Traumatic Brain Injuries in Car Accidents
According to the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA), brain injuries are among the most likely the cause of death or permanent disability. Approximately 5.3 million Americans live daily with a disability-related to traumatic brain injury.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries – or TBI – can occur when a sudden impact such as a blow or jolt to the head causes damage to the brain. The severity of TBI can range from a mild concussion to a coma. Concussion can cause temporary confusion, headache and sometimes cause permanent cognitive changes, while a severe TBI can be fatal.
According to the CDC, approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from a TBI each year. While there can be many causes of a traumatic brain injury, vehicle-related collisions cause 14.3% of all traumatic brain injuries.
How would a person know they have a TBI after an Accident?
During an accident impact, the brain rocks back and forth in the skull and can cause bruising, bleeding, and a tearing of the nerve fibers. The brain undergoes a delayed trauma, swells, and pushes itself against the skull, reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood.
Are there treatments for TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries can be devastating, producing permanent mental and physical disability. Recovering from a severe head injury can be prolonged and it may take years to heal completely. In severe cases of TBI, the victim may never fully recover.
Long-term medical care and daily assistance can be costly, especially when the TBI patient is not able to work due to his or her injury. The psychological and behavioral changes associated with brain injuries can put stress on even the healthiest family relationships. Family members may have to obtain specialized equipment and learn how to care for specific physical disabilities related to the TBI.
Unfortunately, insurance companies and the companies they represent do not usually offer a fair settlement to TBI victims and their families. They will scrutinize your claim and look for any reason to reduce or deny your request. If they offer you a settlement, you owe it to yourself to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to find out your legal rights and options.
At Goldberg Persky & White P.C., we will assess the circumstances that caused your injury, calculate the damages, and evaluate the available insurance coverage. You could be entitled to:
- Lost income and earnings
- The cost of medical treatment- past, current, and future
- Occupational therapy and other rehabilitation services
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Punitive damages for gross negligence or intentional misconduct
Schedule a consultation with us today!
