Brain and Head Injury
Baton Rouge, Louisiana Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
Traumatic Brain Injury Accident Lawyer, Lawsuits & Settlements in Louisiana
If traumatic brain injury results from an accident you may need the assistance of a Louisiana traumatic brain injury attorney. Official estimates are that at least 5.3 million Americans have a long-term need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a traumatic brain injury or head injury (TBI).
Head injuries and resulting brain damage can cause a wide range of functional changes affecting thinking, sensation, language and emotions.
The human brain is an extremely complex and delicate organ. Brain injury can be caused by major or minor trauma. Such an injury is commonly called traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury can be caused by a fall, a motor vehicle accident or any blow to the head, and may or may not result in a closed head injury. The effects of brain injury can be devastating and life-altering. Head injuries and brain damage resulting from traumatic brain injury can trigger a number of functional changes which often drastically affect a person's thinking, emotions, sensation, language and memory. It can also increase one's risk for other brain disorders that become more common as one ages.
Traumatic brain injury, brain damage and other injuries to the head are commonly known to result from direct trauma to the skull. However, brain injury or brain damage can also result from the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain, which can cause shearing or tearing of nerve fibers, contusion or bruising if the brain contacts the skull, or edema or swelling.
The Complications Arising from Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injuries are a cause for great concern since they affect such a critical organ of the human body. Even the slightest trauma to the brain can leave a long-term impact on the normal functioning of an individual. High impact accidents, especially those involving automobiles, contact sports and slip and fall accidents can lead to brain injuries of varying degrees. It is estimated that about two million people in the United States suffer some type of brain trauma each year. Those most susceptible to traumatic brain injury are those of age 24 or younger. If an accident has caused you or a loved one to suffer a brain injury, then an experienced personal injury lawyer can help.
Types of Brain Injury
Brain injuries can range from the mild to the moderate to the severe. Those categorized as mild include concussion which can cause momentary loss of consciousness and temporary confusion or disorientation. These are often not recognized as a brain injury by the layman, and their effects may manifest without being noticed for a long time after the accident. A closed-head injury resulting in concussion can also cause more severe and permanent injury to the brain than initially noticed. This is often un-noticed initially because the symptoms can be subtle.
Symptoms
Most brain functions are affected in the event of brain injury or brain trauma. Mental fatigue, sleep disorders, memory lapses, inability to think clearly, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and headaches are all symptoms of a brain injury. Neuropsychological testing can help evaluate the extent of any brain dysfunction from a head injury and help determine the right diagnosis.
Symptoms of brain injuries in children who have been hurt in some way can include a change in eating habits, persistent crying, irritability, depression and a loss of interest in activities.
Treatment of Brain Injuries
Mild brain injuries may be cured with just rest and some pain medications. But doctors will often require monitoring and follow-up visits to make sure no more subtle symptoms indicate more serious damage. More serious brain injuries may need immediate, emergency care, and if there is any inflammation or swelling, it will need to be controlled before proceeding with the treatment. In the event of blood clots, skull fractures, or accumulation of fluid, surgery becomes inevitable.
The rehabilitation process can sometimes be long in duration. Some brain injury victims have to be taught basic skills such as walking, speaking and eating even. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and nurses may all have to be engaged to complete the rehabilitation process to maximize the victim’s recovery.
Costs Involved
Treatment of brain injuries and the recovery process can be very complicated and expensive. Medical costs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. If the injured person needs assistance or care for the rest of his or her life, then the expenses will obviously be even higher. Even mild brain injuries may require hospitalization for a couple of days to ascertain that there are no other problems.
Call a Qualified and Experienced Professional
Experienced and hardworking attorney Price McNamara handles brain injury cases across New Orleans, Kenner, Lafayette, Mandeville, Lafourche, Terrebone, Jefferson, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, and St. John Parishes. If you think that you have a basis for a personal injury claim, or have been hurt or injured due to someone’s negligence or fault, call Louisiana personal injury attorney Price McNamara at his Baton Rouge office (225-201-8311) or his Metairie office (504-458-8455) to have your queries answered or to schedule a free consultation. His extensive trial experience of over 20 years, proven track record and limited caseload philosophy ensure that you will obtain excellent personal attention and a patient hearing on a consistent basis.
At the Law Offices of J. Price McNamara, we understand the family devastation and damages caused by traumatic brain injuries. We are experienced in helping accident victims recover what they are entitled to receive by law.
Mr. McNamara holds the highest possible peer review rating of "AV" ("Very High to Pre-Eminent") for professional excellence and ethical standards.
WITH OFFICES IN BATON ROUGE (HEADQUARTERS) AND METAIRIE, MR. MCNAMARA ACCEPTS SELECT LOUISIANA CASES STATEWIDE.
If you or a family member or friend has suffered a traumatic brain injury, we can help.
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