If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, it’s important you talk to a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries can disrupt your way of life and make it physically, emotionally, and financially difficult for you and your loved ones.
If your brain or spinal cord injury was caused by someone else, your legal rights may entitle you to hold them financially accountable. Collecting damages won’t make your injury go away, but it can help ease the financial burdens associated with a serious injury. The knowledgeable brain and spinal cord injury lawyers at Adamson Ahdoot LLP have years of experience fighting for the rights of the seriously injured and will work tirelessly to see justice served. Call our firm at (800) 310-1606 today to schedule a free case review.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when the normal function of the brain is disrupted by a jolt, bump or blow to the head. TBIs can range in severity from mild (a concussion) to severe (comatose). The severity of a TBI typically determines the severity of symptoms. It’s not uncommon for victims of mild TBIs to experience brief periods of unconsciousness. However, some mild TBI victims never lose consciousness, which is why it’s important to watch out for other head injury symptoms, such as:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Trouble sleeping.
In addition to experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, victims of a moderate or severe TBI may also vomit, convulse, get confused, and have trouble sleeping, talking, or waking from sleep.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of a TBI, it’s important you get medical help right away. TBI symptoms don’t always appear right away, and the longer you wait to get medical help, the more possible it is for complications to develop.
Brain Injury Statistics
Nationwide, millions of people suffer traumatic brain injuries every year, and brain injuries caused by trauma are on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over the course of 8 years, the number of TBI-related emergency room visits increased by 53%. Of the more than 288,000 people hospitalized and diagnosed with a TBI every year, 57,000 will tragically die. The CDC also reports more than 800,000 children (under the age of 17) are treated for a TBI every year.
Although the majority of traumatic brain injury victims are able to make a complete recovery, a staggering percentage of victims are left with permanent disabilities. As you can imagine, serious TBIs can have devastating consequences for victims. Many TBI victims not only suffer physically, but emotionally, psychologically ,and financially.
Understanding a Spinal Cord Injury
In the United States, more than 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) occur every year and more than 290,000 Americans are currently living with a spinal cord injury, reports the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). The majority of SCI victims are male (78%) and almost 48% of new cases result in partial paralysis of the arms or legs.
Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is subjected to trauma. The spinal cord is an intricate bundle of nerves designed to send “messages” between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can interfere with the communication between the brain and the body and, therefore, how the body responds. If a victim has suffered a complete SCI, as it’s commonly referred to by doctors, he or she has paralysis at the level of injury and below. Victims suffering from an incomplete SCI experience partial paralysis at the level of injury and below.
Just as a traumatic brain injury can have devastating effects, a serious spinal cord injury can forever change a victim’s way of life. A large majority of SCI victims suffer from a number of secondary injuries, such as chronic pain, pressure sores, respiratory issues, sexual dysfunction, and bowel and bladder dysfunction.
Many SCI victims also suffer psychologically and emotionally. According to recent statistics, as many as 37% of SCI victims suffer from some form of depression.
What are Common Causes of Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries?
One of the leading causes of both traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries is car accidents. A staggering 39% of spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents, reports the NSCISC, and almost 17% of all car crashes will result in a TBI. Auto accidents continue to be the leading cause of TBI-related deaths for children and teens.
Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries can also be caused by:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Acts of violence
- Contact sports
- Bicycle accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Boating accidents
- Train accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Physical abuse
- Construction accidents
- Medical negligence
Who’s Liable for My Brain or Spinal Cord Injury?
After suffering a brain or spinal cord injury in a preventable accident, you deserve to know who hurt you and why. Anyone whose reckless actions contributed to the accident may be liable for damages. Filing a claim to collect damages may seem daunting, but with a skilled Los Angeles brain and spinal cord injury attorney at Adamson Ahdoot LLP by your side, the process can be stress-free.
Using our extensive network of investigative experts, we can quickly find out the cause of the accident and who may be held liable for damages. The various types of damages you may be entitled to, include medical bills, lost wages, temporary/permanent disability, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and hospitalization.
Contact a Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
Before the law prevents you from taking legal action, contact a California brain and spinal cord injury lawyer today at Adamson Ahdoot LLP. If you can’t come to us, we can come to you. Call (800) 310-1606 now to set up a time to discuss your case at your home, hospital, or office.
We have more than 100 years of combined litigation experience helping the injured throughout the Los Angeles area and will fight for your right to maximum compensation.