Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Lake Charles Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

Traumatic brain injury, also called TBI, occurs when the brain is injured by a sudden force, or trauma. The brain can be driven into the side of the skull by a sudden blow, or by the force of shaking or “whiplash”. In either case, the brain can suffer bruising and swelling, and in some cases the impact will be sufficient to tear blood vessels in the brain, causing intracranial bleeding.

What is the loss when a person suffers a TBI?

Some traumatic brain injuries heal and cause little permanent effect. Those who suffer permanent brain damage from TBI, however, experience a wide range of disabilities, including the following:

What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?

Anyone who has sustained a blow to the head or whiplash-like injuries should see a doctor to determine if traumatic brain injury has taken place. In many cases the symptoms of TBI may be slight, but without treatment the injury can become worse. Symptoms may be delayed for many hours, until swelling in the brain reaches a point that affects the victim. In other cases the symptoms are obvious—coma, blackout, pain, vision problems, or loss of balance.

Penetrating injuries and closed head injuries

If the trauma results in a skull fracture, the trauma is considered a penetrating head injury. More difficult to diagnose are closed head injuries, in which brain is injured in a concussion, but the skull remains undamaged. This can occur from a blow or impact, as in the accidents above or an assault, or from whiplash or shaking, including “shaken baby syndrome”. In any case of closed head TBI it is necessary to study the symptoms that follow the accident in order to diagnose the condition.

Causes of traumatic brain injury

Our firm has represented clients who have suffered TBI in a wide variety of accidents, including the following:

• 18-wheeler accidents
• Car accidents
• Maritime accidents
• Aircraft accidents
• Birth injuries

TBI can have a profound effect on quality of life, including inability to work, inability to interact socially and within the family, loss of normal body skills. Serious brain damage may mean the patient must spend a life dependent on nursing care. If a member of your family has suffered a brain injury it is important to see that you recover maximum compensation in order to provide the necessary care. Our firm serves clients throughout Southwest Louisiana from our Calcasieu Parish offices. If you would like to discuss a personal injury claim with one of our lawyers, please call 337-439-2450 (Toll Free: 866-281-4774) or e-mail our office to arrange a free and confidential consultation. We will respond quickly to your inquiry.