Traumatic brain injury attorney in Allentown

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in personal injury cases and can increase the seriousness and potential size of claims needed for compensation. 

A 2018 report from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) found that TBI claims accounted for a significant portion of bodily injury claims in auto insurance claims. The report found that TBI claims made up 15% of all bodily injury claims and were one of the most expensive type of injury claim in that context.

Most TBI’s that we see are as a result of car or motorcycle accidents. These injuries can be devastating and can have a significant impact on a person's physical, emotional, and financial well-being. In many cases, TBI can be caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another driver, such as in cases involving distracted driving, drunk driving, or other forms of reckless or careless behavior. 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex and often life-altering injury that can result in a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. One of the most common effects of TBI is personality changes, which can be particularly difficult for both the TBI victim and their loved ones to deal with.

The frontal lobes of the brain are particularly susceptible to injury in TBI, and these areas of the brain are responsible for a number of functions related to personality, emotion, and behavior. When the frontal lobes are damaged, it can result in changes to a person's personality, mood, and behavior, including increased irritability, impulsivity, and difficulty regulating emotions.

In addition to the direct effects of brain damage, TBI can also lead to changes in brain chemistry and function that can contribute to personality changes. For example, TBI can result in an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which can exacerbate mood disorders and increase irritability and anxiety.

Personality changes following TBI can be particularly difficult to cope with, both for the TBI victim and their loved ones. It's important to understand that these changes are a direct result of brain injury and are not within the person's control. It's also important to seek appropriate medical and psychological treatment to address these symptoms and help the TBI victim and their loved ones cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the injury.

As personal injury attorneys, we understand the complex nature of TBI and the profound impact it can have on a person's life. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI as a result of someone else's negligence, we are here to help. Our experienced attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from your injury. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Most Common Causes of TBI Involved in Personal Injury Cases

Falls: Falls are the leading cause of TBI, accounting for approximately 47% of all TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. In 2014, falls resulted in over 800,000 hospitalizations and over 27,000 deaths in the United States.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of TBI, accounting for approximately 14% of all TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. In 2014, motor vehicle accidents resulted in over 288,000 hospitalizations and over 18,000 deaths in the United States.

Struck by or against an object: Struck by or against an object is the third leading cause of TBI, accounting for approximately 15% of all TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. In 2014, this type of accident resulted in over 55,000 hospitalizations and over 2,500 deaths in the United States.

Assaults: Assaults are the fourth leading cause of TBI, accounting for approximately 10% of all TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. In 2014, assaults resulted in over 51,000 hospitalizations and over 7,000 deaths in the United States.

Forms of TBI Seen in Personal Injury Cases

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in a range of anatomical and functional changes in the brain. Some of the technical medical terms involved in TBIs and how they relate are:

Coup-Contrecoup Injury: This type of TBI occurs when the head is hit with such force that the brain moves inside the skull and is injured on both sides. The injury occurs at the site of impact and the opposite side of the brain.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): This occurs when the brain is rapidly accelerated or decelerated, causing the tearing of axons, which are the long extensions that carry signals between neurons. This injury can result in significant neurological deficits.

Hemorrhage: A hemorrhage is bleeding that occurs in the brain, either within the brain tissue itself or in the spaces between the brain and skull. Hemorrhages can lead to increased intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral perfusion.

Edema: Edema refers to the swelling of the brain tissue that can occur after a TBI. This can result in further damage to the brain due to increased pressure on the brain tissue and decreased blood flow.

Subdural Hematoma: This occurs when there is bleeding between the brain and the dura mater, the outermost membrane that covers the brain. The bleeding can create pressure on the brain, causing neurological deficits.

Epidural Hematoma: This occurs when there is bleeding between the skull and the dura mater. This type of bleeding can cause a rapid increase in intracranial pressure, leading to unconsciousness or death.

Concussion: A concussion is a mild TBI that results from a direct blow to the head or a forceful shaking of the head. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): PCS refers to a collection of symptoms that can occur after a concussion. These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, and depression.

Coma: A coma is a state of unconsciousness in which a person cannot be awakened and does not respond to stimuli. It can result from severe TBIs and can be life-threatening.

Vegetative State: A vegetative state is a condition in which a person is awake but is not aware of their surroundings and does not respond to stimuli. It can occur after a severe TBI.

Understanding the specifics of your TBI case including in depth diagnosis and prognosis for recovery are critical parts of how we pursue your claim and / or lawsuit. 

We work closely with doctors and medical professionals to establish the right foundations for your case as well as to help you get compensation and medical bills covered. 

Talk to KaplunMarx about your TBI case at no cost and get the right answers about your options.