There are about 100 billion neurons in the human brain according to the National Cancer Institute. The brain is considered one of the most complex organs in the human body, and it is responsible for some of the most essential bodily functions that allow us to live our lives such as interpreting information from the nervous system, bodily movements like walking, or life functions such as breathing. Due to the pivotal role this organ plays in our bodily functions, a brain injury can be a life changing event, and brain injuries themselves are more common than you might think.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is usually caused by a major or sudden blow to the head, which can result in serious or mild brain damage. According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 153 people die a day from injuries that involve a TBI, and in 2013 alone, the CDC estimates that there were 2.8 million TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths nationwide. The costs associated with health care and lost wages after a TBI can be substantial, which is why you should always contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss any legal options that might be available to you after an accident or event occurs.
Common Causes of TBI in Atlanta
There are certain events that typically cause a TBI to occur. Although any major blow to the skull can cause you to suffer from a TBI, you should get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of following events:
- According to the CDC, in 2013, falls accounted for 47% of all emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to TBI in the United States. Falls that cause a TBI to occur tend to be most prevalent in certain age groups.
- 54% of the falls causing TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among children in the United States involved children between the ages of 0 and 14.
- About four out of five or 79% of the falls causing TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among adults in the United States involved adults ages 65 or older.
- Being struck by or against a blunt object was the second leading cause of TBI in the United States accounting for 15% of all TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths nationwide.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Atlanta
Traumatic brain injuries can take different forms. The most common type of TBI is referred to as a mild TBI or a concussion, and it has been estimated that 75 to 90% of traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. are considered mild. Some of the common symptoms of a mild TBI are as follows:
- Difficulties with cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Visual disturbance
Moderate or major traumatic brain injuries have some different symptoms and common symptoms with a mild TBI that are simply more severe such as:
- Intense confusion, agitation, and restlessness
- Headaches that will not stop
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Convulsions or seizures
- Enlargement of the pupil in one or both eyes
How does a Brain Injury Affect a Legal Case in Atlanta?
At Cambre and Associates, our personal injury lawyers have handled many cases involving traumatic brain injuries. This is significant, because when you choose a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, you need a lawyer that can assess not just your current medical bills but also, your future medical expenses in order to seek a recovery that will cover the costs your future healthcare needs. Unlike other injuries, traumatic brain injuries will require you to seek both medical and psychological treatment.
A host of different physicians might render treatment due to a TBI such as a neurologist to address headaches, convulsions, or seizures, or an opthamologist to address blurred vision, enlargement of the pupils, and visual disturbances. However, the emotional and cognitive symptoms you might experience after a TBI are addressed by a neuropsychologist. A lawyer practicing personal injury law in Atlanta should have a thorough understanding how a TBI can occur and the appropriate methods of treatment that are used to treat TBI symptoms. This knowledge of the intricacies of TBI cases will allow the attorney to properly advise you on the different physicians you can seek treatment from and properly project how much your medical care will cost throughout the rest of your life.
Brain Injuries in Atlanta, GA
Brain injury cases involve many complex legal and medical factors that require extensive knowledge of the judicial system. At Cambre and Associates, our team of personal injury lawyers have spent years handling intricate legal matters involving traumatic brain injuries. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of TBI patients continue to experience symptoms months or even years after their accident, but you don’t have to allow one accident to ruin your future. Call our office today for a free case evaluation.