Traumatic Brain Injury
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from mild (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function. Over 5.3 million Americans are currently living with disability from a traumatic brain injury.
Chappell, Smith & Arden handles injuries associated with all types of traumatic brain injuries
Your legal recourse will vary based on the type and circumstances of the injury you or your loved one sustained. We are capable of handling all types of traumatic brain injury cases, including the following:
- Concussion (the most common type): A concussion is a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of brain function and sometimes marked by permanent damage. Often, but not always, there will be a temporary loss of consciousness.
- Diffuse axonal injury: A diffuse axonal injury is usually caused by shaking or by rotational forces, such as with a car accident. There is significant tearing of nerve tissue throughout the brain.
- Contusion: A bruise and/or bleeding in the brain caused by direct impact to the head.
- Coup-contracoup syndrome: The force of the blow to the head is powerful enough to cause injury at the site of impact and on the direct opposite side of the brain where the brain impacts the other side of the skull.
- Second impact syndrome: A second brain injury occurs before the first one has healed. This can lead to significantly more swelling and widespread damage.
- Penetration injury: The impact of a bullet, knife, or other sharp object that forces hair, skin, bone, and/or fragments from the object into the brain.
- Shaken baby syndrome: Shaken baby syndrome occurs when the perpetrator aggressively shakes a baby or young child. The forceful whiplash-like motion causes the brain to be injured.
- Locked in syndrome: A rare neurological condition in which a person cannot physically move any part of the body except the eyes. The person is conscious and able to think.
Traumatic brain injuries may create a range of disabilities, including the following:
- Motor disabilities—the inability to effectively move a part of parts of one's body
- Cognitive disabilities—the inability to remember, think or comprehend as well as before the injury
- Emotional disabilities—anxiety disorders, depression, etc.
Serious and lifelong disabilities may result from brain injuries that greatly impact the lives of victims and their families
The dedicated attorneys of Chappell, Smith & Arden will consult with qualified health care professionals, neurologists, health care planners, and economic impact specialists to build and strengthen each case. Through consultation and careful study and planning, we will determine the financial impact of our client's brain injury and fight diligently for the compensation that justice requires.
The financial impact of a brain injury considers loss in quality of life, in-home care costs, lost income, future medical expenses, and special education costs. While an individual is never fully compensated for a traumatic brain injury, financial compensation helps ease the burden and brings legal justice to victims and their families. At trial, we show the juries the full impact of our client's brain injury by comparing and contrasting everyday life prior to and following the brain injury. We stress the everyday challenges our clients face as the result of another's negligent act.
If you or your loved one is suffering from a brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation
The victim of a brain injury may be entitled to damages, including the following:
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The negligent parties have attorneys working hard on their side—you should, too
Chappell, Smith & Arden is made up of trial attorneys who will not shy away from taking cases all the way to trial. Often cases will not settle for a reasonable amount without a significant amount of development and preparation. Our attorneys develop and prepare all of our cases for trial and pride ourselves on vigorously defending our clients' rights rather than taking a quick settlement.
