Brain Injuries in Legal Cases

Suffering a brain injury is often a life-changing experience. Our brains manage memory, emotions, speech, movement, and our senses. The brain is responsible for our entire personality, the way we live, and the way we go about living. When you suffer a brain injury, all of these are impacted, although the actual severity of your injury may not be readily apparent to you or others. It’s important to be aware of the types of brain injuries that can occur, the long-term impacts associated with such injuries, and your legal rights when it comes to dealing with the aftermath of a brain injury.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), traumatic brain injury is caused by sudden damage or trauma to the brain that causes a disruption in brain function. There are a number of different types of traumatic brain injuries:

• Concussion – The most common type of injury, this term is often used to describe any mild head injury or trauma, such as common in even minor car accidents.
• Skull fractures – This occurs when the bones in the skull crack or actually break as the result of a blow or blunt force.
• Contusion – Contusions are caused by bleeding or bruising in the brain, again the result of blunt force to the head.
• Hematoma – A hematoma involves heavy bleeding in and around the brain, and often results from the head being violently whipped or shaken, such as from car accidents in which a high rate of speed was involved.
• Penetration injuries – These injuries occur when an object forcefully enters the head and punctures the brain, such as from an explosion or blast.
• Anoxia – Anoxia is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, often caused by medical mishaps, accidents involving near drowning or excessive loss of blood.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

The Brain Institute at Oregon Health and Science University says that symptoms from these injuries can range from mild to severe, and while some symptoms may be experienced immediately, others develop over time.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injury may include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, as well as more severe symptoms such as convulsions or loss of consciousness. Even a relatively mild brain result can result in changes in mood and trouble with concentration and memory. The after-effects of a traumatic injury may include physical problems, such as vision or speech issues, or problems with motor skills, as well as psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and difficulty reasoning.

Call Our Portland Brain Injury Attorney

If you’re suffering the effects of a brain injury as a result of an accident or someone’s negligence, contact a Portland brain injury attorney at our firm. The consequences suffered as a result of a traumatic injury can be severe and ongoing, and it’s important to know your rights pertaining to damages and compensation for medical care and ongoing treatment. At Johnston Law Firm, P.C., our experienced attorneys will stand by your side every step of the way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.