A traumatic brain injury can arise from nearly any type of serious personal injury. TBIs are common in car accidents and motorcycle accidents, but they also happen in construction accidents, while playing sports and even at home. Any significant bang to the head, whether from being hit with an object, slamming against the windshield of a car or a fall, can cause a concussion and potentially result in a TBI.

One thing that makes life difficult for people with TBIs, in terms of managing their symptoms, setting expectations in those around them and proving up damages in a personal injury case, is that symptoms are inconsistent and unpredictable from one patient to the next.

Now, a growing body of medical research may help address each of those problems.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Some of the most common symptoms of TBI include:

• Chronic pain
• Sleep disruption
• Disruption of other body systems
• Partial or complete loss of hearing and/or vision
• Cognitive difficulties
• Mood swings or personality change

The degree of neurological and cognitive function impairment may vary dramatically from one patient to the next, even where the nature and severity of the injury was similar. Some of these and other post-head-injury symptoms are sometimes diagnosed, rightly or wrongly, as psychological.

In addition to making it difficult to predict and prove the anticipated duration of symptoms and extent of limitations, this uncertainty and inconsistency opens the door for insurance company lawyers to argue that plaintiffs are exaggerating symptoms. Expert witnesses are virtually always required to establish the extent of injuries and the anticipated duration in personal injury case involving a TBI.

However, traumatic brain injuries have received a lot of attention recently, including lawsuits against the National Football League and a movie starring Will Smith. Some of that attention has been behind the scenes, where medical researchers have been digging deeper into the reasons for the differences outcomes in TBI cases and how that knowledge might allow medical professional to better treat patients with head injuries.

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Science Has Explained Why Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms Differ So Dramatically

Researchers at Penn State recently determined that genetics plays an important role in the severity and nature of post-concussion symptoms. Specifically, researchers found that among a group of athletes who had suffered head injuries, those with the gene apolipoprotein E (APOE) experienced more serious symptoms overall. In particular, this group experienced more physical and cognitive issues.

In plain English, that means people with a certain gene are more likely to have more pain and other physical symptoms and are more likely to have their memories, problem solving skills and other mental processes affected.

This research is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding and treating TBIs. However, the presence of a concrete differentiator is one step toward expert witnesses to more clearly establish damages in cases where the plaintiff鈥檚 symptoms are more serious and limitations more extensive.

New Information about TBI Effects May Lead to More Effective Treatment

A study conducted at the University of Iowa suggests that therapeutic treatment of axons within 24-36 hours after impact could prevent the development of neurological symptoms after a brain injury. That鈥檚 a pretty complex concept, but the bottom line is that the research indicates that in the relatively near future, proper treatment after a head injury may reduce or eliminate some significant effects of TBI.

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91原创视频amp; Aspromonte Associates LLP Champions the Rights of People Suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries

Our聽traumatic brain injury聽attorneys have extensive experience in protecting the rights of people with TBIs and helping them recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We make it our business to stay informed of new developments and connect with experts who understand the latest research and can put that data to work for you.

If you鈥檝e suffered a TBI, 聽contact us聽today to learn more about how we can help.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

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After any type of traumatic injury to the brain, there is damage. This damage can be minimal and heal over time, or this damage can go on indefinitely, leaving the sufferer with problems they have to face for the rest of his or her life. Out of all of the effects that can happen after an injury to the brain, having seizures is often one that people fear due to their random nature and debilitating effects. If you or someone you care about has suffered a traumatic injury to the brain, here are a few things you should know about the potential of them having seizures.

When Do Seizures Hit?

Most of the time, within the first 1-2 weeks of the injury is when seizures begin; however, they can happen months or even years after an injury. Once a single seizure happens, more than half of patients will end up having additional seizures at some point. It can be years between seizures for some people, and hours between seizures for others suffering from this type of condition.

What Causes the Seizures and When Does That Lead to Epilepsy?

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When an injury to the brain causes even mild damage, it can result in one of the brain鈥檚 many pathways not working quite as well as it once did. This interruption can sometimes lead to single, or epileptic, seizures. The brain continues to try and send electrical pulses along the same pathways it always did, but because this particular pathway is now interrupted, the signal has nowhere to go but out, causing the seizure.

There are many different types of seizures, so sometimes people are totally unaware they are even having one at first. If you see someone doing one of these activities following a brain injury, it may be time to speak with his or her doctor:

• The most common seizure is an uncontrolled shaking or stiffening of the body, in part or in whole
• Seizures can also make it to where someone is temporarily unable to say anything or understand things being told to them
• Staring at nothing and becoming unresponsive for a period of time
• Sudden onset of exhaustion or dizzy spells
• Suffering from an onset of unusual visual disturbances, strange smells, unexplained tastes, odd noises, or uncontrollable feelings
• Fumbling around
• Chewing movements or smacking the mouth uncontrollably

If these occurrences only happen a single time, then the injury may have begun to repair itself in your brain. However, if these seizures continue to happen, it could lead to full-blown epilepsy, which likely means a lifelong battle with seizures. If you suffered a brain injury that was quickly followed up with a seizure, within the first week, there is a higher likeliness that you will face additional seizures later in life.

Is There Any Treatment for Seizures?

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Luckily, the vast majority of people who suffer from seizures following some type of traumatic injury to the brain are able to have control over their seizures with medication. This allows them to be managed much of the time, leaving only a small percentage of seizures coming through as breakthrough seizures. The main problem with the medications that are used to treat epileptic seizures is that they all have side effects. The most common side effects include being sleepy, feeling dizzy or struggling with balance, being confused, or having double vision.

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Just because someone has a聽traumatic brain injury聽does not mean that they will have seizures, but it is a complication that can arise after an injury. About 10% of those hospitalized for their injuries will end up facing at least one seizure in their lifetime, so it is something people need to be aware of. If you, or your loved one, suspects that they may be experiencing seizures, it is important to contact the doctor right away to get tested. Uncontrolled seizures can be dangerous, so anyone experiencing seizures should always remain under a doctor鈥檚 care.

Our personal injury team has extensive experience handling claims for car accidents, construction accidents, wrongful death, serious injuries, and more.

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As I write this, Meredith McDonald is about halfway through a 1400+ mile rollerblading trip from Florida to Massachusetts. McDonald is making the trip, skating 50 miles per day for a month, to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries and raise funds for BIG Life to expand projects and support groups for TBI-sufferers and their families.

You鈥檝e probably heard quite a bit about traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the news recently: it鈥檚 been estimated that up to 40% of retired NFL players have some degree of traumatic brain injury, and the Veteran鈥檚 Administration is reassessing 24,000 cases in which patients were evaluated for TBIs by unqualified personnel. But, you needn鈥檛 be a professional athlete or a soldier to be affected by traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1.7 million Americans suffer from TBIs each year, with about 275,000 of them requiring hospitalization.聽 The aggregate annual cost in medical expenses, lost productivity and other indirect expenses exceeds $60 billion.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

Common Traumatic Brain Injury Causes

These injuries may occur in a variety of ways, including falls, car accidents, construction accidents and sports injuries. About 10% of TBIs are the result of intentional assaults.

Meredith鈥檚 husband, Nathan McDonald, sustained his injury in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. Nathan was wearing a helmet, but his brain injury was nonetheless serious enough that he was hospitalized for three months and required two years of therapy. Although life was radically different post-injury, the McDonald鈥檚 were among the more fortunate victims: about 52,000 Americans die each year as a result of聽traumatic brain injury.

The Aftermath of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries may be mild, moderate or severe, and within each classification there is a wide range of symptoms and severity of symptoms. In some cases, symptoms diminish over time, while others are long-term. Some of the most common impacts include:

• Impairment of basic cognitive functions, including:
  • Concentration
  • Retaining newly-learned information
  • Slowed thinking
  • Slowed or impulsive problem solving
  • Confusion in response to changes in routine or overstimulation
• Impairment of executive functions, including
  • Planning and coordinating
  • Keeping track of time
  • Making decisions based on multiple variables

In addition, people suffering from traumatic brain injuries may exhibit:

• Depression
• Loss of motivation
• Inappropriate behaviors
• Mood swings
• Irritability or aggression

And, of course, a serious head injury often results in long-term pain and suffering in the form of headaches, sensory changes, visual impairment and other afflictions. In some cases, the brain injury may even impact control of other bodily functions.

A TBI may take a toll on a family鈥檚 finances, with large and possibly ongoing medical expenses, potential loss of income and the need for additional caretaking or other assistance. But, the cost goes beyond the dollar amount, and includes pain, suffering, loss of self-esteem, damages relationships and increased burdens shifted to other family members.

The McDonalds founded BIG (Brain Injury Group) Life to support brain injury survivors and their families. When injuries are moderate to severe, those families need another type of support as well.

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Talk to an Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else鈥檚 negligence or intentional act, you shouldn鈥檛 have to struggle with the aftermath alone.聽Contact us聽as soon as possible to learn more about how we can help you attain the compensation you deserve, so you can set aside financial worries and focus on your future.

We offer compassionate, skilled representation in personal injury cases of all kinds, including car accidents, construction accidents, severe harm, and wrongful death.

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What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Living brain tissue is damaged by an external force or motion usually accompanied by an unconscious state, amnesia or a coma. These states of altered consciousness can last shorter (minutes, days), or longer terms (weeks, months or indefinitely). Side effects of TBIs can be physical, speech and language, cognitive and behavioral functioning impairments. Forces from an automobile accident are a common cause for traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

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Brain Injuries (Head Injuries) Not Categorized as TBI

• caused by insufficient blood supply
• malignancy
• birth trauma
• toxic substances
• congenital disorders
• disease-producing organisms
• degenerative processes

Traumatic Brain Injuries Categorized

Different levels of TBIs are categorized depending on the severity of the brain鈥檚 impacted area(s). For example, there may be no fracturing of the skull from the blunt force impact but one or more traumatic injuries to the brain can be present.

Closed Brain Injury聽鈥� no foreign object enters through the skull into the brain. A violent blow to the head or sudden, severe motion happens to the brain causing it to 鈥榮lam鈥� against the skull when it makes contact with another object, for instance the dashboard or windshield of a car. Predicting side effects is not as exact as with open brain injuries, due to extensiveness is not always as definitive and clear.

Open (Penetrating) Brain Injury聽鈥� a foreign object fractures, and enters through the skull into the brain injuring the brain鈥檚 tissue. Predicting disabilities from these types of direct and localized injuries are relatively more exact than in closed traumatic brain injuries.

Most Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

础听concussion聽occurs when movement or sudden momentum change causes an impact. The brain鈥檚 blood vessels can stretch and damage cranial nerves. For example, direct blows to the head or whiplash type injuries from a car accident.

• most common type of TBI
• unconsciousness (no more than 20 minutes) may occur
• consciousness with a sense of dazed or 鈥減unch drunk鈥� may occur
• may or may not show up on a CAT or other diagnostic image testing
• skull fracture may or may not be present
• brain bleeding and/or swelling may or may not be present
• blood clot(s) can form 鈥� can be fatal
• diffuse axonal type injury damage can be temporary or permanent
• healing can take a few months up to a few years

础听contusion聽is bleeding (or a bruise) to the brain.

• result of a direct impact to the head
• large contusions may require surgery to remove

础听Coup-Contrecoup Injury聽is one that has contusions to both (opposites) sides of the brain where dual impact 鈥渁ction鈥� occurred.

• blunt force trauma 鈥� more serious type of TBI
• impact generates enough force to injure the site of impact on the opposite brain site 鈥� tearing the brain way from the skull鈥檚 opposite side

Diffuse Axonal Injury聽is common when the head is shaken or a strong rotation of the head occurs.

• skull movement is rapid 鈥� brain is unmoving causing brain structure tears
• extensive nerve tissue tears can release brain chemicals causing additional injuries
• brain鈥檚 chemical processes and regular communication is disturbed 鈥� can cause temporary/permanent widespread damage, coma or death
• multiple tear areas can produce a mixture of functional impairments

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Severe TBI Potential Effects

Severe, non-fatal TBIs may result in extended amount of unconsciousness (coma) and/or amnesia. One year after patients hospitalized post a TBI, 43% (almost half) are reported to have a related disability.¹聽As of the year 1999, approximately 5.3 million Americans were living with TBI-related disabilities.²

TBIs can potentially lead to issues ranging from short-or-long term affecting:

• Cognitive Function 鈥� attention and memory
• Motor Function 鈥� impaired coordination and balance, extremity weakness
• Sensation 鈥� vision, impaired perception and touch, hearing
• Emotion 鈥� anxiety, depression, personality changes, aggression, impulse control

The TBI-related deaths percentage (31.8%)³聽from automobile accidents, is the highest of all TBI-related deaths among all age groups. Full recovery from serious TBI from head injuries is often unachievable inflicting significant life-long consequences on victims. TBI victims may want to consider getting help from a law firm.聽Traumatic brain injury聽lawyers can possibly win a settlement, helping to alleviate the financial burden of relationship and lifestyle changes, and medical expenses.

References

1. Selassie AW, Zaloshnja E, Langlois JA, Miler T, Jones P, Steiner C. Incidence of Long-term disability following Traumatic Brain Injury Hospitalization, United States, 2003 J Head Trauma Rehabil 23(2):123-131,2008.
2. Thurman D, Alverson C, Dunn K, Guerrero J, Sniezek J. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: a public health perspective. J Head Trauma Rehabil 1999;14(6):602-615.
3. Faul M, Xu L, Wald MM, Coronado VG. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2010.

Our attorneys are here to help with car accident injuries, construction accidents claims, and other personal injury cases.

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The post Most Common Traumatic Brain Injuries Seen in Automobile Accidents appeared first on New York Personal Injury Lawyers.

Most of these injury victims are drivers or passengers in vehicles such as cars, vans, and light trucks. However, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are more likely to sustain serious injuries. Among crash victims who were hospitalized, bicyclists were most likely to have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

More than 1/3 of pedestrians and nearly 1/3 of vehicle occupants hospitalized after a New York traffic accident also suffered TBIs. Somewhat surprisingly, only about 录 of motorcyclists hospitalized presented with TBIs. This may be explained by the fact that serious head injuries suffered by motorcyclists are more likely to be fatal.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain that occurs as a result of a bang, jolt, or blow to the head. The seriousness of a traumatic brain injury may vary. TBIs are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. However, there is significant variance in symptoms, even within a designated level.

One key reason for the variation is that different areas of the brain control different functions, such as speech, cognitive function, memory, and motor skills. The type of symptoms associated with a traumatic brain injury depends in part on which part or parts of the brain have been damaged. As such, symptoms may be physical, cognitive, emotional, or a combination.

Common Physical Symptoms of TBI

• Chronic headaches
• Impairment of motor skills
• Ringing in the ears
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Seizures

Common Cognitive Symptoms of TBI

• Memory problems
• Language difficulties
• Confusion
• Trouble concentrating

Common Emotional / Mood-Related Symptoms of TBI

• Irritability
• Depression
• Aggressiveness
• Anxiety

This is not a complete list of TBI symptoms. Some symptoms are less common, and may not immediately be recognized as symptoms of a brain injury. Therefore, if you have suffered a head injury or are caring for someone who has suffered a head injury, it is important to report any unexplained symptoms to a medical professional promptly. Some TBI symptoms bear no obvious connection to the head injury, such as muscle stiffness or a powerful sense of loneliness.

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Traumatic Brain Injuries in Motor Vehicle Crashes

Traumatic brain injuries occur in many ways, including slip and fall accidents, being struck by a falling object, and intentional violence. However, the most common cause of TBI hospitalizations among adolescents and people aged 15-44 is motor vehicle accidents. This includes car and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrians and bicyclists struck by motor vehicles. Motor vehicle accidents are also the most common cause of TBI-related death among children aged five and up and young adults.

A New York Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you鈥檝e suffered a traumatic brain injury in a New York motor vehicle crash, or are caring for a spouse or child who has suffered a serious head injury through someone else鈥檚 negligence, help is available. Contact us 212-540-2984 to speak to an experienced new york city聽traumatic brain injury聽lawyer Fair compensation can help a person who has been seriously injured recover and rebuild, by providing access to comprehensive medical care and taking stress off of the family during a difficult time.

The sooner you act, the better. You can schedule a free consultation with an experienced 聽New York car accident lawyer right now.

Our attorneys have helped clients recover from car accidents, construction accidents, life-changing injuries, wrongful death, and many other types of personal injury cases.

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It鈥檚 no surprise that TBI has been raising a lot of questions lately. During 2016, we saw major news stories relating to traumatic brain injuries in both the NFL and the WWE. A man suffering from a聽traumatic brain injury聽was shot by police in North Carolina. Americans had many reasons to take note of the serious consequences of a TBI last year.

The Reality of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

But, for millions of Americans, traumatic brain injury is more than a new concept cropping up in the news鈥攊t鈥檚 a day-to-day reality that can impact everything from quality of life to ability to work.

Some of the most common effects of TBI include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Severe headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cognitive impairment
• Agitation
• Seizures
• Speech Impairment
• Hearing or vision loss

Recently, a Canadian study revealed that traumatic brain injury also interrupts healthy sleep patterns, which can lead to a variety of other health complications.

The long-term impact of TBI varies significantly. Some patients recover fully, while others have limited long-term effects. Some suffer lifelong limitations on their ability to work, experience personality changes and memory problems or struggle with other long-term physical, cognitive and emotional effects of the injury.

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Traumatic Brain Injury is More Common than You Think

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 1.7 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries each year. While the majority of those injury victims are treated and released at hospitals, more than 50,000 die each year and another 275,000 are hospitalized.

The most common cause of TBI in the United States is falls. This includes a wide range of accident types, from slipping on ice to construction accidents to simple household spills. The next most common cause is motor vehicle accidents, including both car and truck accidents and motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to head injuries because they are largely unprotected in a collision.

In addition to these challenges, victims of traumatic brain injuries often face large medical expenses, frequently coupled with a loss of or limitation on income. The medical costs and necessary modifications vary widely from case to case. However, treating and managing a TBI can be very expensive. For example, rehabilitation costs for the average TBI victim who requires rehabilitation services average more than $195,000 in the first year.

If You鈥檝e Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, Get the Help You Need

Facing a serious injury, especially one that may have impacted your thought processes as well as your physical well-being, is difficult and stressful. There鈥檚 no reason to face the challenges ahead on your own. Talking with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in traumatic brain injury cases can alleviate the pressure and give you the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced advocate on your side.

It鈥檚 easy to take the first step. All you have to do is fill out our聽contact form聽or pick up the phone and call聽1-212-540-2987. We鈥檒l schedule a free consultation so you can learn more about your rights and how we can help you move forward.

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