q: How Much Is a Personal Injury Claim for a Brain Injury Worth?

A: California law enables the plaintiff of a personal injury case to seek full repayment of all the economic losses they suffered, both immediate and future, as well as pain and suffering compensation. Due to the severity of most brain injuries, it is very possible for a traumatic brain injury claim to yield substantial compensation for the plaintiff and their family when they have the right attorney representing them.

Q: What Happens if Someone Else Causes a Permanent Brain Injury?

A: If you or a family member suffered any type of brain injury due to the actions of another party, state law dictates that they are liable for any and all associated damages. Your personal injury claim is likely to be challenging due to the difficulty in proving the scope of your injury and the long-term effects it is likely to have. If you have grounds to file a brain injury suit, reach out to an experienced attorney as quickly as possible.

Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates can provide comprehensive legal representation to approach a brain injury claim with confidence, even if you have suffered long-term or permanent damages. Our team will work closely with you to determine your best options for legal recourse, identify the party or parties responsible for your injury, and guide you through the proceedings necessary for holding them accountable. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about the legal services we provide.