Columbus Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Have you or a loved one experienced a traumatic brain injury? It can be a life-altering event, ranging from a mild concussion to severe brain damage or even death. But no matter the severity, it’s important to have a Columbus traumatic brain injury Lawyer on your side to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Slater & Zurz, we understand the gravity of a brain injury and its profound impact on your life and the lives of those around you. That’s why we are committed to being your steadfast advocate, tirelessly pursuing justice and recovery on your behalf. With our dedicated legal team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process.
Don’t wait to seek legal representation if you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury. Contact Slater & Zurz today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Columbus traumatic brain injury Lawyers. We will be your dedicated advocates, fighting for your rights and pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us help you on your journey to recovery.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are a significant cause of disability and death. Those who survive a TBI can experience its effects for a few days or a lifetime. A brain injury can affect their memory, emotions, sensation, and movement. The following are the six types of traumatic brain injuries.
- Hematoma – A clotting or collection of blood outside the blood vessels. A hematoma within the brain can be very serious because the clotting can lead to excessive pressure in the brain. The pressure often results in a lack of oxygen to the brain tissue, resulting in brain damage, coma, and death.
- Hemorrhage – Uncontrolled bleeding. Bleeding on the brain’s surface is known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, while bleeding within the brain tissue is referred to as an intracerebral hemorrhage. If the hemorrhage is large enough, it can prevent oxygen from reaching the brain cells causing brain damage.
- Concussion – An injury caused by the brain hitting the walls of the skull. The loss of proper brain function is temporary, lasting only a few days to a few weeks. However, repeated concussions can eventually lead to permanent brain damage. A concussion is also referred to as a mild TBI.
- Contusion – A bruise of the brain tissue usually caused by a strong blow to the head. A contusion leads to bleeding and swelling within the brain. They occur in approximately 25% of severe TBIs and can lead to permanent brain damage.
- Penetrating head injury – A wound to the head from a foreign object, such as a bullet or knife. The damage is caused along the route of the object and includes a fractured skull, torn meninges, and brain tissue damage.
- Diffuse axonal injury – A tearing of the brain’s nerve fibers (axons.) This injury occurs when the brain shifts or rotates within the skull. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) can cause significant injury to several regions of the brain. Those who suffer a DAI are usually left in a coma.
TBI Symptoms to Look For
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary, largely depending on the severity of the damage.
Symptoms of a mild TBI include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Short-term memory loss
- Sensory problems
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Speech problems
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
Symptoms of a moderate to severe TBI include:
- Loss of consciousness for several hours or more
- Headaches that worsen
- Seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Numbness in the fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Unable to awaken
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Extreme confusion
- Unusual behavior
- Depression
- Slurred speech
- Coma
Diagnosing a Traumatic Brain Injury
Due to the seriousness of a traumatic brain injury, doctors need to act quickly to determine if a patient has suffered a TBI. Several methods are used to identify a TBI, including:
Glasgow Coma Scale – The GCS is a scoring system used to assess a person’s level of consciousness following a possible traumatic brain injury. It helps the doctor gauge the severity of the injury and treats it accordingly. The GCS measures a patient’s eye movement, verbal response, and motor response using a numeric scale. A total score between 13-15 is considered a mild TBI, 9-12 is a moderate injury, and a score of 8 or less is considered a severe brain injury.
CT Scan – A computerized tomography scan (CT Scan) uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed view of the patient’s brain. It can detect hemorrhages, hematomas, contusions, and swelling in the brain. A CT scan is typically used when the patient first arrives at the hospital.
MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to create a detailed view of the patient’s brain. Like a CT scan, it can detect hemorrhages, hematomas, contusions, and swelling in the brain. MRIs are generally used after the patient’s condition stabilizes.
Call (614)756-2714 today to speak to a trusted Columbus traumatic brain injury lawyer at Slater & Zurz.
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of another person’s negligent or careless act, you could pursue compensation for your losses. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and disability
- Loss of consortium (loss of affection and love)
- Value of care provided by family members or loved ones
- Funeral costs
To recover damages in a traumatic brain injury or any other personal injury case, your attorney must prove the other party was negligent. A person is negligent when they fail to act how a reasonably careful person would in a similar situation. There are four key elements in determining negligence:
Duty – The defendant had a duty to act or not act in such a way as to prevent harm or injury.
Breach of duty – The defendant’s actions failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
Causation – The defendant’s breach of duty caused your injury.
Damages – You suffered losses as a result of your injury
How a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Columbus Can Help
From helping you find the highest level of medical care to aggressively representing your best interests at trial, our Columbus personal injury lawyers will do everything within our power to help you recover from your injuries and obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligent actions, you need a legal team that will provide invaluable assistance, such as:
- Being available to answer all of your questions and concerns
- Keeping you updated during all stages of the claims process
- Obtaining medical records proving the type and extent of your injuries
- Identifying the at-fault party responsible for your losses
- Accurately calculating the fair value of past and future damages
- Negotiating maximum recovery with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Taking your case to court if necessary and fighting skillfully on your behalf
When seeking maximum compensation in your Columbus traumatic brain injury case, experience and dedication matter. Contact the Columbus personal injury lawyer at Slater & Zurz today at (614)756-2714. We offer a free consultation with absolutely no obligation. If you are unable to come to our office, we will gladly make arrangements to come to your home or hospital room to discuss your case.