Brain Injury

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

Sep 13, 2020 | Category: Brain Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is devastating and can have life-long effects on an individual and his or her loved ones. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), TBIs contribute to 30% of all injury deaths. Every day in the United States, 153 people die from injuries that include TBI. A TBI can affect anyone at any time. If you’re dealing with a TBI or helping to care for a loved one who is suffering from one, then you know first-hand the physical, psychological, and social effects such an injury can have. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury from an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to call our personal injury attorneys at 1-800-538-4878 for assistance. What is a Traumatic Brain Injury? A traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all bumps, blows, or jolts cause a TBI. The severity of a TBI can range from “mild” (which may include a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to “severe” (which may constitute a sustained loss of consciousness or memory loss). Most TBIs are mild and are commonly known as concussions. What are the Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injury? In addition to the severity of a TBI, the type of TBI can make a difference in a person’s recovery and long-term prognosis. Common types of TBIs include: Concussion—This injury is a common result of a blow to the head or rapid deceleration. A concussion typically causes an altered mental state, either temporary or prolonged. Coup-contrecoup–Bruising or damage to the brain tissue caused by the violent slamming of the skull that causes injury either to the impact side or on the opposite side of where the blow was struck. Diffuse Axonal Injury—Similar to a concussion but more serious. Occurs when the brain moves so rapidly that the brain stem can’t keep up causing tears in the connection to the brain. Hematoma-The rupture of a blood vessel leading to the collection of blood in brain tissue or open spaces. Penetrating head injury-Occurs when an object, such as a sharp instrument or a bullet, breaks through the skull bone and rips through the brain tissue. Skull fracture-Fracture of the bones surrounding the brain. What are Common Causes of a Traumatic Brain Injury? TBIs can be caused by a number of different situations, but according to the CDC, the most common causes of TBIs are: Falls, Being struck by or against an object, Motor vehicle crashes, Assault, and Intentional self-harm Who is at Risk for a Traumatic Brain Injury? Every American has a 1:160 chance of sustaining a TBI each year. Men are twice as likely as women to sustain a TBI. Children under 5 years old, teenagers, and the elderly are the three groups who are at the highest risk. Contact a Trusted Brain Injury Attorney If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced brain injury lawyer evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

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Recognizing Traumatic Brain Injury

Oct 16, 2019 | Category: Brain Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been involved in an accident or a slip and fall, you can sustain any number of serious injuries. One of the most serious injuries that are caused by car accidents and falls is a traumatic brain injury. You should always seek medical attention immediately following your accident, and a doctor should be able to determine if you have a head injury. However, there are some signs and symptoms you should be aware of. What is a Traumatic Brain Injury? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury. Everyone is at risk for TBI, especially children,and older people. TBIs are frequently caused by falls and car accidents. It is a serious public health concern that results in the death or injury of thousands of people every year. Signs and Symptoms Traumatic brain injury can have a wide range of symptoms, both physical and psychological. Some physical symptoms include: Loss of consciousness for a few minutes or a few seconds A state of being dazed, disoriented, or confused—loss of consciousness not necessary Nausea or vomiting Persistent headache or a headache that worsens over time Drowsiness or fatigue Problems speaking Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual Loss of balance or dizziness Convulsions or seizures Pupil dilation Clear liquid draining from the ear or nose Numbness in the extremities In some cases, a traumatic brain injury can cause psychological or sensory symptoms as well. These symptoms include: Sensitivity to light or sound Sensory problems—for example blurred vision, bad taste in the mouth, ringing in the ears, or sensitivity to smells Memory or concentration problems Feeling depressed or anxious Changes in mood or experiencing mood swings Profound confusion Agitation and combativeness Slurred speech If you experience any of these symptoms after your accident, it is crucial that you seek medical attention right away. A TBI requires prompt attention and immediate diagnosis. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney If you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of someone’s negligence, you may want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The traumatic brain injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, have been helping victims for over 30 years. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

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Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Jul 5, 2019 | Category: Brain Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be devastating and is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Thousands of people experience TBI every year, and the rate of injury is on the rise. Traumatic brain injuries can cause emotional and financial strain on an individual and their family. Children and adults age 65 and older are the individuals most prone to traumatic brain injury. The leading causes of traumatic brain injury include: Falls According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls were the number one cause of traumatic brain injury. Falls account for close to 50% of TBI-related emergency department visits. Falls more frequently lead to TBI in children and older adults. Half of emergency department visits for traumatic brain injury in children were the result of falls. For older adults, 81% of traumatic brain injury-related hospital visits resulted from falls. Falls frequently result from someone else’s negligence. Businesses and property owners who fail to maintain their properties in safe condition can cause serious falls to occur. Dangerous conditions such as slippery floors, torn carpeting, tripping hazards, and broken sidewalks can all lead to slip and fall accidents. Car Accidents Motor vehicle accidents were the second leading cause of TBI. Close to 20% of TBI-related hospitalizations were the result of a motor vehicle accident. Car accidents were also the leading cause of death for teenagers and adults under 35 years old and adults over 75 years. Motor vehicle accidents can include motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. Striking a steering wheel or a windshield can cause a serious blow or potentially a fracture to the head. In addition, the sheer force of the impact of a car accident can cause a TBI. If the moving head stops suddenly, the brain can keep moving and crash into the skull and cause serious damage. Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney If you, or someone you love, has sustained a TBI as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have experience handling traumatic brain injury cases and are here to help you decide your next steps. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

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Watch for These Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms after a Car Accident

Jan 22, 2016 | Category: Brain Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Some injuries are so apparent after a car accident that they can’t be ignored. Cuts, bruises, and broken bones are all highly visible and demand immediate attention. However, it is possible to suffer internal injuries that may go unnoticed for days, weeks, and even months. Unfortunately, these injuries are no less dangerous than the more obvious ones, and ignoring them can lead to permanent harm. Head injuries are a perfect example of this phenomenon, so after an accident, look out for the following common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury: Physical symptoms Seizures Spastic muscles Changes or problems with vision, such as blurred, darkened, or double vision, and even complete blindness Headaches, including cluster headaches and migraines Fatigue and increased sleep Dizziness Loss of smell or taste, or other changes in the mouth or nose Speech that is slow, slurred, or exhibits other signs of impairment Trouble walking or keeping your balance Cognitive symptoms Short-term or long-term memory loss Trouble comprehending or processing information, or doing it too slowly Trouble concentrating on detailed tasks Problems understanding conversation and speech Difficulty keeping up with a conversation or finding the right word (or taking a long time to do so) Disorganization Impaired or reckless judgment Inability to complete more than one relatively simple task at a time Failure to initiate activities, or failure to complete those already started Forgetfulness Emotional symptoms Increased anxiety, depression, and / or mood swings Impulsive behavior Becoming easily agitated, angry, or frustrated Increased egocentric behaviors and lack of empathy towards others Remember, traumatic brain injuries can be fatal if not dealt with immediately.  Not every person may exhibit every brain injury symptom, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you’re in an accident, especially if you hit your head. Traumatic brain injuries can cost you in more ways than one.  You may need funds to take care of yourself — both for the immediate effects of the injury as well as the future potential consequences.  This is why traumatic brain injuries can be some of the most complex and expensive injuries to deal with. When you need an experienced Clearwater car accident lawyer.  When you need an experienced Clearwater car accident lawyer, the firm of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is there for you.  Call 24 hours a day at 1-800-752-5203 for a free case evaluation and see how we can help you seek the justice you deserve.

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Understanding Head Injury Recovery: Why Brain Injuries Are So Complicated

Nov 18, 2014 | Category: Brain Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

If you were in an accident and had a serious head injury, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. How long will my head injury recovery take? Will I ever be the same again? And why are different types of damage to the brain so complicated? While the first two questions will likely depend on your individual circumstances, the last one we can at least try to answer. The long and short of it is, it’s hard to know how to predict and treat brain injuries because the brain is possibly the most intricate and complex part of your body. How accidents affect your brain One of the reasons brain injuries are so complicated is because they are so varied. Generally, there are two types of head injuries: Open head injury: This is when an object or projectile (such as parts of a car or debris from a crash) penetrates the skull. In these instances, brain damage tends to be specific and localized. Doctors can see exactly what part of the brain was affected, whether it’s a section affecting motor skills, cognition, or even personality. Closed head injury: Unlike an open head injury, a closed one is when the skull is struck by an object, but nothing penetrates the skull. While you may think this would make the damage less severe, unfortunately this is not the case. Closed head injuries can impact not only the specific section of the brain that was struck, but these injuries can also be diffuse. This means the injury can affect parts of the brain that were nowhere near the original injury. In addition to the different types of harm the brain can suffer, things are further complicated by the fact that symptoms may not become apparent right away. Symptoms can also vary greatly from one injury victim to another. For instance, some individuals seem fine right after a crash. However, over time, they may begin to develop long or short-term memory problems, or suffer intermittent headaches. At times, it can take a while before they attribute these problems to their accident, and begin seeking treatment accordingly. Contact a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer today! Do you or someone you know need a head injury attorney? Our firm wants to help. The staff of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, and can be reached at 1-800-538-4878. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.

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