Scranton Brain Injury Lawyer
Types and Causes of Brain Injuries
Every year in the United States, nearly 2 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries, with about 25% of those being serious enough to require hospitalization. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any injury that occurs when a sudden physical assault on the head causes damage to the brain. But beyond TBIs, there are other types of injuries to the brain, as well: anoxic brain injuries (ABI), in which a lack of oxygen to the brain may set off a chain reaction of problems throughout the entire body; stroke brain injuries, in which a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) deprives the brain of the oxygen it needs; and brain infection injuries, in which diseases like meningitis damage the brain. Infant brain injuries are often treated as a separate category entirely, but they are all too frequently the result of trauma (TBI) or deprivation of oxygen (ABI) during pregnancy or delivery, or the result of trauma caused by shaking, falls, or car accidents involving infants, whose soft skulls leave their young brains more at risk of injury than older children or adults. Shaken Baby Syndrome alone accounts for 1500 infant brain injuries annually, often leading to blindness, cerebral palsy, or cognitive defects.
Despite the fact that brain injuries are often life-changing, they remain one of the most misdiagnosed medical issues because their symptoms are not always obvious to the casual observer, contact our experienced Scranton brain injury lawyers. Symptoms may include:
- disorientation
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- blurred vision
- severe headaches
- memory loss
- seizures
- confusion
- depression or irritability
- slurred speech
- and more
Also not so obvious is the cause of the brain injury. It could be the result of an accident on the playground; football or baseball field, hockey rink, boxing ring, or wrestling mat; workplace; auto, bike, motorcycle, truck, or boat; in combat or on the battlefield. But a brain injury is not always the result of trauma. It can be caused by prescription drugs, exposure to certain chemicals, defective products, or medical malpractice.
Costs and Responsibility
The effects of a brain injury can be devastating, and they typically last a lifetime. Once a brain injury has been sustained, it is usually not possible to undo the damage that has already been done—although with the right treatment, and the proper financial resources to get access to that treatment, the victim of a brain injury may have a chance at the fullest possible life. According to the latest data available from the NINDS, lifetime costs for a person with a traumatic brain injury exceed $4 million! If your brain injury was caused by someone else’s neglect or actions, it is only fair that the responsible party should compensate you to ensure your access to the best medical care—and other costs resulting from your injury:
- surgeries
- rehabilitation
- lost wages
- diminished capacity
- necessary medications
- hospitalization or long-term care
- pain and suffering
Getting the compensation you deserve—and need to get on with your life—means that you must prove your injury was the result of the action or negligence of others—a physician or anesthesiologist, a pharmaceutical company, an employer, the driver of another vehicle, or someone else. And proving responsibility is no easy matter. This is where having an experienced medical malpractice attorney will be critical for you. Insurance companies and lawyers for the defendant who caused your injury will work hard to minimize their clients’ responsibilities and reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Uncovering the true facts of your case will require professionals whom your brain injury lawyer will call on to assist with your case—like doctors, nurses, chemical and pharmaceutical experts, and forensic scientists. They will work together to ensure that you have the financial resources necessary to regain the greatest physical and mental function and the fullest possible life.
We’re Here for You
The Needle Law Firm is a plaintiff’s attorney. That means that we have never represented an insurance company—and we never will. We are dedicated to placing our knowledge and experience at the service of pursuing legal action against the person(s) or institution(s) responsible for your brain injury so that you can afford to get the care you need. We can’t undo the injury you’ve suffered, but we can help you to get the answers—and the compensation—you deserve. If you’ve experienced a brain injury, call our Scranton brain injury lawyers today. We’re here to help.
