Most head injuries are mild and do not cause permanent or long-term disabilities. However, regardless of the assigned severity level (mild, moderate or severe), any traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause long-lasting medical issues and health problems that are not always obvious at the time of the accident. In fact, a broad range of secondary injuries, such as altered brain blood flow and intracranial pressure, can substantially increase the severity of any initial head injury. These can include a host of negative physical, emotional, social and cognitive outcomes. So, the long term effects of any TBI can range from full recovery to permanent disability or death.
Traumatic brain injury occurs when a victim’s brain is damaged by an external force or blow to the head. Most often, the brain slams into the skull from a rapid acceleration/deceleration or blast waves from an explosion. The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says that TBI is any trauma-related disruption of brain function as manifested by at least one of the below:
- loss of consciousness
- loss of memory
- altered mental state
- focal neurological deficits
With both open and closed head injuries damage can also be caused by the impact of a flying object, or by a projectile penetrating the victim’s skull. Generally speaking, TBI does not include acquired brain injuries caused by congenital defects, degenerative disease, stroke or exposure to toxic substances. But, any type of accidental head injury can lead to temporary or permanent disabilities with partial or total loss of function or psychosocial maladjustment.
It is unfortunate but true that when an accident occurs, a victim’s visible physical injuries invariably get the most attention. Friends, family, coworkers, teachers and employers may not understand or sympathize with an injury they cannot see. And, although the broken bones and lacerations will heal soon, the unseen injury of a bruised brain may never fully recover. This can be extremely frustrating for the victim and can have a devastating impact on his or her future income, quality of life, personality, memory, personal relationships, temperament and ability to interact with others.
Vehicular accidents, slip and falls, industrial accidents, chemical exposure, defective products, dangerous drugs, boat accidents, aircraft crashes, animal attacks, premises liability issues and near drowning are common causes of head and brain injuries. If you or a loved one received a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence or unreasonable actions, there may be multiple areas of liability for your damages.
Contact an experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer at 407-999-8995 (Orlando) or 407-847-7277 (Kissimmee). Todd E. Copeland & Associates serves clients throughout the state with a risk-free consultation.
