FAQs:
Do you have questions? We have answers. Here are some legal FAQs that our team of attorneys often receives from clients.
What are the most common types of brain injury?
There are two main types of brain injury: traumatic and acquired. Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain has been damaged by some external force such as an accident or a blow to the head. Acquired brain injuries involve damage to the brain at the cellular level, which is often even more debilitating than a traumatic injury. Acquired brain injuries can occur as a result of anoxia or hypoxia. These conditions occur when there is insufficient blood flow to the brain or when the blood is not carrying enough oxygen.
What can cause a brain injury?
The force involved in a traumatic brain injury,commonly referred to as a TBI, causes the brain to shift inside the skull damaging brain cells. It may also be a force that damages the skull, which in turn damages the brain. An acquired brain injury is caused by lack of oxygen or lack of blood flow to the brain.
Circumstances that can cause a traumatic brain injury may include:
- Car or truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Direct blow to the head with a heavy instrument
- Sports injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Physical violence
Circumstances that can cause an acquired brain injury may include:
- Vascular problems
- Obstruction of airways
- Strokes or heart attacks
- Electric shock
- Choking or strangulation
- Near drowning
- Toxic exposure
- Infectious disease
- Trauma which disrupts blood flow to the brain
Are there different levels of brain injuries?
Yes. The level of injury to the brain can vary. A mild injury may only affect the person for a temporary period of time. Symptoms may include confusion, memory problems, headaches, nausea, vomiting, depression and emotional problems. On the other hand, even mild brain injuries can last for many years and significantly disrupt a person’s life.
A moderate brain injury has longer lasting and often more pronounced symptoms. A complete and good recovery is possible in some of these cases. In many cases, however, full recovery never occurs and the injuries profoundly affect a person’s life.
A serious brain injury can lead to life-altering and debilitating results such as coma, vegetative state, minimally responsive state or death.
Am I entitled to compensation if I have suffered a brain injury?
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important that you consult a qualified lawyer who specializes in brain injury cases. He or she will be able to determine if you have a case and what your best course of action would be.
Can I file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who has suffered a brain injury?
This depends on the specific circumstances as well. It is important to get in touch with a brain injury lawyer who specializes in brain injury litigation.
To learn more about brain injuries in Jacksonville or anywhere else in Florida, please contact Hardesty, Tyde & Ashton, P.A. today.
What constitutes a personal injury?
The most common personal injury is an auto accident, but the broad definition encompasses any situation where a person suffers harm due to the negligence of another person or entity. Early identification of a personal injury is important to the legal process. Many serious injuries occur each year involving:
– Auto accidents
– Premises liability accidents such as injuries caused by a slip and fall
– Medical malpractice/nursing home injuries
– Wrongful death
– Work-related accidents
– Animal attacks
– Faulty or malfunctioning products (product liability)