Your brain controls many of your body’s functions, and a brain injury can impact many aspects of your life. Brain injury victims and their families may face significant challenges following an injury.
In some cases, victims may not be able to return to work or may require ongoing medical care. Family members may also take on caregiving responsibilities.
If another party’s wrongful actions caused your brain injury, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages. You may consider consulting an experienced San Jose brain injury attorney to understand your legal options.
Our San Jose injury attorneys have represented injury victims for over 50 years. We provide legal support and guidance to individuals navigating personal injury claims.
Call us today at (408) 341-6883 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Two Types of Brain Injuries
There are two general types of brain injuries. They are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs).
Both types of brain injury are serious but occur in different ways. A TBI is caused by an external trauma or force to the head. In contrast, an ABI is caused by internal occurrences that are not related to birth trauma or hereditary, congenital, or degenerative causes.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are caused by an external injury to a person’s head. Some TBIs may be minor and resolve over time, while others may result in long-term effects.
Types of TBIs include:
- Concussions. Concussions are usually minor injuries that may be caused by a sudden impact or jarring to the head. They can lead to confusion, difficulty concentrating, migraines, and memory loss.
- Hematomas. A hematoma in the brain happens when a blood vessel ruptures, causing blood to collect in an empty space or in brain tissue.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI). A DAI occurs when the brain is violently shifted in the skull, causing the connecting fibers (axons) to be torn. This type of injury may result in severe outcomes, including permanent brain damage.
- Contusions. A brain contusion is bruising of the brain tissue, often due to an impact from a sports injury, slip-and-fall accident, or motor vehicle accident.
- Skull Fractures. A skull fracture is a break in the skull that may lead to brain damage and fluid leaking from the ears and eyes.
- Penetrating Brain Injuries. These occur when an object penetrates through the skull and contacts the brain. Causes may include gunshots, motor vehicle accidents, sporting accidents, and slip and fall injuries.
- Second Impact Syndrome (SIS). SIS happens when the brain suffers a second concussion before the first one has healed. This can lead to rapid brain swelling and may be life-threatening.
- Coup Contrecoup. An injury to one side of the brain is the coup, and when the brain is injured on the opposite side of impact, that is the contrecoup.
- Locked-in Syndrome. This disorder results in paralysis of voluntary muscles while the injured person remains conscious.
Types of Acquired Brain Injuries
An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) results from an internal occurrence.
The Two Types of ABI are:
- Hypoxic Brain Injury. This injury occurs when the brain receives too little oxygen for normal function.
- Anoxic Brain Injury. This type of injury happens when the brain does not receive oxygen or when oxygen supply is blocked.
Examples of ABIs include stroke and certain birth-related injuries that deprive the brain of oxygen.
Brain Injury Statistics
Brain injuries are relatively common in the United States. According to the International Brain Injury Association, each year:
- One million Americans are treated at hospital emergency departments for TBIs.
- 230,000 Americans are hospitalized with a TBI and survive.
- 50,000 Americans die from TBIs.
- 80,000 Americans are discharged from the hospital with a TBI-related disability.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, males are more likely to be hospitalized for a TBI than females. Additionally, people 75 years of age and older have higher rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Consequences of Brain Injuries
Since the brain controls many parts of the body, the consequences of a brain injury can vary. Outcomes generally depend on which part of the brain is injured and how severe the damage is.
Some consequences of brain injury include:
- Coma
- Wrongful death
- Paralysis in part of the body
- Speech loss
- Muscle weakness
- Short or long-term memory loss
- Vision loss
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Personality changes
- Cognitive disabilities
At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand that brain injuries can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury, you may consider consulting a San Jose brain injury lawyer to determine your options for seeking compensation.
Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can have many symptoms depending on the type and extent of the damage. Some symptoms are not immediately apparent, so obtaining a medical evaluation after an accident is important.
Some common brain injury symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Disorientation or confusion
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Tingling in our hands, feet, arms, or legs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
- Mood, emotional, or sleep pattern changes
You should seek medical attention for any of these symptoms or other behavioral changes after an accident. You may also consider consulting a San Jose brain injury attorney to understand your rights.
Contact a San Jose Brain Injury Attorney Today
Brain injuries can have serious effects. If your brain injury was caused, even partially, by another party’s fault, you may have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
A brain injury case can involve complex legal and medical issues. You may consider consulting a San Jose brain injury attorney to understand your options.
The San Jose brain injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have experience handling personal injury claims and can assist in evaluating your case.
Call us today at (408) 341-6883 or complete the form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We are available to answer your questions and explain your legal options.