What Causes Brain Injuries and Who Can Be Held Liable?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 1.4 million American suffer a brain injury each year. Brain injuries occur when physical trauma to the head disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. Some common causes of brain injuries include car accidents, slip and fall accidents and assaults. A person does not have to be involved in a major accident to suffer a brain injury, and some brain injuries can be difficult to detect and are often misdiagnosed.
Common Types of Brain Injuries
A concussion is a common type of brain injury and involves the violent shaking of the brain due to a blow or jolt to the head. While concussions are common in contact sports such as football, concussions also may occur as a result of head trauma sustained in car accidents, or in a slip and fall. Concussions can result in permanent brain damage so it is imperative you receive medical attention as soon as possible.
Acquired brain injuries refer to a type of brain damage that is not caused by external physical trauma. Acquired brain injuries are caused when brain cells are deprived of oxygen, such as in a near-drowning incident or exposure to toxic chemicals.
A closed head injury, such as whiplash, is not obvious, but can cause substantial damage. With a closed head injury, there can be little to no noticeable damage to the head.
Common Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Symptoms of brain injuries can present themselves differently in adults and children. Either way, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you or someone you love has experienced a brain injury.
Symptoms in Adults
- Persistent headache
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Listlessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Changes in mood, behavior or cognitive function
Symptoms in Children
- Listlessness
- Tiredness
- Loss in interest in toys or activities
- Loss of new skills
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Unsteady walking/trouble balancing
- Changes in eating patterns, sleep, play, school performance
Loss of consciousness is a common symptom of a brain injury, but is not an absolute indicator. Even severe brain injuries can occur without loss of consciousness. Additionally, symptoms can appear over time. This means that brain injuries are commonly misdiagnosed. It is important to persistently seek medical attention if you have experienced a blow to the head.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Brain Injury?
There are myriad causes for a brain injury, including but not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Train accidents
- Airline accidents
- Bus accidents
- Taxi accidents
- Slip and fall
- Defective products (particularly ones that are ingested or contain hazardous chemicals)
- Medical malpractice
A business or property owner, common carrier, medical health professional, manufacturer or any party associated with an accident that resulted in a brain injury may be held liable for damages if negligence can be proven. Compensation may be available to you for your medical expenses, lost wages, etc. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury in Boynton Beach, contact the personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Wolf & Pravato. Call us at 1-954-633-8270 or fill out our online contact form.
