Fresno Brain Injury Lawyers

Is Head Injury Different from Traumatic Brain Injury?

Head injuries involve a broader category that includes injuries to the scalp, skull, and underlying tissues, while traumatic brain injury (TBI) specifically refers to severe brain injury as it damages the brain itself. While all TBIs are head injuries, not all head injuries involve damage to the brain. Head injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to skull fractures, whereas TBIs can result in more severe consequences due to the direct impact on brain function.

Some common types of TBIs include:

• Closed head injuries: These occur when the brain experiences an impact from outside the skull. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, fluid accumulation, tissue damage, and increased pressure inside the skull.
• Penetrating head injuries: In this type of injury, a foreign object fractures the skull and penetrates into the brain tissue, causing localized damage.
• Anoxic brain injuries: Lack of oxygen supply to the brain can cause brain cells to die, resulting in anoxic brain injuries. This can happen due to various reasons, such as near-drowning incidents or severe respiratory issues.
• Toxic brain injuries: Exposure to certain toxic chemicals can damage or kill brain cells, leading to toxic brain injuries. This can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption of harmful substances.

Traumatic brain injuries have a profound impact on the quality of life, from the moment the accident happened. They often necessitate extensive medical care, long-term treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation.

Get justice from the persons accountable for your injury. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of medical expenses and ongoing care.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Fresno

Understanding the common causes of TBIs is crucial for promoting awareness, prevention, and seeking appropriate legal recourse. The most frequent causes of traumatic brain injuries in Fresno include:

• Slip and Fall: Slip and fall incidents are responsible for nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries and can occur in accidents related to premises liability.
• Motor vehicle accidents: This category encompasses various incidents, such as motorcycle crashes, car accidents, truck collisions, or pedestrian and bicycle accidents, accounting for 20% of all traumatic brain injuries.
• Struck by or against an object: Traumatic brain injuries can occur when individuals are struck by objects, including incidents during traffic collisions, falls, or the use of dangerous and defective products. This cause accounts for approximately 17% of all traumatic brain injuries.
• Assaults: Acts of violence contribute to approximately 11% of traumatic brain injuries.

If you or a loved one has sustained a TBI due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, seek the guidance of experienced personal injury lawyers in Fresno. They can assess your case, inform you about your rights, and help you pursue the responsible party for the full financial compensation you deserve and get the medical treatment you need.

Common Signs of Brain Injury

Recognizing the signs of a brain injury is crucial for early detection, proper medical intervention, and appropriate care. While the symptoms may vary depending on the severity and location of the injury, there are common signs to be aware of. These include physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional changes.

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue
• Confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and loss of consciousness
• Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and sensitivity to light or noise
• Emotional distress, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression

Symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or develop gradually over time. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs following a head injury, seeking prompt medical attention is critical for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Kinds of Compensation Included in a Brain Injury Claim

Individuals with brain injuries may be eligible to receive various types of personal injury claims depending on the circumstances. These claims can help compensate for the damages and losses suffered. Brain injury claims typically fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing care. Economic damages can cover these medical expenses.
• Lost Income: Head injuries can result in temporary or permanent disability, preventing individuals from working and earning income. Economic damages may compensate for the lost wages and potential future earnings.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive therapy, are often necessary for brain injury recovery. Economic damages can cover these rehabilitation expenses.
• Assistive Devices: Injury survivors may require specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, communication devices, or home modifications. Economic damages can help cover the costs of these assistive devices.
• Future Medical Expenses: Brain injuries may require ongoing medical care and support throughout the individual’s life. Economic damages can provide compensation for anticipated future medical expenses.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Brain injuries can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Non-economic damages aim to compensate for the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced by the individual.
• Emotional Distress: Head injuries can lead to psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Non-economic damages can account for the emotional distress caused by the brain injury.
• Loss of Consortium: If the brain injury affects the individual’s ability to maintain relationships and companionship, non-economic damages can compensate their spouse or family members for the loss of consortium.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Brain injuries can restrict the individual’s ability to engage in activities they previously enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or social interactions. Non-economic damages can address the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury.

The specific compensation and eligibility for brain injury claims can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the available evidence. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in brain injury cases helps strengthen potential claims, increasing chances for maximum compensation.