Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), regardless of their origins, can result in permanent disability and even death. In some cases, individuals never fully recover from their injuries, which may impact their ability to live independently and support themselves financially.
In some cases, you may be able to bring legal claims against those responsible for your injuries with the advice of an Alexandria traumatic brain injury lawyer. Bringing a claim for compensation related to an accident that caused you injuries is not always easy. A competent injury attorney may be able to evaluate any potential claims and gather the information and evidence necessary to support a valid legal claim.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, may occur when there is any jolt, blow, bump, or penetration of the head that disrupts normal brain functions. The symptoms of a TBI may not surface until hours or days after the initial injury, so monitoring anyone who has sustained a blow to the head is essential to a proper diagnosis. Some of the more common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries may include:
- Blurred vision and dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Drowsiness
- Sensitivity to light
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Seizures and convulsion
Individuals experiencing these symptoms following any type of accident involving an impact to the head should seek immediate medical treatment. An evaluation of the condition through an examination and other tests may be crucial to determining the extent of the injury.
Traumatic brain injuries can affect thoughts, emotions, language skills, sensations, and memory. They also can increase the probability of developing other neurological disorders later in life. Even a relatively mild trauma to the brain has the capacity to impact normal functioning for a significant period of time, if not permanently.
For a free legal consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer serving Alexandria, call (318) 777-7777
Treatment of Injuries in Alexandria
In the case of severe traumatic brain injuries from accidents, individuals may need emergency surgery to treat blood clots, skull fractures, and swelling. Following treatment of the emergency condition, individuals may need to undergo significant periods of rest and rehabilitation. This treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychiatric care depending on the impact of the injury.
The extensive rehabilitation that is often necessary to return injury victims to some level of functioning can be incredibly expensive. Most people with TBIs can expect to accrue thousands of dollars in medical bills, as well as the costs of any necessary medical devices and modifications to their homes needed to accommodate their injuries. An Alexandria traumatic brain injury lawyer could devote the time and resources necessary to achieve a positive outcome
Alexandria Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Near Me (318) 777-7777
Potential Recoverable Damages in TBI Cases
When others act in a negligent manner and cause an accident, they may be financially responsible for the injuries that result. Negligent individuals may be liable for compensating their victims for the following expenses:
- Medical, surgical, and hospitalization bills
- Loss of current and future income
- Rehabilitative treatment and medical devices
- Emotional pain and suffering
Even if injury victims are found to be partially at fault for the accident at issue, they still have the right to pursue damages from other liable parties in Louisiana. However, their potential damages will decrease by their degree of fault.
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Rapides Parish Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic Brain Injury Causes and Diagnoses
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), motor vehicle crashes and falls – accidents often caused by another’s carelessness or recklessness – are responsible for over 70 percent of hospitalizations for traumatic brain injuries.
Brain injuries may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. These distinctions are based on the Glasgow Coma Scale, a scoring system measuring post-injury consciousness though motor, eye, and verbal responses.
Mild TBIs
If a victim is unconscious or disoriented and confused for less than 30 minutes, then the diagnosis will likely be a mild brain injury. Persistent symptoms such as headaches, confusion, mood swings, nausea, and fatigue may be present, despite clear MRIs and CAT scans. Importantly, some brain injuries can worsen over time, so an early “mild” diagnosis should not be ignored.
Moderate TBIs
Moderate traumatic brain injuries occur when a victim has been unconscious for several hours. Symptoms are similar to mild TBIs, but they are typically more obvious and enduring.
Severe TBIs
Severe traumatic brain injury victims typically experience prolonged unconscious states, known as comas. Some remain in persistent vegetative states, and others may experience brain death. Those who awaken are likely to suffer permanent brain damage and serious symptoms, such as:
- Seizures
- Communication problems
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Disorientation
- Vision problems
A Rapides Parish traumatic brain injury attorney could help recover compensation for these injuries.
Potential Defendants and Compensation for Victims
Identifying all possible defendants is key to maximizing compensation in a personal injury claim. In a motor vehicle accident, for example, another driver could be at fault for speeding or texting while driving. Additionally, the car or parts manufacturer could be liable if the brakes were found to be defective. The city responsible for maintaining safe roadways could also be liable if dangerous conditions were not addressed or motorists were not given adequate warning.
After identifying the responsible parties, a Rapides Parish TBI attorney could help plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, which include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the current and future expenses and losses associated with injuries, such as income loss, medical care, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate plaintiffs for pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In rare cases, Rapides County court may also authorize punitive or exemplary damages, designed to punish the defendant for misconduct, such as drunk driving.
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How an Alexandria Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Help
Traumatic brain injuries may cause permanent impairments that destroy your ability to function on a personal or professional level. If you are in this situation, it may be uncertain of whether you will ever recover or be able to return to your previous job. An Alexandria traumatic brain injury lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries from those responsible for causing the accident.
Proving liability in personal injury cases is not always as straightforward as you might think. Gathering evidence to support your claim is a difficult task, but an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney in Alexandria may be able to help. Call today to learn how an attorney could help you.
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