National Concussion Awareness Day Shines Spotlight on Traumatic Brain Injuries

National Concussion Awareness Day serves as a critical reminder of the often-overlooked dangers of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Whether resulting from car accidents or slips, trips, and falls, TBIs can have devastating, life-long effects. Many TBIs are caused by someone else’s negligence, and when they are, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

At Weinstein Law, our dedicated Brain Trauma Specialist works closely with our legal team to ensure you receive the best medical evaluation and comprehensive care, strengthening your case and helping us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the two main types of traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can have devastating, life-altering effects, especially when caused by accidents like car crashes, slips and falls, or other personal injury incidents. These injuries are categorized into two main types: penetrating and non-penetrating TBIs, each presenting unique challenges and risks for the injured.

Penetrating (Open-Head) TBI

Penetrating TBIs occur when an external object, such as debris from a car accident or a sharp object during a fall, breaks through the skull and impacts the brain. These injuries are often severe and require immediate medical attention to control bleeding, prevent infection, and manage swelling in the brain. Penetrating TBIs can lead to long-term impairments, such as loss of motor skills, cognitive difficulties, or even permanent disability, making rehabilitation essential for recovery.

Non-Penetrating (Closed-Head) TBI

Non-penetrating TBIs, also known as closed-head injuries, are more common in personal injury accidents like car crashes, slips, and falls. These injuries happen when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull without breaking it. Car wrecks, for example, can cause whiplash, which may result in a TBI if the brain moves violently within the skull. Non-penetrating TBIs can range from mild concussions to more severe injuries that lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.

Both types of TBIs can result in various brain injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Concussions: Often caused by whiplash in a car accident or a fall, concussions result from the brain bouncing against the skull. Even mild concussions can have long-term effects if not properly treated.
• Contusions: These bruises on the brain are caused by a direct impact to the head, such as hitting the windshield during a car accident. Severe contusions may require surgery to alleviate swelling.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): This severe injury often occurs in high-speed car accidents or significant falls. The rapid movement of the brain within the skull causes extensive damage to brain cells, leading to long-term disabilities.
• Skull Fractures: While not always resulting in brain injury, skull fractures from accidents can lead to complications like bleeding or infection, which may cause brain damage.

Whether it’s a penetrating or non-penetrating TBI, these injuries require immediate medical care and ongoing rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has sustained a TBI in an accident, it's crucial to seek legal help to ensure you receive the compensation needed for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

How much is the average TBI settlement?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) settlements can vary widely based on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact on the victim’s life. While it’s tough to pin down an exact average, TBI settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Here’s what influences the settlement amount:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing medical care. Severe TBIs often require lifelong treatment, significantly increasing the settlement amount.
• Lost wages and future earnings: If your injury keeps you from returning to work or affects your ability to earn a living in the future, your settlement will factor in both current and projected lost income.
• Pain and suffering: TBIs can cause lasting physical and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain, emotional distress, and the long-term impact on your quality of life plays a big role in settlement amounts.
• Permanent disability: If the TBI results in permanent impairment, you may be entitled to a much larger settlement to cover ongoing care and lifestyle changes.

Again, every case is different, so it's in your interest to consult with a lawyer who has experience successfully handling concussion and other types of brain injury claims. A brain injury attorney can help you determine the true value of your case and ensure you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.