TYPES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

By Adam Urra

Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries that an individual could sustain. They can have lasting or permanent physical and cognitive effects and are very financially draining injuries to recover from.

Due to the severe nature of TBIs, victims must understand what they are facing when they are diagnosed so that they know what medical and legal steps to take next.

Continue reading to learn more about the different types of TBIs, or get in touch with Brain Injury Law of Seattle to speak with a TBI lawyer about your legal options following your catastrophic injury.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

The most common type of traumatic brain injury is a concussion (also known as a mild traumatic brain injury). A concussion can occur in a number of different ways and is not usually severe, life-altering, or fatal.

While concussions often amend themselves in a matter of several days, it’s still important to seek out medical care if you have any concerns about your head injury.

Symptoms of a concussion include:

  • Persistent headache or migraine
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Mood or behavior changes

WHAT TYPE OF BRAIN INJURY RESULTS IN AN ACTUAL BRUISING OF THE BRAIN?

When a bruise forms on the brain itself, it is known as a cerebral contusion. Cerebral contusions may result from a number of different injuries, including car, motorcycle, or bicycle accidents, falls, assault, sport-related accidents, and more.

Cerebral contusions are generally seen as more serious injuries than concussions and can have long-term cognitive effects.

Symptoms of a cerebral contusion include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the body.
  • Issues communicating verbally.
  • Changes in cognition.
  • An inability to concentrate.

THE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TBIS

All types of traumatic brain injury can be sorted into three overarching categories. These are:

 

  • Closed brain injuries: these include concussions and cerebral contusions.
  • Penetrating brain injuries: this type of head injury occurs when a foreign object penetrates the skull and brain tissue.
  • Anoxic brain injuries: this type of TBI occurs when the brain does not get enough oxygen, resulting in brain cell death. Anoxic brain injuries may occur due to stroke, heart attack, drowning, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED A TBI

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to lasting or even permanent disability, both physical and cognitive. It’s essential for victims of this type of head injury to pursue medical help and financial compensation if their injury resulted from another party’s negligence.

Financial compensation for a TBI doesn’t just include current medical costs. It also includes expected medical costs, therapy, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and loss of future occupational opportunities.

Depending on your TBI’s severity, cause, and recovery time, you will likely require more than just your medical costs covered to ensure complete healing and minimal financial stress during the process.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING WITH A BRAIN INJURY LAW FIRM

Victims of TBIs are under severe stress mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. Their injury has likely removed them indefinitely from the workplace, they are unsure how much their medical expenses may amount to, and they are experiencing persistent pain and brain fog.

Legally, most victims don’t know how to begin the process of seeking out compensation for their medical, financial, and emotional damages.

This is where working with a seasoned brain injury attorney is incredibly helpful.

Brain injury attorneys are familiar with the many legalities that surround TBI cases. They understand the lengthy recovery process involved as well as the general length of time it takes for TBI victims to reach a satisfactory settlement.

By partnering with a brain injury attorney, victims can reduce the amount of stress that they would otherwise feel and focus on what is important at hand — physical recovery.

An added benefit to working with a brain injury attorney is that TBI lawyers also know what things need to be included in the final settlement request. This ensures that victims aren’t left to bear the extensive financial burdens of their TBI.

PARTNER WITH A RELIABLE BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEY TODAY

If you are ready to start getting the legal help you need and deserve, get in touch with Brain Injury Law of Seattle today.

Our firm’s leading attorney, Scott Blair, has advocated for brain injury victims for the past 25 years. He is passionate about helping victims, and their families find clarity, comfort, and justice following a traumatic accident that resulted in brain injury.

If you or someone you know has recently suffered any of the types of traumatic brain injury, get in touch with Brain Injury Law of Seattle to schedule your first consultation with a specialized lawyer.