Jacksonville Brain Injury Lawyer

The two primary types of brain injuries are traumatic and non-traumatic. A traumatic brain injury stems from external forces, such as a blow to the head. Non-traumatic brain injuries occur when internal events, such as lack of oxygen, cause brain damage. Non-traumatic brain injuries are also known as acquired brain injuries.

Penetrating and Non-Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injuries

A penetrating traumatic brain injury occurs when an object makes contact with brain matter, such as a bullet, sharp object, or skull fragment. Also known as a closed injury, a non-penetrating brain injury occurs when you sustain a blow to the head or another force that doesn’t penetrate the skull.

Penetrating injuries are almost always severe, but non-penetrating injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Mild, Moderate, and Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries

Mild traumatic brain injuries are also known as concussions. Although they are considered mild, this doesn’t mean they’re not serious. While most concussions resolve within two weeks without complications, some people experience effects for months.

Moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries cause damage to the structure of the brain and can lead to lifelong health problems and disabilities. Fortunately, 80 percent of brain injuries are mild. The types of damage most commonly present in moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries are:

• Extra-axial hematoma involves bleeding between the brain and skull. Depending on the location of the bleed, such an injury may be categorized as an epidural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or subdural hematoma.
• Coup contrecoup injuries involve bruising on the brain at the site of impact and on the opposite side. These injuries most commonly result from rapid acceleration and deceleration forces that cause the brain to bounce back and forth.
• Diffuse axonal injury is the shearing, stretching, or twisting of the neuronal axons in the brain, resulting in a disruption of communication between the brain cells. Rotational forces or a sudden stop usually cause these injuries.

Bleeding can cause brain swelling and permanent damage, and it can be fatal. Seek medical attention immediately if you have any symptoms after a blow or jolt to the head. With prompt intervention, a medical team may be able to reduce the swelling and prevent further damage.

People with moderate and severe brain injuries often require lifelong medical care, and this can result in significant medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. Our Jacksonville brain damage lawyers will include all of your projected medical costs and your lifelong lost income when calculating your case value.

What Causes Brain Injuries?

The most common causes of non-traumatic brain injuries are medical malpractice and near drownings. Medical errors that may lead to brain injuries include the following:

• Medication errors
• Surgery and anesthesiology errors that deprive the brain of oxygen
• Birth injuries
• Errors during brain surgery

The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries are motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, construction accidents, and sports accidents. According to the International Brain Injury Association, motor vehicle crashes cause approximately 50 percent of traumatic brain injuries and are the leading cause of brain injury in people under 65.

Slips and falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in adults 65 and older. The CDC reports that older adults are more likely to be hospitalized or die from TBI compared to all other age groups.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries

If you experience any of the following symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention immediately:

• Headache
• Seizures
• Vision changes
• Uneven pupils
• Drainage of clear fluid from the nose or ears
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Any loss of consciousness
• Difficulty awakening
• Sleep changes
• Mood changes
• Memory problems
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light
• Fatigue

The symptoms of concussion can mimic the symptoms of moderate and severe brain injuries, so you shouldn’t assume it is a concussion. If you delay treatment, you risk suffering permanent brain damage.

Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can permanently impair thinking, memory, motor skills, vision, and emotional regulation. A study by the CDC found that 52 percent of brain injury victims experienced worsening symptoms or death within five years. They are significantly more likely to experience seizures, infections, and pneumonia. More than half are unable to maintain employment.