Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyers Assisting Clients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Claims
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves a disruption of normal brain functions, and it is not an easy condition to contend with. Car accidents are the primary cause of brain injuries, as they can occur from a blow to the head or as a result of whiplash. TBIs can also occur without any loss of consciousness and even without any direct blows to the head. Therefore, ensuring you are legally protected can influence whether you are appropriately compensated for a TBI suffered from any type of accident.
When faced with a traumatic brain injury, know that you still have rights. If you have suffered as a result of another’s negligence, you and your affected family members may be entitled to appropriate financial compensation. At Tierney Stauffer LLP, we will work closely with you to determine the ideal path forward from a legal perspective. Our personal injury lawyers have been representing clients injured in a variety of accidents for over 35 years.
What Causes a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI is a direct result of blunt trauma to the head or body resulting in the brain tissue becoming bruised, bleeding, twisted, or torn. These injuries are often extreme and can cause significant harm, and in many cases, the results are permanent or impossible to fully recover from. Therefore, traumatic brain injuries should be taken extremely seriously, both by victims as well as those who inadvertently cause them. TBIs can be caused by several types of accidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents;
- Slip and fall incidents;
- Nursing home accidents;
- Sports-related injuries; and
- Assaults.
Documenting Your TBI Accident Injuries
Due to the severe nature of many brain injuries, families and friends often need to step in and act as the voice for the victim. Symptoms can range from an inability to speak, write, read, see or even process thoughts properly, among others, meaning it is critical that your side of the story is well-supported and documented. This is when reaching out to a personal injury lawyer specializing in traumatic brain injuries can safeguard your best interests. It can be a long road to recovery if at all, representing everything from employment loss to families needing to assist with ensuring victims receive the rehabilitation they need.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can be classified into mild and severe categories. The categories are determined by the effects and not the intensity of the injury.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain trauma is classified as mild if there is a loss of consciousness or symptoms of confusion or disorientation lasting less than 30 minutes. Effects include headache, difficulty concentrating or remembering, mood swings, and feelings of frustration.
Concussions
Concussions are one of the most common traumatic brain injuries, often suffered as the result of a fall or blow to the head. A concussion occurs when something causes the head and brain to move suddenly and violently back and forth. The effects of a concussion are often temporary; however, they can have serious and long-lasting repercussions in severe cases, or for those who have suffered multiple concussions.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
If there is a loss of consciousness, symptoms of confusion or disorientation lasting for more than 30 minutes, a brain injury may be classified as severe. The effects of a severe brain injury can range from abnormal speech or language, loss of thinking ability and emotional problems, to a complete loss of function and even coma. Both the effects of the injury and the subsequent length of recovery are unpredictable and will vary on an individual basis. Long-term rehabilitation is often necessary, and the permanent changes to a person’s life can be devastating.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Tierney Stauffer LLP in Ottawa, Cornwall, Kingston or North Bay if you have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury
At Tierney Stauffer LLP, we understand the emotional toll and financial burden a brain injury can have on the affected individual as well as their loved ones. We are dedicated to working with you and your family members to achieve a successful outcome during what can be a challenging time. We make a point of collaborating with other top experts including medical professionals, future care experts, specialized accountants, and leaders in the field of medical rehabilitation. This way, we ensure all the necessary resources are made available to you, helping to protect your rights and secure appropriate financial compensation.
If you or someone you care about has suffered a brain injury due to medical negligence or error, call the team at Tierney Stauffer LLP to speak to our personal injury lawyers and find out if you have a claim. Call us at 1-888-799-8057 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with a member of our experienced team.