Understanding the Different Types of Brain Injuries
The brain is the command center of the human body. A blow to the head, fall, or sudden impact can damage this crucial organ, forever changing a person’s life. Minor brain injuries may heal, but severe brain injuries are often permanent. It is helpful to understand the types of brain injuries, their impact, and what survivors and their families can do to move on.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) describes two broad categories of traumatic brain injuries:
Penetrating TBI
Also known as open TBI, this type of brain injury occurs when an object pierces or breaks through the skull and causes damage to the brain. A bullet, anything with a sharp or pointed end, or a flying or swinging object can cause a penetrating TBI if it hits the head with enough force to penetrate.
Non-Penetrating TBI
Known as blunt TBI or closed head injury, this type of injury occurs as a result of a sudden impact (such as a car accident, blow or tackle while playing sports, or a fall) or a blow strong enough to move the brain within the skull, causing tearing or bruising of the brain tissue or blood vessels.
Other Types of Brain Injuries Include:
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: This type of bleeding occurs inside the skull. It can cause minor, moderate, or severe damage to the brain, depending on the location and amount of bleeding.
- Cerebral Contusion: Contusions to the cerebellum, which coordinate and regulate muscular activity, often cause memory and attention problems. Open or blunt TBI can cause this form of brain injury.
- Concussion: This type of traumatic brain injury can cause a temporary lack of awareness, disorientation, confusion, and memory loss. It is one of the most common brain injuries.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): This type of brain injury occurs when the axons, long connecting nerve fibers in the brain, are torn or damaged, usually if the brain shifts or rotates in the skull. DAI typically causes coma.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries not only pose immediate risks but can also lead to long-term consequences that significantly alter the quality of life. Rehabilitation for TBI survivors often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining physical and occupational therapy with cognitive rehabilitation and psychological support. Early intervention and continued therapy are critical in improving outcomes and independence for individuals facing these challenges.
Depending on the type and extent of brain injury, a person may experience symptoms that affect every part of their life. Potential consequences of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Coma
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Memory loss
- Loss of time
- Shortened attention span
- Paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Poor balance and coordination
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tremors
- Changes in hearing
- Changes in vision
- Changes in taste and smell
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty reading and writing
- Personality changes
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Anxiety and depression
- Traumatic epilepsy
As Louisiana brain injury attorneys, we at Arnold & Itkin understand the importance of identifying the cause of—and therefore accountability for—such an injury. With our considerable experience investigating and trying personal injury cases in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, we can take on any opponent in the pursuit of justice for our clients.
Our $20+ billion in verdicts and settlements is evidence of this.
Closed Head Injury Claims in Baton Rouge & All of Louisiana
Closed head injury is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves an impact between a person’s head and an object, where the skull does not break. Closed head injuries can be caused by different traumas, including falls, vehicle accidents, or even proximity to an explosion. This type of injury can range from minor to debilitating, also resulting in permanent neurological defects or wrongful death. It may be difficult to identify if an accident resulted in a TBI because the brain swelling in the trauma can make symptoms appear days or even weeks later. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe; this is why it is vital for a head injury to receive immediate care.
Some symptoms of a closed head injury include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Coma
Closed head injuries require specialized medical assessments such as CT scans or MRIs to diagnose the extent of the damage accurately. Early detection and treatment are essential in minimizing long-term effects, including chronic headaches, difficulties with balance and coordination, and emotional instability. The hidden nature of these injuries often makes them harder to diagnose soon after the incident, necessitating a high index of suspicion by medical professionals when treating potential TBI victims.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Louisiana
Many different types of trauma can cause brain injuries. Common causes include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Recognized as the leading cause of TBI requiring hospitalization, traffic accidents can cause serious head trauma for any driver or passenger, as well as non-occupants such as bicyclists or pedestrians.
- Falls: Falls are the primary cause of traumatic brain injury in the elderly. Slipping and falling or falling from a height can cause a severe blow to the head that causes permanent brain damage.
- Workplace and Industrial Accidents: Particularly in such fields as construction or offshore work, brain injuries may occur as a result of incidents involving heavy machinery, falls, swinging or falling objects, or other hazards.
- Sports: Contact sports, such as football, boxing, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and hockey, are another common cause of brain injuries in young and old players, both professional and amateur—even when helmets are worn.
- Assault: Firearm-related injuries, both accidental and intentional, are a leading cause of TBI in the United States. Other assaults, such as striking a person with an object, can also cause brain injuries.
Determining the cause of a brain injury is an important part of recovering just compensation for one’s treatment and ongoing care. We work with investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts to determine what caused a client’s injury and who is responsible. This helps our Baton Rouge brain injury lawyers seek a fair recovery.
Recovering Fair Compensation for a Louisiana Brain Injury Case
Facing life after a brain injury can seem impossible, but the right treatment and ongoing care can make all the difference. However, this can be extremely expensive, adding up to millions of dollars over a person’s lifetime. A personal injury claim aims to help a victim rebuild and compensate them for the injuries they have experienced. For a brain injury case, that might include compensation for:
- Hospitalization
- In- or out-patient care
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Ongoing treatment
- Medication
- Medical supplies
- Assistive devices
- Home modifications
- Lost earnings
- Loss of future wages/benefits
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Rebuilding life after a brain injury involves not just addressing the immediate healthcare needs but also planning for the long-term management of the injury. This may mean setting up a system of regular medical visits, physical therapy sessions, and counseling services to aid the patient's recovery journey. Additionally, it often involves adapting living spaces to accommodate new limitations, such as installing ramps or modifying bathrooms, to ensure the individual’s safety and independence at home.
By reviewing your case and analyzing the impact that a brain injury has had (and will have) on a survivor’s life, our Louisiana TBI attorneys can determine the full value of a claim—and pursue that inside or outside the courtroom. Together, we can work toward a brighter future.
State Regulations & Legal Considerations for Brain Injuries in Louisiana
Understanding the state-specific regulations and legal considerations regarding traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in Louisiana is essential for victims seeking compensation. In Baton Rouge, statutes of limitations impose a strict time frame within which a personal injury case must be filed, typically one year from the date of the injury. This makes it critical for victims or their families to act promptly to preserve their legal rights.
Louisiana also adheres to the principle of comparative negligence, which affects how damages are awarded. If a victim is found partially at fault for the incident leading to the injury, the compensation they receive can be reduced by their percentage of fault. Understanding this can influence the approach and preparation for negotiating settlements or proceeding to trial.
Additionally, in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana, certain entities like government agencies might have special protection or limitations concerning liability, impacting the complexity of cases involving such parties. Navigating these legal intricacies requires knowledgeable legal guidance from experienced brain injury attorneys familiar with Louisiana's legal environment.
Community Resources & Support for Brain Injury Victims in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge offers a network of resources designed to support brain injury victims and their families, aiding their recovery journey. Organizations like the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana provide invaluable resources, including educational workshops, support groups, and advocacy initiatives to promote awareness and improve the quality of life for those affected by brain injuries.
Rehabilitation centers in Baton Rouge, such as the Baton Rouge Rehabilitation Hospital, offer specialized programs tailored to assist brain injury survivors in regaining their physical abilities and enhancing cognitive function. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams that include neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, all working collaboratively to offer personalized treatment plans.
Work with Our Louisiana Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers: (888) 493-1629
While some recover from head injuries completely, others will never fully regain their previous levels of physical and cognitive abilities. It is likely for victims of head injuries to develop secondary symptoms during recovery, including loss of social skills, changes in personality, cognitive disabilities, anxiety, and changes in perception. Adapting to or treating these secondary conditions could require extensive therapy and counseling.
Moreover, the ramifications of a traumatic brain injury can extend well beyond the individual. Families often face new financial strains, emotional pressures, and lifestyle changes that can be daunting. Our goal is not only to provide legal support but also to facilitate resources for families as they adjust to their new realities. Access to comprehensive support services can make a significant difference in coping with the day-to-day challenges imposed by brain injuries.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury because of another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Sustaining tragic injuries is physically, emotionally, and financially stressful. If another person or company was responsible, contact our Baton Rouge brain injury attorneys—we help clients throughout Louisiana and nationwide.
We have won $20+ billion for our clients, and we may be able to help you too. Our Louisiana brain injury lawyers are determined, aggressive, and trial-tested. Contact us today.
