Pennsylvania Brain Injuries

When one hears of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), one often assumes that the recipient was engaged in something dangerous or reckless. In reality, TBIs can occur during the most mundane activities, and cause long-term, lasting effects even if the initial impact or injury seems inconsequential. If you believe you have sustained a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, it can be extremely important to consult an attorney to understand what your rights are.

Even Mild Impacts Can Cause TBIs

The prevailing layman’s wisdom about TBIs is that they are always caused by very serious impacts, and always have long-lasting effects. Neither of these statements are technically true; a traumatic brain injury can range on a spectrum from mild to very severe, and the mildest impact does not always lead to the mildest injuries. Each situation is truly different, and the symptoms of a TBI can also be varied to a degree where it can be difficult to diagnose in some situations. Sometimes, victims do not even lose consciousness; other times, a prolonged coma may result.

While TBIs are usually caused by some kind of impact to the head, it does not necessarily have to be penetrative; blunt trauma is arguably more common in leading to brain damage of this type. Common events that can result in TBIs include falls (especially in elderly people), auto accidents, sports injuries, violence or being the victim of a crime, and combat injuries. Men are generally more likely to sustain TBIs, but children and the elderly are far and away the most likely victims when it comes to age.

If You Have Been Injured

Because TBIs can happen in so many varied situations, it can sometimes be difficult to determine how or why one occurred. However, if you are able to determine that your injury is a result of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to bring suit seeking compensation. There are four criteria that must be established in order to hold someone liable for an injury they caused with their negligence. There must be a duty of care that exists between the plaintiff and the defendant (in some cases, such as motor vehicle accidents, this is assumed). That duty must have been breached, and the breach must have caused the plaintiff’s injury and the plaintiff must have suffered an injury.

Seek Experienced Legal Assistance Today

Injuries to the brain are some of the most potentially long-lasting and life-changing, and if you have sustained one due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to ensure that your bills are covered while you try to put your life back together. Having an experienced attorney on your side can be a big help. The dedicated Scranton brain injury lawyers at the Needle Law Firm have handled these cases for years, and we are ready to try and help you with yours. We serve Scranton, Stroudsburg, and most of northeastern Pennsylvania. Call us today.

Resource:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557