Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers in Portland, TN
Dedicated help from our Portland TBI attorneys after a serious head injury
At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we understand the profound impact that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have on individuals and their families. Suffering a traumatic brain injury is a life-altering event that can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. As experienced Portland traumatic brain injury lawyers, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of TBI survivors and their loved ones. We believe that those responsible for causing these injuries must be held accountable, and we are committed to fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation and support our clients need to rebuild their lives.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Per the National Institute of Health:
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI.
Some types of TBI can cause temporary or short-term problems with normal brain function, including problems with how the person thinks, understands, moves, communicates, and acts. More serious TBI can lead to severe and permanent disability, and even death.
There are two different types of TBI:
- Penetrating TBI, also called open TBI, can happen when an object pierces the skull (like a bullet, shrapnel, or knife) and enters the brain tissue.
- Non-penetrating TBI, also called closed TBI is caused when an external force is strong enough to move the brain within the skull. Causes can include falls, car accidents, or being struck by an object.
In extreme accidents or incidents, a person may experience both a penetrating and non-penetrating injury at the same time.
What types of Portland accidents cause traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from a variety of accidents and incidents that involve sudden, violent blows, jolts, or penetrating injuries to the head. Some common types of accidents that can cause traumatic brain injuries include:
- Automobile accidents: Motor vehicle collisions, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents, are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. The impact of a crash can cause the head to strike against hard surfaces or objects, leading to brain trauma.
- Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, including workplaces, public spaces, and private properties. Falls from heights or on slippery surfaces can cause individuals to hit their heads on the ground or objects, resulting in traumatic brain injuries.
- Sports-related injuries: Participation in contact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, and boxing can increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries, particularly concussions. Athletes may sustain head injuries from collisions with other players, falls, or impacts with sports equipment.
- Assaults and violence: Physical assaults, acts of violence, and intentional blows to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries. Assault-related TBIs may result from punches, kicks, blunt force trauma, or weapons.
- Bicycle accidents: Bicycle accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries when cyclists are thrown from their bikes and strike their heads on the ground, vehicles, or other objects. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to head injuries due to the lack of protection compared to motor vehicle occupants.
- Workplace accidents: Traumatic brain injuries can occur in workplace accidents involving falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, construction accidents, industrial accidents, or exposure to hazardous materials or chemicals.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians struck by motor vehicles or involved in collisions with bicycles, scooters, or other objects may suffer traumatic brain injuries due to the impact of the collision.
- Recreational accidents: Recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, and ATV riding can pose risks for traumatic brain injuries, especially when participants fail to wear appropriate safety gear or engage in risky behaviors.
These are just a few examples of accidents that can cause traumatic brain injuries. Individuals need to take preventive measures, wear appropriate safety gear, and practice caution to reduce the risk of head injuries in various situations.
What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected. Symptoms of TBI can be categorized into physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory symptoms. Here are some common symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury:
- Physical symptoms
- Headache or head pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Loss of consciousness (brief or prolonged)
- Cognitive symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Memory problems, particularly with short-term memory
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slowed thinking or processing speed
- Difficulty problem-solving or making decisions
- Impaired judgment and reasoning
- Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Mood swings or emotional lability
- Irritability or agitation
- Anxiety or depression
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Increased impulsivity or risk-taking behavior
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Sensory symptoms
- Changes in taste or smell
- Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Changes in vision, including double vision or difficulty focusing
- Sensory processing issues, such as heightened sensitivity to stimuli or numbness/tingling in extremities
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more or less than usual
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings during the night
It's important to note that symptoms of traumatic brain injury can manifest immediately after the injury or may develop gradually over time. In some cases, individuals may not recognize the symptoms of TBI until days or weeks after the initial injury.
If you or someone you know has experienced a head injury and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can evaluate the severity of the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and recommend interventions to manage symptoms and support recovery from traumatic brain injury. Then, contact a Portland traumatic brain injury attorney to find out your legal options.
What are the treatments for traumatic brain injury?
The treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on the severity of the injury, the specific symptoms and complications present, and your overall health and medical history. Treatment for TBI may include the following:
- Emergency medical care: In cases of severe traumatic brain injury, immediate medical attention is critical. Emergency medical personnel will focus on stabilizing the patient's condition, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to the brain, and preventing further injury.
- Monitoring and observation: Patients with traumatic brain injury may require close monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital setting to assess neurological status, vital signs, and any changes in symptoms. Frequent neurological assessments help detect signs of increased intracranial pressure or neurological deterioration.
- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and complications associated with traumatic brain injury, including:
- Pain medications for headache relief
- Anti-seizure medications to prevent seizures, which may occur following TBI
- Medications to reduce brain swelling and intracranial pressure
- Stimulants or antidepressants to address cognitive and mood disturbances
- Muscle relaxants to manage spasticity or muscle stiffness
- Surgery: In cases of severe traumatic brain injury or complications such as bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage), skull fractures, or brain swelling, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery may involve procedures to repair skull fractures, remove blood clots or hematomas, or relieve pressure on the brain.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals with traumatic brain injury. Depending on the specific impairments and functional limitations, rehabilitation may include:
- Physical therapy to improve mobility, strength, balance, and coordination.
- Occupational therapy to regain skills for activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.
- Speech-language therapy to address communication difficulties, swallowing problems, and cognitive-communication deficits.
- Cognitive rehabilitation to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive function skills.
- Psychological and psychiatric support: Traumatic brain injury can have significant emotional and psychological effects on patients and their families. Counseling, psychotherapy, and support groups can help individuals cope with emotional challenges, adjust to life changes, and develop coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Long-term management and support: Many individuals with traumatic brain injury require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support services to optimize recovery and gain independence. Long-term management may include regular follow-up appointments, medication management, assistive devices, environmental modifications, and community-based resources and support services.
The treatment and management of traumatic brain injury are highly individualized and may evolve over time based on the patient's progress, response to treatment, and changing needs.
Do you have a Portland traumatic brain injury lawyer near me?
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm has several locations throughout Tennessee to serve our clients better. We can also schedule phone or video consultations if you are too ill or injured to visit us.
Dedicated Portland traumatic brain injury lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your losses. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our experienced team of Portland traumatic brain injury attorneys is here to fight for your rights and help you navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise. Don't face the challenges of TBI recovery alone. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.