Head injury after an accident in Detroit? The symptoms are real, even when the scan looks normal.

According to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI), 58,500 people will sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Michigan. When these injuries occur, you may need Detroit brain injury lawyers to take your case. Brain injuries can range in severity from mild to fatal and can happen to any person of any age. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury due to the acts of someone else, call TORKLAW today to speak with our lawyers about your case.

The Different Types of Head Injuries

Just as a head injury can be found in a person of any age, it can also come in various forms. Different head injuries can be caused by multiple events, ranging from a fall to a catastrophic car accident. Understanding the head injury sustained can help you understand what future lies ahead for you or a loved one.

Concussion

A concussion is a head injury that may cause an instant loss of awareness for a few minutes up to a few hours after the cause occurs. A concussion is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to move back and forth rapidly.

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture occurs where there is a break in the skull bone. Four major types of skull fractures exist:

• Linear – the most common type of skull fracture and results in a break without movement or shifting of the bone. Most people can resume regular activity after a few days.
• Depressed – this type may be present with or without a cut to the head. A fracture of this type has a sunken spot on the skull from the trauma that was sustained. Surgical intervention may be required depending on the severity.
• Diastatic – these are fractures that occur along the areas where the skull fuses when we are children. These types of fractures are more common in newborns or younger infants.
• Basilar – this is the most severe type of fracture and involves a break in the bone at the base of the skull. These patients may experience clear fluid running from the nose or ears or present with bruising around the eyes. These fractures require close observation in a hospital setting.

Intracranial hematoma

There are several different types of hematomas (blood clots) that can happen in or around the brain. The type ranges on the severity of the head injury and can end up being potentially life-threatening.

• Epidural hematoma – these occur under the skull but on top of the dura of the brain. It is often a result of a tear caused as a result of a skull fracture.
• Subdural hematoma occurs under the skull and under the dura, but not inside the brain.
• Contusion – this is a bruise that occurs on the brain. Swelling can occur where the trauma occurred.
• Diffuse axonal injury – these injuries are common due to the head shaking back and forth, like in a car accident, falls, or shaken baby syndrome. It can be severe, causing permanent damage to one or more parts of the brain.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Approximately 155 Americans die from a TBI related injury each day. The CDC defines a TBI as a disruption in the brain’s function that is caused by a blow, bump, jolt, or a penetrating head wound. Like other types of brain injuries, any person is at risk for a TBI.

Consequences of Brain Injury

Brain injuries can severely impact the human body’s behavioral, cognitive, mental, and physical functions. Each function can be impaired in numerous ways, affecting each body differently.

• Behavioral
  • Impaired self-awareness
  • Self-centeredness
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Anger
• Cognitive
  • Loss of motivation
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Changes in memory, attention, and mental flexibility
  • Memory problems
  • Lack of awareness or problems with concentration
• Mental
  • Suicide risk
  • Clinical depression
  • Panic attacks
• Physical
  • Changes in sexual function
  • Hearing problems
  • Balance deficit or dizziness
  • Sensory and perception problems
  • Epilepsy
  • Headaches
  • Sleeping problems including fatigue

Detroit Brain Injury Lawyers and Compensation

When you or a loved one is the victim of an accident or act that results in brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Injuries can result in expensive medical bills or even lost wages. TORKLAW’s lawyers help you and your family recover damages from those at fault for the injuries.

Economic damages – Economic damages are the costs that can be calculated from your injuries. These include medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable amounts.

Non-economic damages – Non-economic damages are the costs that cannot be assigned a dollar amount easily. Mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life are all non-economic damages.

Punitive damages – Punitive damages are assigned by a judge or jury against a defendant for an especially egregious offense.

When To Call A Lawyer

Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if you aren’t prepared for a medical emergency like a brain injury. Detroit brain injury lawyers like TORKLAW