The human brain is a remarkable structure that controls our every thought, movement, and sensation. But it’s also incredibly vulnerable to injury. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force disrupts the brain’s normal function, often with devastating consequences. Each year, about 2 million Americans experience a TBI—that’s one every 15 seconds. While some injuries heal with time, TBIs often leave long-term or even permanent impacts, ranging from memory loss to changes in behavior. At Lowcountry Law, we understand the far-reaching consequences of TBIs. When you choose us as your traumatic brain injury lawyer, you’ll receive dedicated support in seeking justice and fair compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can happen in an instant, but their effects can last a lifetime. In many cases, these injuries result from the negligence or wrongful actions of others, making them legally responsible for the harm caused. Here are some of the most common causes of TBIs and how liability may come into play:
- Car accidents often cause TBIs due to the head’s violent motion during a crash, leading to whiplash or brain trauma. Negligent actions like speeding or distracted driving frequently make other drivers liable.
- Slip-and-fall accidents can cause significant head injuries, even from a short distance. Property owners may be liable if unsafe conditions, such as wet floors or poor lighting, caused the fall.
- High-impact sports like football or soccer can lead to concussions and other TBIs, even with protective gear. Negligence occurs when safety protocols are ignored or injuries are mishandled.
- Acts of violence, such as assaults or shaken baby syndrome, can result in severe brain injuries. Victims may pursue legal action to hold perpetrators accountable.
- Workplace accidents, like falling objects or slips from heights, are common causes of TBIs. Employers who fail to follow proper safety measures can be held responsible for injuries.
Types of TBIs and Severity Levels
The brain is a highly complex organ and controls everything from memory to movement. Even minor damage can disrupt its intricate networks and impact your quality of life.
The type and severity of a TBI significantly affect personal injury claims. Severe injuries often result in higher compensation because of their profound impact on quality of life and financial stability. At Lowcountry Law, we understand the complexities of TBI cases and are prepared to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Types of TBIs include:
- Closed head injury: The skull remains intact, but the brain is shaken or damaged within. These injuries often result from car accidents, falls, or sports impacts. Legally, proving negligence—such as a reckless driver or an unsafe environment—is crucial in these cases.
- Open head injury: An object pierces the skull and directly damages the brain. These injuries often happen in violent assaults or workplace accidents involving heavy machinery. Liability may fall on an assailant, an employer, or a third party who failed to ensure safety.
Severity levels include:
- Mild TBI or concussion: These may cause short-term confusion or disorientation. While recovery is typically quick, even mild TBIs can have lasting effects that justify compensation, especially if negligence played a role.
- Moderate TBI: This type involves more pronounced symptoms, such as short-term unconsciousness or ongoing cognitive challenges. Legal claims for moderate TBIs often focus on securing compensation for extended medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages.
- Severe TBI: These injuries result in long-term or permanent impairments, including significant physical or cognitive disabilities. These cases require substantial compensation to address lifelong medical needs, lost earning potential, and emotional suffering.
Why You Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be devastating to your health and can create significant legal challenges. The cause of the injury and its severity impact your eligibility for compensation, making it essential to have a skilled attorney on your side.
Many TBIs result from the negligence of others, such as reckless drivers, careless property owners, or employers who fail to maintain safe working conditions. For example, if a distracted driver caused an accident leading to your injury, or if a slippery floor caused you to fall, those responsible can be held liable. Establishing this connection between the cause of your TBI and someone else’s negligence is a key component of your legal claim.
The severity of your TBI directly affects the type and amount of damages you can pursue. Mild TBIs may require compensation for short-term medical expenses and lost wages, while moderate to severe TBIs often necessitate substantial awards for ongoing care, rehabilitation, and loss of earning potential. Severe cases may also account for non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Navigating a TBI claim requires extensive legal knowledge and experience. Proving negligence often involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts, such as neurologists or accident reconstruction specialists. Your traumatic brain injury lawyer must also calculate damages for both visible injuries and hidden impacts, such as cognitive impairments or emotional trauma.
Additionally, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, making it critical to have an advocate who knows how to negotiate effectively and challenge unfair offers. Without skilled representation, you risk settling for less than what your case is worth.
Consult a Skilled Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today
At Lowcountry Law, we understand the complexities of TBI cases and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. From proving negligence to addressing the long-term impacts of your injury, your experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer will handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Don’t navigate this challenging process alone—reach out to us today to schedule a free case consultation.
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