Odessa Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
One of the most devastating injuries that anyone can suffer in an accident is a traumatic brain injury. Depending on the severity, it can mean a lifetime of medical bills, pain and suffering, and financial hardships for those affected.
Sadly, some of these injuries are the direct result of negligent or reckless actions of another person. In these instances, the victim and their family can pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
If you have been injured and don’t know where to turn, contact an Odessa traumatic brain injury lawyer.
At Barrera Law Group LLC, we have over a quarter of a century of experience helping families like yours recover compensation for their injuries. Schedule a consultation today.
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?
When someone suffers a forceful bump or sudden impact on the head, it can result in a traumatic brain injury. While not all injuries to the head develop into a TBI, many accidents can leave victims with these serious and often debilitating side effects.
There are two types of TBIs: open and closed.
- An open or penetrating traumatic brain injury occurs when some type of object pierces the skull, entering the brain. In these cases, most damage occurs to only a portion of the brain.
- A closed (or blunt) TBI happens when the force of impact moves the brain within the skull. Some causes of these injuries stem from motor vehicle crashes, nursing home abuse, or slips and falls.
According to the National Institutes of Health, traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Each year, around 1.5 million people will suffer from a TBI. It is estimated that around 5 million Americans will live with disabilities related to these injuries.
While some of these traumatic brain injuries are accidental, there are times when someone’s negligence can cause them. In three instances, the brain injury could have been prevented.
Unfortunately, now the victim must deal with the consequences of another’s reckless actions.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild symptoms to a persistent vegetative state. No matter whether you experience a slight blow to the head or suffer traumatic injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
Often, the signs of damage will not develop until hours or even days after an accident. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Convulsions or seizures
- Light-headedness, dizziness, vertigo
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Blurred vision
- Unequal eye pupil size or dilation
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Change in consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Frustration and irritability
Common Causes of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries can result from a wide range of incidents, such as:
- Falls: Falls are a major cause of TBI, especially among the elderly and young children. Slippery surfaces, inadequate lighting, and uneven terrain can increase the likelihood of a fall, leading to head injuries.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are another contributor to TBIs. The sudden impact and deceleration forces experienced during a collision can cause the brain to slam against the skull.
- Sports Injuries: Sports injuries occur in contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby. Collisions with other players, falls, and head-to-head contact can lead to concussions and more serious brain injuries.
- Acts of Violence: Assaults or intentional blows to the head can also cause TBI. Physical altercations, domestic violence, and criminal assaults can result in severe head injuries.
- Workplace accidents: While working on the job, a worker can trip, have an object drop on their head, or fall from a height, leading to a direct force to the head.
If your traumatic brain injuries were the result of another person’s negligent actions, then you may be able to proceed with a personal injury lawsuit. An Odessa traumatic brain injury lawyer will help you determine the next step in your case.
How a TBI Can Cause Life-Altering Injuries
Traumatic brain injury can impact a person’s life. Some of the lasting effects and challenges include:
- Long-term impairments to memory and thinking functions
- Changes to social relationships
- Difficulties with talking, walking, swallowing, and fine motor skills
- Mood alterations
- Strain on family finances due to an inability to work
Any of these injuries can have far-reaching consequences. In many cases, it can make an impact on the victim’s physical, emotional, and financial health.
Over the next months or years, these individuals will need extensive medical care and rehabilitation to help them fully heal. However, not everyone is lucky; a few may need lifetime treatment.
When a traumatic brain injury has impacted someone, and it was the fault of another person, they may be able to seek compensation for their current and future expenses.
Contact an Odessa traumatic brain injury lawyer to find out what you could be entitled to.
Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you want to pursue a personal injury case, your legal team will need to demonstrate that you suffered some type of harm due to the negligence of another. For example:
- Another party, such as the driver, property owner, or nursing home staff member, owed you a duty of care.
- Due to a breach, such as speeding, elder abuse, or poor maintenance, you suffered a TBI.
- By suffering a TBI, you experience damages and losses.
Determining compensation can be a challenging process. Not only do you have to look at current expenses, but you also have to pay for those future ones.
Working with a skilled Odessa traumatic brain injuries lawyer will help you get an exact calculation of your damages so you can get your entitled compensation from the responsible parties.
Compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and diagnostic testing
- Future medical costs, such as ongoing care and prescription drugs
- Lost income, including wages, tips, or benefits
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
In extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the negligent party’s reckless behavior.
Importance of Hiring a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Suffering a traumatic brain injury can be devastating for individuals and their families. These injuries can cause physical, emotional, and financial repercussions that may last a lifetime.
In these cases, hiring a traumatic brain injury lawyer is a critical element in obtaining the compensation and support needed to cope with the injury’s effects. These legal professionals understand brain injury cases and know the complexities of personal injury law. They play a role in making sure that you receive the compensation and support you deserve.
An Odessa traumatic brain injury lawyer can help guide you through the legal proceedings. Along with that, they have access to medical experts who can evaluate the extent of your brain injury and its impact on your life.
With this evaluation, they will calculate the compensation needed to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
These individuals are your legal advocates. They are prepared to litigate on your behalf. An Odessa traumatic brain injury lawyer will make sure to gather all necessary evidence and documentation to build a strong case for you.
After a traumatic brain injury, you may feel alone. However, when you work with the Barrera Law Group LLC, we will be your staunch ally at every step of the legal process.
Supporting Traumatic Brain Injury Victims in Odessa
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you need to take immediate legal action. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we have a team of experienced lawyers who can help you with the necessary support for your well-being and recovery.
Additionally, we will fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a consultation with an Odessa traumatic brain injury lawyer from the Barrera Law Group LLC today. Find out how we can protect your rights and interests throughout this challenging time.