Brain Trauma: Life-Altering Injuries Caused by Auto Accidents

At first, Emily’s car crash didn’t seem to have caused much physical damage Fortunately, she went to the emergency room anyway, just to get checked out. Symptoms of severe brain trauma appeared quickly. ER staff were able to save her, but the injuries she sustained were life-altering. Contacting a Sarasota personal injury lawyer could preserve her rights to compensation. This article will explore types of brain trauma and how a personal injury claim might be necessary.

Causes of Brain Trauma

Brain injuries can occur “when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain.” The term “physical assault” in this statement does not refer to being punched by someone, although that can cause brain injury also.

So, what is a “sudden, external, physical assault?”

It can occur in several ways, including:

• Falling and striking your head on something;
• Penetration by an object, including bullets;
• Rough contact sports activities; and
• Someone shaking you.

In auto accidents, a victim’s body might be whipped back and forth resulting in brain trauma. It can also happen if objects in the car or flying glass strike the victim in the head.

Types of Serious Brain Injury

The two basic kinds of brain trauma are:

• Closed brain injury, which is common in car accidents; and
• Penetrating brain injuries, where an object opens or penetrates the skull.

Minor brain injuries may not show up immediately but can become serious if left untreated. That’s one reason it is so important to see medical providers immediately after an auto accident.

Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries

People with this type of trauma may suffer the following potentially life-long effects:

• Cognitive deficits, including coma and confusion
• Motor deficits, like paralysis or decreased endurance
• Sensory issues, including vision problems and loss of sensation
• Language deficits, including trouble dealing with reading, writing, and numbers
• Functional problems, including difficulty dealing with the “activities of daily living”
• Regulatory disturbances, like dizziness and fatigue
• Psychiatric, including changes in personality or increased irritability

Some people may be able to recover after medical treatment and rehabilitation. Others may face years or even a lifetime of therapy if they can even recover at all.

When someone else’s negligence injuries you, you might be able to file a personal injury claim against the negligent person.

Personal Injury Claims for Brain Trauma

Each case is a little different, so not all of the damages listed below may apply in your situation. However, plaintiffs often demand the following damages in personal injury lawsuits:

• Current medical expenses,
• Future medical treatments,
• Lost wages,
• Loss of earning capacity,
• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress,
• Loss of enjoyment,
• Punitive damages.

You and your personal injury lawyer can review the facts of your case together. Then, your attorney can advise what types of injuries you might be able to claim. But the important thing is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident occurs.

We Handle Auto Accident Claims Involving Brain Trauma and Other Life-Altering Injuries.

If someone else’s negligence has hurt you, you need help from top-rated, hard-working representation. At Shapiro|Delgado, our attorneys put their injury law experience to work for you. And we handle cases on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do.

We represent clients throughout Florida, including Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, Pinellas County, and surrounding communities.

To set up a free personal consultation, call 941-954-4000 or use our convenient online contact form.

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You can count on us.