
BRAIN INJURY
California Brain Damage Injury Attorneys
The brain is a complex organ that controls the various functions of our bodies. When injured, it can result in devastating effects to the victim and a condition called Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Many TBI victims suffer physical impairments as well as personality and cognitive changes. The aftermath of a traumatic brain injury can be frustrating and anxiety-ridden for the families of a victim as they try to contend with insurance companies, expenses not covered by insurance, creditors, health care providers, hospitals and an uncertain future.
When we have a client with a head injury, one of our priorities is to consult with his or her treating physician to form a medical-legal group who will work together to assist our client. Often, our clients will undergo a PET-SCAN, which produces color images of the brain that a specialist interprets to find evidence of brain damage or injury.
Annual statistics regarding TBI victims in the United States reveal the following:
About 85,000 people face long-term disability.
275,000 people are hospitalized for TBI.
TBI is attributable to over 52,000 deaths.
More than $30 billion is spent on brain injury-related issues.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Nearly any accident involving head trauma can produce TBI. Some of these accidents include the following:
Sports accidents
Physical Abuse
Surgical Errors
Falls
Swimming pool or Diving Accidents
Construction Site Accidents
Automobile Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Violent Crime
Changes in Lifestyle
A TBI can be a life-altering event with short-term or long-term impairments. Each person is affected by a brain injury in different ways. Many victims have to readjust to a different manner of living and may have to give up their jobs, recreational activities, driving and other activities we take for granted. Some of the cognitive changes experienced by TBI victims include the following:
Speech and Language
Attention/li>
Reading
Memory
Mood and Personality
Hand-Eye Coordination
Balance
Abstract Reasoning
Visual Skills
Seizures
What to Do Following a Brain Injury?
There are steps you can take to protect your rights and to increase your chances for full compensation for your claim such as the following:
Report any injury to police, if a motor-vehicle accident or assault, or to a premises owner or other business representative.
Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Do not give any statements to insurance companies or discuss the accident with anyone except your doctors and attorney.
Do not sign any documents without consulting with your attorney first.
Give complete information to your doctors about how the accident occurred and be sure to include all symptoms and complaints including memory problems, confusion or disorientation, nausea, sleeplessness or anything else, no matter how minor they may appear.
You can suffer a brain injury even if you did not lose consciousness so do not assume you did not suffer head trauma.
Start a daily diary of how your injury has affected your daily life. Note any of the various symptoms listed in this article and keep a record of when you experience pain, confusion or anything else out of the ordinary. Also, record your medical visits and medications.
Record and retain receipts for any expenses related to the accident.
Do not go to any court appearance if you received a ticket or summons or pay any ticket until you consult with an attorney. You could unwittingly be admitting to a traffic violation that could hurt your claim.
Immediately contact a personal injury attorney experienced in TBI cases.
California Attorneys Taking Action for Brain Injury Victims
A brain injury can substantially affect the lives of family members who must participate in the victim’s rehabilitation and recovery. This process can split families, drain finances, and lead to bankruptcy in some cases.
If you or a loved one is the victim of TBI, you need the assistance of Tovarian Law. We are a law firm that is experienced in not only dealing with the legal issues involved in your injury claim, but with the medical and emotional ramifications of such a catastrophic event.
If you are a brain injury victim, contact us today for an informed evaluation of your case. Our attorneys assist numerous clients each year in their critical efforts to obtain compensation for their medical treatment, to recover lost wages, and enable recovery with the peace of mind our firm can provide.