According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), more than 2.8 million people visit emergency rooms for brain injuries. Of those injured victims, 50,000 die from their traumatic brain injuries. From mild concussions to skull fractures, the long-term repercussions linked to brain injuries can be severe.
Accident victims who sustain brain injuries need an experienced law firm on their side with the resources required to tackle such complex injury cases. A Round Rock Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer will work closely with your medical team to ensure that the full scope of your injury is realized and that the insurance company awards you maximum compensation for your injury.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is any injury to the brain that causes a disturbance in the normal function of the brain. As many as 1.7 million people live traumatic brain injuries, which affect nearly every aspect of their lives. The severity of the brain damage will depend largely on the severity of the accident and the location of the brain injury itself.
There are four main types of brain injuries:
- Concussions – Concussions are minor brain injuries that often occur due to shaking or impact to the head and neck. While most concussions do not result in long term damage, some can be dangerous, especially if more than one is sustained over time.
- Contusions – Contusions are bruises on the brain, which are often caused when the force of an accident causes the brain to slam into the side of the skull. It can also be caused by direct impact, such as hitting your head on the steering wheel during. The more severe the bleeding, the more extensive the brain damage. More severe contusions can cause permanent brain damage and in some cases, even death.
- Penetrating Injuries – Penetrating injuries occur when something penetrates the skull and damages the brain. Penetrating traumatic brain injuries are often caused by traumatic accidents including assault, gunshot wounds, and motor vehicle accidents.
- Anoxic brain injury – Anoxic brain injuries are the result of oxygen deprivation to the brain tissue. After just 4-5 minutes without oxygen, brain tissue begins to die, which causes permanent damage and disability. This can occur because of a blockage, such a stroke or blood clot, but it can also be caused by traumatic accidents like drowning, choking, or poisoning.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Any type of accident that results in a blow to the head or in oxygen deprivation can cause a traumatic brain injury, including:
- Falls – Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, and account for 47% of all emergency room visits.
- Being Struck by an Object – This is the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and accounts for 15% of all emergency room visits and deaths.
- Car Accidents – 14% of all emergency room hospitalizations and deaths are the result of car accident injuries.
Other types of causes of traumatic brain injuries include assault, sporting injuries, self-inflicted harm, suffocation, and drowning.
Brain Injury Cases Require Experienced Legal Representation
If you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury in an accident, it is important to understand the full scope of the injury, as well as the long-term consequences. At Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC, our Round Rock Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer is here to ensure that all of your medical needs are met both now and in the future.
With offices conveniently located in Round Rock Texas, we are here for you when you need us the most. We understand serious personal injury cases and the long term impact and care needed. Call us today at (512) 766-4529 for a consultation and review of your case.
