The brain is a complicated machine. Damage to one section of this complex organ can trigger a complicated chain reaction that impacts numerous parts of the body for months or even years. Although the brain has a remarkable ability to heal, many brain injuries can cause long-lasting and debilitating physical, emotional, and behavioral complications.
An individual coping with a brain injury should focus on their recovery, not the stress of handling a compensation claim. Unfortunately, without help, many injured people are forced to choose between the recovery process and the compensation claim process. At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, we don’t want you to choose. We want to advocate for you, handling your claim from start to finish so you can set your sights on taking care of yourself.
When someone’s careless actions cause an accident, they deserve to be held accountable, and you deserve meaningful compensation for your medical expenses and other financial losses. Our brain injury lawyers commit themselves to helping you pursue the money you need. If you live in the Pontiac area, we encourage you to call our office today at 248-599-1607 to arrange a free legal consultation to learn more about your rights.
Types of Brain Injuries
“Brain injury” is a broad term that can refer to any number of complicated injuries to the head or brain. Typically, medical professionals categorize traumatic brain injuries as any injury to the brain that impacts the way the brain functions. Statistics from the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention show that brain injuries are one of the most common causes of death and disability in the United States today, often as a result of car accidents, falls, and gun violence.
There are two brain injury classifications medical professionals use to describe brain injuries. They are:
- Closed Brain Injury – Closed brain injuries tend to be more common and result from a sudden or violent jolt to the head. The jolt forces the head to accelerate forward and backward rapidly. The head can collide with stationary objects, or the brain can strike the inside of the skull, causing bleeding, swelling, chemical changes in the brain, or tissue damage.
- Penetrating Brain Injury – Penetrating brain injuries occur when an object penetrates the skull. The foreign object pierces the skull and enters the brain, injuring the organ and injuring the brain. Bullets are the most common foreign object that causes penetrating brain injuries, but flying debris and bone fragments from a skull fracture can also cause penetrating brain wounds.
Some of the brain injuries that can occur following a catastrophic accident can include:
- Concussion – A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can temporarily impact how the brain functions. These injuries are often the result of a closed brain injury caused most often by car accidents and contact sports.
- Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury– A coup-contrecoup injury is two brain injuries in one. These injuries occur when the initial force of a blow causes the brain to collide with one area of the skull. Quick deceleration then forces the brain to hit the opposite side of the skull. The result is two brain injuries on opposite sides of the brain. Forceful or violent car accidents can lead to significant coup-contrecoup brain injuries.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury– Diffuse axonal injuries occur when the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers called axons get damaged due to the brain rotating or shifting inside the skull.
- Hypoxic Brain Injury– Hypoxic brain injuries happen when the brain is starved of oxygen, leading to the gradual impairment and then death of brain cells.
- Intracranial Hematomas – An intracranial hematoma is when blood collects or pools within the skull. These injuries are often the result of a burst blood vessel in the brain.
- Hemorrhage – A hemorrhage in the brain refers to bleeding in the brain.
Brain Injury Complications
Some individuals recover remarkably quickly from a brain injury and suffer few long-term medical complications. Others find themselves battling life-altering physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges for the rest of their lives. Brain injury complications can impact a person’s quality of life, leaving them to rely on friends, family, and paid caregivers to help them complete daily tasks.
Unfortunately, the list of potential long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries is extensive. The brain controls everything we do, from our thoughts and behaviors to voluntary and involuntary muscle movements. Damage to the brain can cause physical impairments, mental impairments, and, in significant cases, both. Some of the potential medical complications that can occur due to brain trauma include:
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of vision
- Loss of coordination
- Chronic pain
Emotional and Behavioral Complications:
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Anger
- Obsessive habits or behaviors
- Child-like behaviors
- Difficulty with self-control
- Impulsivity
- Memory loss and amnesia
- Difficulties with beginning or completing tasks
- Problems with reasoning
- Problems with judgment
- Problems concentrating
- Learning impairments
- Trouble following conversations or understanding others
- Difficulty understanding spoken words
- Difficulty comprehending written words
- Inability to organize thoughts
- Problems with social cues
Some studies indicate those who suffer traumatic brain injuries have an increased risk of developing conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease later in life. A brain injury can impact every aspect of a person’s life. It can also significantly impact the lives of the people around the accident victim, such as family and friends. Those close to the victim may struggle to understand the mental and behavioral changes that impact their loved one.
If you or your loved one needs additional help in Pontiac after a brain injury diagnosis, consider these organizations:
Do You Need a Pontiac Brain Injury Lawyer?
Yes. A brain injury can significantly alter your life. You need someone to advocate for you. You need someone with the knowledge and experience to pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses and other associated financial losses. An insurance adjuster wants to offer you the minimum payout and then walk away, moving on to the following claim. You and your condition are an afterthought. At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, you are our first thought.
Our uncompromising brain injury lawyers have an impressive track record of helping accident victims like you recover the money they deserve. Do not attempt to manage this situation alone. Let a resourceful attorney handle your case so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Our Office Today for Help
At Atnip & Associates, PLLC, we proudly serve the Pontiac community. If another person’s careless actions hurt you, we are here to help. Contact our office today to request a free and confidential legal consultation. Our compassionate team can outline your options for seeking maximum compensation.
