Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a blow, jolt or penetrating injury to the head that disrupts brain function. The severity can be mild (a brief change in consciousness or mental status) or severe, which can include amnesia, coma or unconsciousness for an extended period of time.
The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries are falls, and traffic crashes, followed by injury from being struck by an object and physical assaults.
The legal issues surrounding traumatic brain injuries can involve motor-vehicle laws, premise liability and other complex facts and circumstances. An estimated 5.3 million Americans have long-term or lifelong care needs as a result of a traumatic brain injury, including deteriorating memory or problem solving, stress and emotional upset, problems with mood and temper, and motor control, language and learning impairments. Of the 1.4 million people who suffer traumatic brain injury each year, 50,000 will die, 235,000 are hospitalized and more than a million are treated and released from hospital emergency rooms.
The medical consequences of a brain injury are not always readily apparent. If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is critical to seek proper medical treatment and consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parvey and Cavenago.
