Catastrophic Brain Injuries: Causes, Effects, and Resolutions

A catastrophic brain injury occurs when a person experiences severe harm that causes permanent and life-altering cognitive impairments, such as diminished motor function, loss of sensory capabilities, and behavioral changes.

There is no strict legal definition as to what a catastrophic injury is, but an attorney can help categorize your injury to determine the appropriate recourse and compensation. The causes and effects of a catastrophic brain injury—such as paralysis from a car accident caused by a drunk driver or cognitive impairment due to a surgical error—will influence the best course of action. Each case requires knowledge in specific legal practice areas to ensure compliance with procedural requirements and best practices. When a TBI is fatal, a wrongful death lawsuit may be the only solution for surviving family members.

Traumatic brain injuries are more often than not the result of someone else’s negligence. The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries are falls and vehicle-related accidents, but workplace injuries, medical mistakes, and pedestrian accidents can also cause catastrophic head traumas.

A brain injury is usually classified by what caused the damage, such as:

• Penetrating TBI: When an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue
• Non-penetrating TBI: When an external force impacts the skull enough to cause the brain to move
• Medical-related TBI: When medical conditions are not managed correctly, causing oxygen deprivation or other internal factors

An individual’s accident or trauma could involve a combination of injuries, depending on the circumstances of the situation. For example, a catastrophic brain injury from a car accident could occur during the impact (non-penetrating TBI), and another could be caused by glass or debris penetrating the skull.

Healing from a traumatic brain injury isn’t always possible, and some patients experience lifelong complications and reduced function as a result. Some people might treat the symptoms of TBI with corrective surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation treatments, but all of these solutions can take a financial and emotional toll. Even mild TBIs can physically, emotionally, and financially change someone’s life.

Here are just a few of the effects of traumatic brain injuries:

• Physical effects: Diminished motor skills, weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, and sensory issues
• Cognitive impacts: Difficulty concentrating and communicating; changes in perception and visual processing
• Emotional and behavioral changes: Increased irritability, depression, or anxiety; personality changes and impulsivity

Many negligent acts can cause a catastrophic brain injury. Because the effects are nearly always life-changing, you should seek legal counsel as soon as a physician confirms you’ve suffered a catastrophic brain injury from a car accident, slip-and-fall on someone’s property, medical error, or another incident. Each scenario might require a different legal approach, and having a lawyer’s assistance from the start can be invaluable to building a solid claim.

Litigation resulting from a traumatic brain injury requires a catastrophic injury attorney with extensive knowledge and understanding. Because each injury is unique and potential effects are often delayed, it can be difficult to determine the extent, proper treatment, and long-term prognosis of a traumatic brain injury without help. All of these elements must be factored into your damages claim to receive adequate compensation.

At Miller Law Group, we have years of experience representing people throughout the state of North Carolina who have suffered catastrophic brain injuries due to car accidents, bike collisions, and other crashes. We utilize many tools and exhibits during mediation and trials to show exactly what has occurred inside the brain because of the injury.

You aren’t in this alone. Let the attorneys at Miller Law Group help. Contact our team today for a free evaluation of your TBI and take the first step toward receiving the compensation you need to heal.