A traumatic brain injury is a life-altering event not only for the victim but for the victim’s loved ones as well. The lengthy recovery, pain and suffering and need for extensive, ongoing medical care can become a physical, emotional and financial burden. When a brain injury results from the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another party, the burden can be even more difficult to bear. That’s the time to call an experienced personal injury attorney.
Cooper Schall and Levy represents victims of traumatic brain injuries throughout the Philadelphia area. If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury that was caused by another party’s negligence, you have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit. When you consult us, we will take the time to understand your circumstances and medical needs and fight to help you obtain meaningful compensation.
What is a brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head or body that may result in a concussion, loss of consciousness, skull fracture, paralysis, or wrongful death. There are two types of brain injuries, closed and open:
- Closed TBI — A blow to the head causes the brain to impact against the skull, which can lead to swelling in the brain or blood clots
- Open TBI — A skull fracture which can be caused by a fall or collision, or an object penetrating the skull (e.g. a bullet, falling debris)
Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe:
- Mild TBI — A period of lost consciousness, confusion or disorientation that lasts for less than 30 minutes
- Moderate TBI — A longer period of unconsciousness, up to 6 hours, accompanied by a degree of memory loss
- Severe TBI — An extended period of unconsciousness or a comatose state along with significant cognitive impairment
Types of Brain Injuries
Common types of brain injuries include:
- Concussions — Caused by a blow to or violent shaking of the head
- Contusions — A blow to the head resulting in bruising or bleeding
- Diffuse axonal Injury — A strong shaking back and forth or rotation of the head from side-to-side
- Penetration Injury — Caused by a sharp object penetrating the skull, such as a knife, bullet, or falling object
- Anoxic Brain Injury — Oxygen deprivation to the brain
- Hypoxic Brain Injury — Brain ceases to function due to lack of oxygen
Symptoms and Treatment of a Brain Injury
Brain injury symptoms range from mild to severe, including:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sleep and balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irritability, anxiety, and depression
A mild traumatic brain injury can usually be treated with rest and over-the-counter pain medication. The victim must be closely monitored for persistent or worsening symptoms, however, and physical activities should be avoided until a doctor clears the victim. On the other hand, a moderate or severe TBI will require immediate emergency care to ensure that the victim’s brain has an adequate supply of blood and oxygen. Surgery may also be necessary to prevent injuries from worsening or to minimize damage caused by inflammation, bleeding or oxygen deprivation.
The Lasting Repercussions of Brain Injuries
Depending on the circumstances, traumatic brain injuries can result in cognitive impairments (e.g. memory loss), weakness in the extremities, loss of balance and coordination, hearing or vision loss. If the brain injury is severe, the victim may even experience personality changes. Some brain injury victims may suffer from impaired social skills and be unable to perform the same work, lose the ability to concentrate or experience mood swings and depression.
Many victims of traumatic brain injuries will need to undergo rehabilitation to relearn basic skills such as walking or talking. Severely injured victims are usually unable of caring for themselves and require assistance with basic daily functions like dressing, eating and bathing. Finally, victims of traumatic brain injuries often require prolonged medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation while permanently disabled victims will need lifelong care.
Contact Our Philadelphia Brain Injury Lawyer
At Cooper Schall and Levy, we believe that no one should be forced to suffer from a traumatic brain injury that was caused by another party’s negligence. When you become our client we will help you obtain the medical care that you need and the compensation you deserve. Whether it is through mediation, settlement negotiations or a jury trial, we have the skills and resources to hold the responsible party accountable in your case.
Above all, we will stand by you every step of the way and handle all the details of your claim so that you can focus on recovering. You will not pay any attorneys’ fees to us until we win compensation for you. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.
Cooper Schall & Levy personal injury lawyers serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as neighboring counties such as Montgomery County and Delaware County and cover neighborhoods such as Norristown and Drexel Hill.
