Brain Injury Complications
The brain is involved with almost everything a person does, so any injury can have dramatic effects. At Karnas Law Firm, PLLC, we represent people who suffer brain injuries in accidents. They face a challenging road to recovery and often require expensive medical care. Read on to better understand many of the challenges you or a loved one will face after a brain injury. Our Yuma personal injury lawyer is ready to assist anyone with a question about their right to compensation.
What Are Causes of Brain Injuries?
Most brain injuries are caused by:
- Car accidents. You can suffer whiplash when a vehicle stops. As your head violently rocks back and forth, your brain can slide around inside your skull, leading to injury.
- Falls. You can hit your head in a slip and fall or trip and fall. Falling from a height can also lead to brain injuries.
- Sporting accidents. Many athletes suffer a concussion when they collide with a competitor or teammate. Even those wearing safety equipment (like helmets) can suffer serious head injuries.
- Attacks. You might get punched or kicked in the head, or you could fall over and strike your head on concrete or a fire hydrant.
- Medical errors. Some brain injuries are caused by a reduction in the flow of blood or oxygen to the brain. For example, you could suffer an anesthesia error which stops your breathing, or your child could suffer an injury during delivery.
Common Complications
Each brain injury is different, and the symptoms you experience will depend on the area of the brain injured, along with other factors like age and overall physical health. However, the following are some of the most common problems our clients have suffered.
Memory Loss
Short-term memory loss is common after a brain injury. Many victims cannot remember doctor appointments, or they have trouble following a conversation. They also struggle to retain new information and can lose track of time. This memory loss can impair both returning to work but also getting better.
Unfortunately, memory loss is not easy to treat. For many patients, their memories will improve with time. But others will need to learn how to rely on compensatory strategies, like using apps that remind them of appointments.
Seizures or Convulsions
Accident victims can experience convulsions or seizures. These are scary and dangerous, especially if you are driving at the time. Some doctors will prescribe anti-seizure medicines as a preventative measure, and those who have a seizure could require medication for years.
Physical Impairments
Brain injuries can impair a person’s physical mobility as well as a sense of balance. Depending on the severity and location of the brain injury, a person might be unable to walk, grasp objects, move their arms, or remain standing. As a brain injury heals, many people will regain physical function.
However, victims of moderate or severe brain injuries often need physical therapy. Some brain injury victims will be left with permanent disabilities. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 57% of those who suffer a moderate brain injury still have a disability five years later.
Emotional & Behavioral Changes
You are likely to experience anxiety, depression, irritability, and other negative emotions. Sometimes, a brain injury will lead to behavioral change, like increased aggressiveness or social isolation. Patients often need prescription medication and therapy.
These changes also take a toll on families. A person who suddenly lashes out verbally and physically can put a considerable strain on their caretakers. Many family members need group therapy themselves to help them through.
Sleep Disruption
You might experience changes in your sleep patterns. For example, studies have shown that those suffering traumatic brain injuries generally slept less because of a reduction in the production of melatonin. By getting less sleep, you can suffer even worse depression or anxiety. You might also suffer other ill health effects associated with sleep deprivation.
A doctor might prescribe sleep medication, but sleep disruption can remain a serious problem.
You Deserve Compensation
Because many brain injuries are closed—meaning the skull is not penetrated—they are often hard to diagnose. Nonetheless, patients can suffer tremendous upheaval in their lives. They might be unable to work, and they experience intense suffering.
You deserve compensation. Karnas Law Firm, PLLC, has the experience necessary to seek a favorable settlement to cover past, present, and future medical bills, along with lost income. Please call us today.
We have assisted many brain injury patients and their families seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.