A body without a brain is nothing. Without our brains we cannot function, we cannot think, we cannot experience, in other words, we are not alive.
Injuries to our brains happen all too frequently it falls, motor vehicle accidents, being struck by another object or person. Injury can occur with a violent jolt of the head such is one made experience in a rear end collision. The head snaps forward brain hits the front of the stall and had snaps backward brain hits the back of the skull. Sadly even shaking a baby violently can injure the little ones brain for life. Even in this age of advanced medicine there is no cure for traumatic brain injury. There is only possible improvement.
Brain injuries are usually classified into 3 categories: mild, moderate and severe. However, even these categories do not truly describe how debilitating any kind of brain injury can be. Because the brain controls every function of the human body, any trauma to it can disrupt in a cascading effect numerous functions we all take for granted.
Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, visual disturbances, loss of smell, mood swings, paralysis, nausea, sensitivities to sound, cognitive difficulties, memory problems, lack of ability to solve problems, confusion, language processing, lack of ability to make decisions, chronic pain loss of control of the bowel and bladder, sleep disorders etc. etc. describe only some of the many things they can be present as a result of the brain injury.
The long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury will actually last for the rest of the person’s life. In the near-term, there may be some improvement in functioning and thinking ability. This usually levels off after approximately 2 years. However, depending upon the severity from mild to severe, the prognosis of early dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and general deterioration of life as one gets older is a very common result. Personality changes may result in dramatic changes in social interaction and one’s popularity. This can be traumatic and isolating for people who are used to enjoying the company of others on a regular basis. There is nothing mild about any kind of brain injury once it has been suffered.
Brain injuries are also difficult to assess as a result of any kind of trauma. In many cases, the injured person may not show any outward sign of diminishment. They will look healthy and may even talk with a certain amount of rationality. Yet they may be severely impaired because their brain does not function the way it should. It is only through the use of highly skilled neurologist, modern medical diagnostic techniques, neuropsychological evaluation, and vocational rehabilitation evaluation that a true picture of the persons long-term situation can be assessed. Brain injuries also may require accommodation and or long-term care because of the person’s inability to truly care for themselves without danger.
Brain injuries are probably the most complex and difficult cases to present to a jury because they usually do not represent visible injuries. Yet the real injury may be far more catastrophic because of what once was and now will never be again.
Is very important to talk with an attorney who is familiar with and has experience in handling brain injury cases as soon as possible. If a loved one has been brain injured and cannot communicate for themselves, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible because evaluation over the course of the initial 2 years is important in assessing what improvement may have taken place and what will happen over the course of a person’s life. Each case is different and must be approached differently and rapidly to have the best possible result.
The Franecke Law Group is experienced in traumatic brain injury cases and can help analyze effectively the best course of action for recovery from those who are responsible. Call today for a free consultation 888.457.7040
