At Slater & Zurz, a leading law firm with expert Cleveland brain injury lawyers, we are dedicated to restoring your health and well-being while pursuing justice on your behalf. We will do everything within our power to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Our Cleveland brain injury lawyers understand the far-reaching consequences of a devastating brain injury. That is why we skillfully handle every aspect of your claim so you can recover mentally, physically, and financially.
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury due to another person’s negligence, let us help you get the much-needed compensation you are entitled to. We handle all of our brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if and when we recover on your behalf. When we successfully resolve your case, we are paid a portion of the recovery. Because we believe everyone should have access to qualified legal advice, we offer a free initial consultation with absolutely no obligation.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. A bump or blow to the head, a jolt to the head or neck, or a penetrating head injury can cause a TBI. The effects of a traumatic brain injury range from a temporary mild disruption of a person’s brain function to permanent brain damage or death.
Traumatic brain injuries are classified into three categories.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
A mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is commonly referred to as a concussion. There may or may not be a loss of consciousness associated with an mTBI. Mild traumatic brain injuries typically require pain medication, rest, and restricted activities until the person is fully recovered.
Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
The second category is moderate traumatic brain injury. People who experience a moderate TBI generally have confusion lasting a few days to a couple of weeks. Cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments can linger for several months or be permanent. Rehabilitation is typically necessary to make an adequate recovery.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
A severe TBI can be life-threatening and always includes a prolonged period of unconsciousness or coma. People with severe traumatic brain injuries can make significant improvements with rehabilitation therapy but are generally left with some level of cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairment.
Understanding the Types of Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries vary widely in their severity and implications. Our Cleveland brain injury attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of different types, including closed head injuries, which are among the most common causes of brain injuries. Let’s explore the types of brain injury that can occur and how they can impact injury victims.
Brain Injuries from Falling
Nearly 2 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. Nearly half of those injuries are caused by falls. Bruises, sprained ankles, and broken bones are injuries typically associated with a fall, but a serious brain injury is also a common result. Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Though they are usually caused by unsafe conditions, such as:
- Wet floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Unsafe ladders or stairs
- Loose floorboards
- Cracks or potholes
- Ice
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury from a slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. We highly recommend speaking immediately with a brain injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Identifying the Common Causes of Brain Injuries
While exploring the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, it’s crucial to recognize how incidents like slip and falls, motor vehicle accidents, and more can lead to severe outcomes. Our injury lawyer in Cleveland is deeply familiar with these common causes and is ready to assist victims in navigating the complexities of their cases.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and TBI
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated traumatic brain injury. A CTE diagnosis can only be made after an autopsy has been performed. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is not yet well understood but is believed to be a condition that develops over many years. Symptoms of CTE include cognitive impairment, impulsive behavior, short-term memory loss, depression, and suicidal thoughts. CTE has been found in football players, boxers, and others who participated in contact sports. Currently, there is no cure for CTE.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Traumatic Brain Injury
If someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused you to suffer a traumatic brain injury, you could pursue compensation for your losses. Depending on your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of reputation
Navigating Claims with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting for injury victims. Our Cleveland brain injury lawyers have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s a closed head injury or another type of brain injury, we’re here to help.
Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation
An individual who suffers a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury will typically require rehabilitation to regain their ability to perform daily activities. The type and duration of therapy depend on how severe the injury was and the part of the brain that was affected. Rehabilitation may include a combination of the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychiatric care
- Psychological care
- Speech and language therapy
- Medication
Speak with a Cleveland Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need a qualified legal team to represent you in your personal injury lawsuit. The Cleveland personal injury lawyers at Slater & Zurz have over 150 years of collective experience fighting on behalf of seriously injured victims in Ohio. Our commitment to our clients has always been to maximize compensation by thoroughly investigating the incident, ensuring they receive the proper medical care, understanding the nature and full extent of their injuries, and holding the at-fault parties accountable for their actions.
When you choose Slater & Zurz, you will receive personalized and attentive legal representation. We will be readily available to answer any questions and provide honest feedback regarding your claim. Our dedicated legal team will be there every step of the way to protect your best interests and pursue justice on your behalf.
To learn more about filing a traumatic brain injury claim, we welcome you to contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us 24 hours a day 7 days a week by calling (440)557-2861.
If you or a loved one are navigating the aftermath of a brain injury, reach out to our compassionate Cleveland brain injury attorney team at Slater & Zurz. We’re committed to serving injury victims in Cleveland and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Don’t face the insurance companies alone; let us advocate for you.
The people most at risk of traumatic brain injury include:
- Individuals over the age of 65
- Children under the age of four
- Young adults between the ages of 15 and 24
- Males in any age group
According to the CDC, the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries are:
- Slip and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Violence
- Explosive blasts
Medical professionals use the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine the level of a person’s consciousness following a traumatic brain injury. The test is used to gauge the severity of the injury and assess the individual’s prognosis for recovery. The Glasgow Coma Scale or GCS measures the three following functions:
- Eye opening
- Verbal response
- Motor response
The responses are rated using a numeric scale and combined to determine the final GCS score. The final score is then used to classify the severity of the TBI as follows:
Mild – GCS score of 13 to 15
Moderate – GCS score of 9 to 12
Severe – GCS score of 3 to 8
Depending on the nature and severity of the TBI, an individual can suffer from substantial long-lasting effects. Long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Balance problems (vertigo)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Trouble learning new things
- Slowed thought processes
- Brain fog
- Chronic headaches
- Sensory issues, such as vision, hearing, tasting, and smelling
- Difficulty speaking
- Behavioral changes
- Changes in mood
- Seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis
- Problems with muscle coordination
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention after any head injury. Often people feel fine at first because TBI symptoms may take some time to appear. It is always best to be seen by a doctor to make sure you don’t have a serious condition.
If you experience any of the following, call 911 immediately to seek emergency medical care:
- Changes in consciousness
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness on one or both sides
- Vomiting
- Unusual eye movements
- Difficulty walking
- Persistent confusion