Brain Injury

Head or brain injuries can occur due to a wide range of accidents. Slip and fall accidents are reported to be the most common cause of brain injuries. However, traumatic brain injuries can result from many incidents, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Bicycling accidents
• Assault
• Violent shaking, such as shaken baby syndrome
• A strike to the head by any object

Acquired brain injuries can also be caused by incidents such as:

• Near drowning
• Stroke
• Neurotoxins
• Asphyxia
• Electric shock
• Lightning strikes

Symptoms of Brain Injury

Any brain injury or suspected brain injury should be taken very seriously. Depending on the extent of damage to the brain, symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Even if the person remained conscious after the event or lost consciousness for only a few seconds or minutes, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know has been involved in an incident like those above and is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Excessive drowsiness
• Severe or persistent headache
• Ringing in the ears
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Drastic behavioral or mood changes
• Confusion or trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred or loss of vision or tired eyes
• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions or seizures
• Inability to awaken from sleep

These symptoms or signs of brain injury may be present alone or in combination with one another. If you suspect a brain injury, consult a doctor right away.

The Impact of Brain Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Injury Center, reported brain injuries annually cause an average of 52,685 deaths, over 300,000 hospitalizations, and about 1,800,000 minor emergency visits and releases.

A brain injury can be debilitating, not only to the injured person, but often also dramatically affect the lives of family members and friends. Rehabilitation and recovery can be expensive and exhausting.

If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury caused by an incident that may have been someone else’s fault, you should consult an attorney right away to:

• Assess your specific situation
• Protect your rights
• Evaluate the possibility of a personal injury claim
• Help you recover any damages to which you may be entitled

The person or persons responsible for causing the injury can be held accountable not only for necessary medical expenses, but also for the resulting pain, suffering, and inconvenience.

Recovery Tips for Brain Injuries

Recovery tips from the Brain Injury Association of America include:

• Get lots of rest. Don’t rush back to daily activities such as work or school.
• Avoid another blow or jolt to the head.
• Ask your doctor when it is safe to drive, ride a bike, or use heavy equipment, because your ability to react may be slower after a brain injury.
• Take only the medications your doctor has approved.
• Don’t drink alcohol until your doctor says it is OK.
• Write things down if you have a hard time remembering.
• Get help re-learning lost skills. There are programs, supports, and services available to people with brain injuries and their families.

How Raheen Law Group Can Help

At Raheen Law Group, we will assess your case individually and work hard to protect your rights and provide you with the best help for the best legal outcome possible.