Oakland Brain Injury Lawyer

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are not rare. Every year in the U.S., an estimated 1.7 million people suffer from a TBI. While many suffer concussions that require little treatment other than rest, many others suffer moderate and severe TBIs, which require a great deal more medical attention and can have lasting effects on the injured individual. Of these people who suffer TBIs each year, approximately 275,000 are estimated to require hospitalization and an estimated 52,000 pass away due to their injuries.

Anyone can experience a TBI, however, some are more likely to than others. Children under 4 years old, teenagers between 15 and 19 years old, and the elderly over 65 years are all more likely to sustain a TBI than a child between 5 and 14 years and adults ages 20 to 64 years. Additionally, elderly individuals over the age of 75 years have the highest rates of hospitalizations and death related to brain injuries.

If you or a loved one have suffered a TBI in an accident that you believe was someone else’s fault, it is time to contact an Oakland brain injury lawyer at the Brod Law Firm. Whether you have a concussion or a severe TBI, an attorney experienced with brain injury claims will ensure you properly value your case and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve under the law.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

TBIs and other head injuries can occur in any number of scenarios. They may be pure accidents, and no one is at fault. However, they often occur in an accident or dangerous environments. Some of the most common causes of brain injuries include:

• Trip and falls
• Slip and falls
• Vehicle accidents
• Being struck by an object
• Assault

Falls are the leading cause of TBIs. The rates of fall-related brain injuries are highest in children under 4 years and elderly individuals over 75 years. Fall-related TBIs also cause the greatest number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. However, falls related to car accidents are the leading cause of TBI-related deaths. It appears that while falls are most likely to cause brain injuries, car crashes are more likely to cause severe TBIs or TBIs in conjunction with other fatal injuries.

No matter how you suffered a TBI, if another person or business was responsible for the accident, then you will need a brain injury lawyer in Oakland to help you through the claims process and pursue compensation.

Levels of Brain Injuries

TBIs can differ in severity:

• Minor TBI: This is also known as a concussion. The common side effects include amnesia of the accident, briefly losing consciousness, headaches, confusion, delayed response, and difficulty concentrating. Concussions are generally treated with rest for weeks or months, however you may require treatment for more pronounced symptoms.
• Moderate TBI: This is more severe than a concussion. Signs that you have a moderate TBI include loss of consciousness for a few hours after the accident, difficulty concentrating, delayed responses, language and speech difficulties, sensory deficits or sensitivity, or changes in mood. A moderate TBI can have longer lasting effects than a concussion. It is also possible for you to experience permanent physical, cognitive, psychological, or behavioral changes afterward.
• Severe TBI: This is the most significant form of TBI, and it often coincides with a penetrating head injury. A severe TBI may be associated with a loss of consciousness for more than six hours or a coma. You may have amnesia surrounding the accident and the hours or days leading up to it. You may experience all of the signs of a less serious TBI to a greater degree. However, a severe TBI is more likely to result in a permanent physical, cognitive, or psychological change.

At the Brod Law Firm, we have years of experience working with individuals who have suffered all severities of TBIs. Whether you sustained a concussion or are now permanently disabled due to a severe TBI, contact an Oakland brain injury attorney at our office today.

Pursuing Compensation in a Brain Injury Claim

When another person causes you harm, whether they hit you in their car or left a dangerous defect on their property, you have the right to hold them responsible. You have the right to file a personal injury claim in court or a third-party claim against their insurer and demand compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, and mental suffering.

With a brain injury, it is particularly important to work with an attorney who has handled cases like yours before. Valuing your claim and fighting for fair compensation can be complex. With a brain injury, much of what you are experiencing cannot be seen by the naked eye. Your attorney will help you carefully document and establish the physical and psychological pain you are experiencing. Without doing this, your compensation may cover your economic loses, but it will not cover all of your injuries.

To further discuss bringing a TBI-related claim and the compensation to which the law may entitle you, contact the Brod Law Firm at (800) 427-7020 and schedule a consultation with a brain injury attorney representing Oakland residents.

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