Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most devastating injuries you can receive.
They often come with lifelong complications that lower a victim’s overall quality of life.
Of course, when this type of injury is caused by negligence, the pain is even greater knowing that it could have potentially been prevented.
If this happens to you or a family member, you need an Atlanta brain injury lawyer who understands the life-altering consequences of the injury.
At MG Law, we’re here to help you and your family in any way possible. If you have questions about a potential brain injury claim, reach out to us online or call (770) 988-5252 today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries happen in a variety of accidents. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls account for around half of all brain injury hospitalizations.
That being said, there are other common causes of traumatic brain injury, including:
- Car accidents,
- Contact sports,
- Explosions or blasts, and
- Workplace accidents.
While these aren’t the only causes of brain injury, they are the most frequently reported causes. Additionally, some causes of TBI affect certain parts of the population disproportionately. For example, brain injuries among children are caused by auto accidents more often than any other category.
However, adults above the age of 75 usually receive a TBI from an unintentional fall.
Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Since there are many types of brain injuries with different consequences, there are a wide range of symptoms.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Blurred vision;
- Ringing in the ears;
- Bad taste in the mouth;
- Changes in the ability to smell;
- Sensitivity to light or sound;
- Migraines or headaches;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Difficulties with speech;
- Too much or too little sleep;
- Loss of balance;
- Severe mood swings;
- Depression or anxiety;
- Issues with memory;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Convulsions;
- Seizures; and
- Confusion.
Early detection and treatment of brain injuries are crucial for recovery. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after you start noticing any of these symptoms. If it turns out you have a diagnosed brain injury after an accident, we recommend reaching out to a seasoned brain injury law firm in Atlanta.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries vary in type and severity. Understanding these differences is essential not only for recovery, but also for any potential injury claim. Here are some of the different types of brain injuries and what usually causes them.
Coup-contrecoup
A coup-contrecoup brain injury is characterized by damage at both the site of the initial impact and the opposite side of the brain. This happens whenever the force of the impact is strong enough to cause the brain to hit the opposite side of the skull.
An injury like this is particularly common in car accidents and recovery varies greatly depending on the area of the brain affected. Cognitive deficits and neurological issues are very common with this type of injury.
Diffuse-axonal
A diffuse-axonal injury is when there are widespread lesions along the brain’s white matter. This happens when the brain experiences rapid acceleration or deceleration and is common in both car accidents and contact sports. The shearing action disrupts the normal function of the brain’s axons, which are critical for nerve signal transmission.
Hypoxic
When the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen to maintain normal function, it’s called a hypoxic injury. Common causes of hypoxic brain injury include cardiac arrest, choking, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Severe cases of this injury may lead to significant and permanent neurological impairments. However, many hypoxic injuries result in death if not treated promptly.
Anoxic
Generally, anoxic brain injuries are a more severe form of hypoxia. Instead of the brain receiving too little oxygen, it receives no oxygen at all, resulting in the death of brain cells. This type of injury can be caused by severe respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, drowning, strangulation, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Generally, the prognosis for an anoxic brain injury is poor. Those who recover often require extensive rehabilitation to regain function, although some degree of permanent impairment is common.
Hemorrhages
A brain hemorrhage refers to bleeding within or around the brain due to ruptured blood vessels. Virtually any head trauma may cause a hemorrhage and outcomes vary greatly from person to person. Larger hemorrhages often cause death without immediate surgical intervention, while smaller hemorrhages cause functional damage over time.
Concussions
This is perhaps the most mild form of brain injury. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t lead to long-term complications. They are usually caused by a sudden or violent shake of the head that causes a contusion or otherwise impairs brain function.
Concussions are common in car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. While some people recover well, others suffer from post-concussion syndrome, which may last months or even years.
Potential Compensation for a Brain Injury in Georgia
Victims of brain injury, with the guidance of an Atlanta brain injury lawyer, may pursue three types of damages to compensate for their losses and suffering. Here’s a breakdown of these categories and what they include.
Economic Damages
The pillar of a brain injury claim is usually economic damages.
These are tangible losses that you incur as a result of your injury, including things like:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages,
- Property damage, and
- Loss of future earning potential.
Generally, these are losses that have a standard economic value or price. So, proving them may involve receipts, price quotes, or estimates from a financial expert. Essentially, the goal of economic damages is to restore the financial position of the victim.
Non-Economic Damages
General or non-economic damages are often more complex than economic damages. This is because they represent the intangible costs of an injury. In other words, the losses are subjective and vary from person to person.
Some examples include the victim’s:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, or
- Loss of consortium.
Estimating these types of losses on your own may be difficult. However, a good Atlanta TBI lawyer understands the impact of these losses and can help estimate them on your behalf.
Punitive Damages
Although less common, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. These damages are not aimed at compensating the victim but rather at punishing the defendant and deterring similar conduct in the future.
In Georgia under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1, there is no limitation on punitive damages in cases where the defendant intentionally harmed the victim or showed willful misconduct under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is why punitive damages are often associated with injuries arising from aggravated DUIs.
How an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Claim
A brain injury lawyer in Atlanta provides invaluable assistance to individuals and families navigating a brain injury claim. With their in-depth knowledge of state law and experience in similar cases, a good Georgia brain injury lawyer offers help in several key areas with a claim or case, including:
- Case evaluation,
- Evidence gathering,
- Calculation of damage,
- Negotiations with the defense,
- Gathering expert witnesses, and
- Litigation, if necessary.
However, it’s important to remember that not all attorneys have the same experience with brain injury cases. You need an advocate who not only isn’t afraid to take a case to trial, but also has an in-depth understanding of brain injury recovery. That’s where our attorneys can help.
Need an Experienced Atlanta Brain Injury Attorney? MG Law Is Here for You
If you or a loved one receives a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need a law firm with experience and a great track record. At MG Law, our award-winning attorneys understand the complexities of brain injury cases.
With recognitions from Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Association, we always put our clients’ needs first. To schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta brain injury lawyer, call us at (770) 988-5252 or fill out our online contact form. We’re here to help you get your life back.