Any sudden impact to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury. In many cases, these injuries can lead to permanent disability or even death. If you are suffering from the effects of a traumatic brain injury, the stress of making ends meet can be significant. The medical costs associated with a traumatic brain injury can be substantial, especially when they require treatment for the rest of your life.
If another person caused your brain injury, you might have the option of seeking compensation from them through a claim settled out of court or, if necessary, through litigation. A seasoned catastrophic injury attorney will be able to review your case and determine if you have a viable injury claim. Your pursuit of the compensation you deserve starts with a call to an Altoona traumatic brain injury lawyer.
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, so it should come as no surprise that brain injuries can come in many different forms. In fact, a medical professional cannot diagnose a brain injury based on the force of the head trauma alone. Seemingly minor impacts can lead to life-altering injuries.
A seasoned Altoona brain injury attorney will have the experience necessary to understand these injuries and thoroughly prepare a case for litigation. Brain injuries generally fall into one of five categories:
While some refer to concussions as mild traumatic brain injuries, they can still result in life-long medical complications. A concussion stems from a sudden blow to the brain. If the strike or movement is severe enough, it can cause the brain to jolt within the skull. Concussions can result even if the head does not strike any objects.
A brain contusion is another name for a brain bruise. However, this injury is much more severe than a skin bruise. Contusions occur when an impact causes bleeding in the brain. These injuries can result in wrongful death, especially when not treated promptly.
Coup-Contrecoup brain injuries stem from a significant impact on the head. In these cases, the impact to the head causes the brain to accelerate into the skull opposite the point of impact. The result is two injuries on opposite sides of the brain.
A diffuse axonal injury, or DAI, is similar in many ways to a concussion. A DAI involves a violent movement of the brain so severe that the connective tissue of the brain tears.
The vast majority of traumatic brain injuries result from a blunt impact or force to the head. However, some brain injuries occur from a foreign object penetrating the skull and the brain. The most common penetrating brain injuries result from gunshot wounds.
State law sets a deadline for the filing of any lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is designed to prevent delay between an injury and the accompanying lawsuit. The court is empowered to dismiss any case filed after the deadline expires.
In a traumatic brain injury lawsuit, the statute of limitations generally expires two years from the date of the injury. A qualified traumatic brain injury lawyer in Altoona could help guide a plaintiff when it comes to complying with the statute of limitations.
The road to recovery following a traumatic brain injury can be lengthy and challenging. Handling a potential injury claim on your own is difficult in the best of times; taking responsibility for your case while recovering from a brain injury could be too much for most potential plaintiffs—a personal injury lawyer can help.
The good news is that you do not have to face this challenge alone. Contact us to speak with an Altoona traumatic brain injury lawyer at Marcus & Mack to schedule an initial consultation today
