Some brain injuries are mild. However, certain traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to a lifetime of rehabilitation, injury, and pain. Generally, the most common brain injuries include concussions, contusions (i.e., bruises), penetrating brain injuries, and diffuse axonal brain injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic head injury, we recommend consulting with a traumatic brain injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Schrier Law Group, our brain injury attorneys are skilled, experienced, and often regarded among the best in Florida.
Contact us at 1-800-700-7285 to discuss the details of your case with a proven traumatic brain injury lawyer today. Continue reading to learn:
- The four types of brain injuries
- How brain injuries occur
- What is a brain injury worth?
- When to contact a traumatic brain injury lawyer
How Brain Injuries Occur
Brain injuries occur in one of two ways: closed brain injuries and penetrating brain injuries. Generally, a closed brain injury happens when the skull is injured but not punctured or otherwise broken.
They typically occur when the brain violently shakes inside the skull resulting in brain tissue and vein tearing and/or bruising. A closed brain injury is most likely to occur due to:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Sporting injuries (particularly organized football)
- Shaken baby syndrome
- Fall from heights
- Injuries resulting from falling objects
- Violent interactions
On the other hand, penetrating brain injuries occur when the skull is penetrated. Penetrating brain injuries typically occur due to bullet wounds, construction accidents, and other less common types of accidents.
Types of Brain Injuries
Other than the heart, the brain is the most important organ in the human body. With that in mind, you should take any type of brain injury seriously. However, some traumatic brain injuries are more severe than others. Learn about the most common types of head injuries below.
1. Concussions
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. They can be caused by bumps, blows, or jolts that cause the brain to move rapidly back and forth or side to side. If you believe that you’ve suffered a concussion, you should take it seriously.
Although they are not usually life-threatening, they can be. After experiencing significant head trauma, it’s best to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
2. Contusions
A brain contusion (i.e., brain bruise or intracerebral hematoma) is a bruise on the brain potentially leading to brain bleeding and swelling. Brain contusions can occur simultaneously with fractures and blood clotting. Generally, contusions are considered more serious than concussions because they involve damage to the structure of the brain.
3. Penetrating Brain Injuries
Penetrating brain injuries are among the most severe TBIs. Unfortunately, penetrating brain injuries are considered a leading cause of death for young people. They include all types of traumatic brain injuries other than those resulting from blunt head trauma.
Penetrating brain injuries can occur in two ways:
- High-velocity penetration: caused by bullets, direct force, shell fragments, and more.
- Low-velocity penetration: caused by sharp objects or weapons (i.e., knives, ice picks, etc.)
4. Diffuse Axonal Brain Injuries
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is another serious TBI that can lead to devastating results if not quickly diagnosed and treated. It occurs when a brain injury causes the brain to shift rapidly. As a result, the axons are sheared. There are different levels of DAI. Concussions are typically the mildest form of diffuse axonal brain injuries.
What is a Brain Injury Worth?
Suppose you or a loved one suffers a brain injury due to the negligence of another person or party. In that case, you may be eligible to recover significant damages for your injuries. However, every brain injury personal injury case is different.
A brain injury case can result in a few thousand or a few million dollars settlement. Generally, it depends on the severity of the injuries and the damages caused. Depending on the facts of a case, a traumatic brain injury lawyer can help recover maximum damages for the following, but not limited to:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental health issues resulting from the accident
- Decreased or lost income
- Emergency medical treatment, rehabilitation, and life care costs
It can be challenging to get maximum compensation without a proven traumatic brain injury lawyer on your side. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers will advise you of your options and rights. Further, we can help you determine the merits and value of your case.
If you have recently sustained a brain injury due to negligence, contact The Schrier Law Firm today for your free initial consultation.
