Guide By – Los Angeles Brain Injury Attorney
Human brain operates as a computer – it sends countless signals and impulses to our internal organs, and controls breathing, thought process, speech, and all other vital functions. The Los Angeles brain injury attorney at Cherepinskiy Law Firm is an expert at handling cases that involve injuries to this most essential organ. A significant brain injury or head injury (also referred to as a “traumatic brain injury” or “TBI”) can sever the brain’s ability to communicate with internal organs, which can cause severe physical and mental disabilities and impairments. A traumatic brain injury can incapacitate a person so severely that he or she becomes unable to perform basic activities of daily living – such as walking, dressing, bathing, eating, and others.
If someone’s negligence caused you or a loved one to sustain a traumatic brain injury, multiple factors will guide you in deciding whether to proceed with a legal action seeking compensation. Some of these factors involve an understanding of both (1) the difficulties and challenges of life after a traumatic brain injury and (2) the legal rights against the wrongdoers. If you make a decision to proceed with a legal action, the Los Angeles brain injury lawyer at Cherepinskiy Law Firm will provide capable, aggressive, as well as caring and compassionate representation. This firm provides services throughout Southern California and will work tirelessly from the inception of the case through a trial, if necessary, in order to obtain the best compensation.
Major Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is commonly caused by an external force — such as a severe blow to the head, a violent shaking, or a sudden movement of the head, which causes a skull damage and /or a movement of the brain inside the skull. Traumatic brain injuries are divided into two categories: (1) open injuries and (2) closed injuries. If an accident results in an object penetrating a person’s skull and actually coming into contact with the brain, this is called an “open” traumatic brain injury. On the other hand, when the injury is caused by a violent shaking or a sudden movement of the head, but there is no penetration of the skull – this type of a brain injury is referred to as a “closed” traumatic brain injury. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, you need the Los Angeles brain injury attorney who is knowledgeable in the medical aspects of different types of brain trauma.
The following are common accidents that may cause a traumatic brain injury:
Transportation Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
Work-Related Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Industrial Accidents
- Violations of Workplace Safety Standards
Other Causes of Brain Injuries
- Medical Malpractice
- Birth injury
- Defective products
- Slip & Fall Accidents (and other Unsafe Premises incidents)
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can lead to multiple severe and catastrophic consequences on a physical and cognitive level.
- Coma
- Seizures and convulsions
- Loss of strength in fingers and toes, as well as numbness
- Loss of consciousness (fainting)
- Gradually worsening headaches
- Dizziness
- Pupil dilation
- Paralysis
- Balance impairments
- Coordination impairments
- Spasticity (continuous stiffness or tightness of the muscles)
- Inability to focus and concentrate
- Loss of short-term or long-term memory
- Speech disturbances (e.g. slurred speech)
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Loss of strength and fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual drainage of fluid from the ears or nose
- Sleeping impairments (excessive sleeping or difficulties waking up)
- Tinnitus (ringing ears)
- Light sensitivity
- Sound sensitivity
- Vision impairments and eye injuries (e.g. blurry vision or blindness)
- Disruptions in the taste and smell functions
- Behavioral disturbances (e.g. aggressiveness and agitation)
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Decline in academic performance
If you or a loved one has suffered any of the above symptoms due to an accident, a prompt evaluation by a medical doctor is imperative. Should you make the decision to seek compensation for the injuries, Cherepinskiy Law Firm is the brain injury attorney Los Angeles residents can count on.
Life after a Traumatic Brain Injury
Some short-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries may potentially resolve. However, since brain cells (neurons) do not regenerate, in many cases, the consequences of a traumatic brain injury last for a long time or become permanent, leading to the loss of the ability to work, drive a car, live independently, and perform the basic activities of daily living. In such cases, mobility devices and life care assistance become necessary.
Long-term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Some of the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries are as follows:
- Neurological impairments (e.g. seizures and speech impairments) affect the person’s basic ability to communicate either verbally or in writing;
- Severe physical disabilities (e.g. spasticity, partial or complete paralysis, and blindness) lead to the necessity of full-time caregivers, hospital beds, home modifications, as well as mobility devices such as wheelchairs and motorized scooters;
- Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments (e.g. loss of memory, loss of ability to exercise judgment, confusion and aggression) require the assistance of caregivers who can provide the necessary direction, guidance, and support.
The above list is not exhaustive. These as well as other long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries cause the necessity for specialized attendant care and equipment, the cost of which can be extremely high and, in many cases, simply unaffordable. A Los Angeles brain injury lawyer can provide the requisite assistance in receiving adequate compensation that is so needed when caring for the victims of traumatic brain injuries.
What Damages Can be Recovered in Brain Injury Cases?
Victims of brain injuries can claim the following two main types of damages: Non-Economic and Economic damages. In some situations, those who have suffered a brain injury may potentially seek Punitive Damages. For cases involving future care, the Los Angeles brain injury attorney at Cherepinskiy Law Firm retains top expert physicians, life care planners, and economists to evaluate clients’ needs and present the best case on their behalf. A detailed discussion of the recoverable damages is included on the Personal Injury Damages page of this website.
Take Action! Promptly Contact a Los Angeles Brain Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you believe someone’s carelessness caused your or your loved one’s traumatic brain injury, please call or fill out an electronic contact form today to request a free consultation. Cherepinskiy Law Firm, as the Los Angeles brain injury attorney, will work in a zealous and compassionate manner to make sure you are compensated for your injuries and losses.
This firm fights for clients throughout California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, as well as Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Sources
1. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html
2. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Traumatic-Brain-Injury-Information-Page
Resources
Traumatic Brain Injury Resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living: https://acl.gov/programs/post-injury-support/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi
Guideline for living with traumatic brain injuries by the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center: https://msktc.org/tbi
Guideline by the American Psychological Association regarding emotional recovery from disaster: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/recovering-disasters.aspx