Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is any kind of brain injury that is caused by impact to the head or piercing of the brain. Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents. About 50 percent of traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents are fatal. A motorcycle accident lawyer may help motorcycle accident victims receive compensation for injuries arising from the accident.

Brain Damage

Brain damage occurs when brain cells are damaged or destroyed. The effects of brain damage may vary depending on the area of the brain that is impacted and severity of the damage. Moderate to severe brain damage may respond to treatment, but is likely to cause permanent disabilities. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can result in permanent damage.

Symptoms caused by brain injury may include:

• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Memory loss
• Loss of certain motor functions
• Loss of certain sensory functions
• Loss of certain cognitive functions
• Behavioral changes
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Paralysis
• Personality Changes

Diffuse Axonal Injury

DAIs or diffuse axonal injuries are injuries to more than one area of the brain. Patients that have DAIs are much more likely to end up in a coma or vegetative state. Even if patients are successfully awakened from a coma state, basic skills may need to be relearned and patients may never regain certain functions.

Traumatic Brain Injury Costs

Traumatic brain injuries can result in high medical bills and therapy costs. Home modifications may be required, which can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. This financial burden may be further increased if the patient is unable to work and receive wages to help mitigate these costs. Motorcycle accident lawyers may be able to assist patients or their loved ones in seeking compensation for these expenses, financial loss; as well as pain, suffering and long term consequences of the injury.

Brain Injury Attorney

When filing a claim against an individual for traumatic brain injuries that have been caused by a motorcycle accident, it is important to find an attorney that has experience in dealing with these types of cases. A brain injury attorney is highly trained to understand both the medical and legal aspects of a traumatic brain injury case. This specialized knowledge will allow a brain injury attorney to best explain to a judge or court the full impact that a traumatic brain injury has had on a patient’s life. This can be helpful when seeking compensation for pain and suffering as well as medical costs and lost wages.

Sources:

https://www.east.org/resources/treatment-guidelines/helmet-efficacy-to-reduce-head-injury-and-mortality-in-motorcycle-crashes

http://www.motorcycleaccident.org/motorcycle-accidents-and-head-injuries/

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811208.PDF