Over 40 Years
Representing Injured Workers in PHILADELPHIA, PA
Representing Injured Workers in Philadelphia, PA
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lawyers in Philadelphia
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious and potentially life-threatening type of head injury. A TBI can happen when the head is hit hard or jolted, causing the brain to bounce around inside the skull or twist inside the head. Such head injuries can have devastating consequences. A traumatic brain injury or, for that matter, any serious brain injury, can cause brain cells to die, damage the blood vessels and nerves inside the human brain, and cause chemical changes in the brain, which can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Brain damage
- Brain cells die
- Loss of brain function
- Emotional difficulties
- Emotional distress
- Loss in quality of life
- Memory loss
- Medical costs
- Financial consequences
Brain injury victims may see such problems as:
- Cognitive problems, such as trouble with thinking, memory loss, and concentration
- Physical problems, such as weakness, paralysis, loss of sensation, and seizures
- Emotional and behavioral problems, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings
- Communication problems, such as trouble with speaking, writing or understanding others
If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury, serious brain injury, mild brain injury, closed head injury, or suffered brain damage as the result of someone else’s negligence, then you have a personal injury claim and it is critical that you seek legal help from an experienced Philadelphia brain injury attorney. The Philadelphia brain injury lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates have over 40 years of experience representing people who have been injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others. We will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. A TBI can range from mild (also called a concussion) to severe. The severity of a TBI may be related to the extent of damage to the brain and how long it takes for the individual to recover.
Mild Brain Injuries:
A mild TBI, also called a mild concussion, is a head injury that can cause a temporary disruption in the normal functioning of the brain. Most people who experience a mild TBI will fully recover within a few days or weeks. However, some people may experience symptoms for months or even longer. Such a brain injury may require medical treatment or medical care and have some short-term impact on the brain’s ability to function at its optimal level. Only medical professionals can evaluate the common symptoms and determine the nature of the medical treatment.
Moderate to Severe Brain Injuries:
Moderate and severe brain injuries can cause long-term problems. People who experience a moderate to severe brain injury may have trouble with thinking, emotions, and/or physical functioning. An injured person with this type of head trauma will not only need to seek medical attention but may also require long-term care and assistance. This level of injury can have a great impact on a person’s life and his or her quality of life.
Symptoms of a Severe Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries present themselves differently depending on the person, the nature of the injury, its cause (automobile accident, fall accident, workplace accidents), and of course the severity. The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be mild, moderate, or severe, and may include:
- Loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes
- Memory loss
- Confusion and disorientation
- Dilated pupils
- Numbness in the extremities
- Loss of coordination
- Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
- Mood swings and personality changes
- Agitation and aggressiveness
- Inability to speak clearly or understand others
- Severe headaches
- Convulsions or seizures
- Coma
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen?
There are many ways that a severe brain injury can happen. The most common causes of TBI are:
- Falls – Falls are the leading cause of TBI in people aged 65 and older, and the second leading cause of TBI in children aged 0 to 14.
- Motor vehicle accidents – Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of TBI in people aged 16 to 24.
- Blunt force trauma – Being hit by a falling object or being involved in a violent attack can also cause a TBI.
- Sports injuries – A small percentage of traumatic brain injuries happen during sports activities. Most of these injuries are mild concussions.
How Common Are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries are tragically all too common. Any age person can suffer a severe brain injury in a fall accident, car accident, sports activity, or in any number of ways that the head and brain can suffer harm. The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania reports the following statistics:
- 529,200 Pennsylvanians are living with acquired brain injuries
- 98,000 new traumatic brain injuries each year
- 86,240 Emergency Room visits for brain injury per year
- 18,788 hospitalizations from brain injury (TBI)
- 2,078 die from a brain injury each year
The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides even more data on just how widespread head injuries are. The Department’s 2020 report reveals, in addition to the above, that over 17,000 PA children (19 or under) have sports-related brain injuries.
How Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Diagnosed?
If you think you or someone else may have experienced a traumatic brain injury, it is important to see a doctor or go to the emergency room right away to obtain proper medical treatment. A brain injury can be difficult to diagnose because there may not be any obvious signs of severe brain damage. A CT scan or MRI can often show whether there has been any damage to the brain.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The treatment options for a brain injury will depend on the severity of the injury. Some people who experience a mild TBI will only need time to rest and recover. Others may need more intensive treatment, including:
- Medication – To help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent seizures.
- Surgery – In some brain injury cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure on the brain.
- Physical therapy – Physical therapy can help people regain strength and improve coordination and balance.
- Occupational therapy – Occupational therapy can help people learn new skills and find ways to perform everyday tasks.
- Speech therapy – Speech therapy can help people who have difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- Counseling – Counseling can help people deal with the emotional and psychological effects of a traumatic brain injury.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If you think you or someone else may have experienced a brain injury, it is important to see a doctor or go to the emergency room right away. A brain injury can be difficult to diagnose because there may not be any obvious signs of damage. A CT scan or MRI can often show whether there has been any damage to the brain.
After receiving medical treatment for brain trauma, an injured person must seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer and if possible an experienced brain injury attorney such as the ones at Larry Pitt & Associates. Personal injury cases which involve severe brain damage are ones that demand the highest level of experience.
Proving a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim
In order to recover compensation in a traumatic brain injury case, you will need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your brain injury. This will typically require the testimony of a medical expert who can testify about the nature and extent of your brain injuries.
You will also need to prove that your traumatic brain injuries have caused you economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The experienced Philadelphia brain injury attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your claim and obtain the compensation you deserve.
When To Hire an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered brain damage, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A traumatic brain injury can be a very serious injury with long-term consequences. In addition, an injured person cannot rely on an insurance company for advice. The insurance company is not the victim’s friend. It’s essential that the insurance company deals directly with your brain injury lawyer and their law firm.
The experienced brain injury attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your brain injury case. We have successfully represented many Philadelphia brain injury victims, and we can put our experience to work for you.
Contact Our Philadelphia Brain Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another, and believe you have a brain injury case, contact Larry Pitt & Associates today. We offer a free consultation to review your traumatic brain injury case and help you understand your legal options for a brain injury lawsuit. Call us now at 888-PITT-LAW to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
