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Georgia Brain Injuries Atlanta Brain Injury Attorney
Brain injuries are often severe and debilitating. Traumatic Brain Injuries (“TBI”) are one of the most serious of all personal injuries and can significantly alter one’s quality of life. Otherwise known as brain trauma, dementia, mental deficiency or amentia, this type of injury occurs when the brain itself is traumatized from a direct blow, or from another condition which caused the brain to be damaged due to lack of blood flow or oxygen to or from the brain. Should the brain tissue be injured or traumatized, fluid can leak into contact with the brain and cause serious mental defects.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries in Georgia are car accidents, accidents on the job, pharmacy errors, injuries from unsafe products, medical malpractice, and slip and falls. However, a brain injury can result from a number of different situations and many times the connection between the incident and the brain injury is not obvious.
Symptoms
Should a victim of negligence suffer a severe traumatic brain injury, a number of symptoms can occur:
- a loss of consciousness;
- a state of being dazed or confused;
- headaches;
- a weakening of muscles;
- changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little);
- Difficulty urinating and/or defecating;
- fatigue and drowsiness;
- confusion and decreased judgment;
- changes in senses such as blurred vision, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), changes in taste and smell;
- memory and concentration difficulties;
- mood swings; and
- depression.
Diagnoses
Since most injuries are caused by emergencies and accidents, doctors will almost always be in a situation in which they have to diagnose brain injuries quickly. Tests such as CT scans of the brain, and MRI’s can be used to view the brain and to make sure that there is no bleeding or blood clots or bruised and damaged brain tissue. The 15-point Glasgow Coma Scale is a useful tool that emergency medical personnel use to assess the extent of the brain injury. Abilities to follow directions, move eyes and limbs and speak coherently are measured to determine the severity of the injury. The higher the score, the less severe the traumatic brain injury is.
Treatment
Treatment of traumatic brain injuries is dictated by the severity of the injury. While mild traumatic brain injury may not require any treatment at all, moderate and severe brain injuries often require emergency care to make sure the there is an adequate blood supply to the brain, and that blood pressure is stable. Further follow up care may consist of medications or surgery. Surgery may be indicated if there are hematoma (blood clots in the brain), fractures of the skull or excess pressure on the brain that has to be relieved.
Rehabilitation
Most people who have had a significant brain injury will require rehabilitation. They may need to relearn basic skills, such as walking or talking. The goal is to improve their abilities to perform daily activities.
Therapy usually begins in the hospital and continues at an inpatient rehabilitation unit, a residential treatment facility or through outpatient services. The type and duration of rehabilitation varies by individual, depending on the severity of the brain injury and what part of the brain was injured. Therapy can be administered by a physiatrist, vocational counselor, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, or neuropsychiatrist.
Call Today
If you were involved in a recent accident and are suffering from a traumatic brain injury, you may have a legal right to recover for your injuries. In most cases, you must file a lawsuit in Georgia within two years of the date of injury (although limited exceptions to this rule apply). If you are suffering and have legal questions about your case, please call us today. You can reach Robert J. Fleming directly on (404) 525-5150 or call us on (800) 613-1923. We are here to help.
