Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged in such a way that its ability to function properly is compromised. This can happen when the brain sustains a hard blow or jolt or if an external object breaks through the skull to damage brain tissue.

Traumatic brain injuries are alarmingly common both in Texas and throughout the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 224,000 people nationwide were hospitalized for traumatic brain injuries in one recent year.

The main difference between a “normal” brain injury and a traumatic brain injury is its underlying cause. According to information from the Brain Injury Association of America, non-traumatic brain injuries are caused by internal factors within the body, such as pressure from a brain tumor, exposure to certain toxic materials or substances, or a lack of oxygen to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries, by contrast, are caused by some external force or object.

Some examples of a non-traumatic brain injury include:

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on its severity.

Young children or infants who have suffered a traumatic brain injury may have trouble letting you know that they are in pain.

Traumatic brain injuries often have long-term effects, many of which are permanent. Some of the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury include:

Some common causes of traumatic brain injuries in El Paso include:

Treating a traumatic brain injury can be difficult. Immediately after the injury has occurred, doctors will focus on getting oxygen to the brain and eliminating any bleeding within the brain. Once the patient’s condition has stabilized, surgery is often necessary to repair some of the injured tissues and remove damaged tissues.

Many people with traumatic brain injuries need extensive rehabilitation to regain lost brain function. This could include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation.

It is important to pursue as much compensation as possible in an El Paso traumatic brain injury case because you or your loved one could require a lifetime of care. A brain injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:

The parties you could hold liable in a traumatic brain injury case depend on the circumstances surrounding your injury. You will need to show how another party was responsible for your injuries. These parties could include:

In most cases, Texas law gives you two years from the date of a traumatic brain injury to file a lawsuit. If you do not file in time, your case could be dismissed without ever being heard. That’s why you need to speak with a traumatic brain injury attorney in El Paso as soon as possible after your injury.

Trying to handle a traumatic brain injury case yourself can be incredibly taxing, especially if you are still suffering from debilitating symptoms. However, you don’t have to handle your claim alone. While you focus on your health, a lawyer can help you by: