Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injury, or “TBI,” occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain.

It is a major cause of death and disability in the United States, especially in children and young adults. TBI is usually the result of falls, vehicle accidents, or violence.

Brain trauma can occur as a consequence of an impact to the head, by a sudden acceleration/deceleration within the cranium or by a complex combination of both movement and sudden impact. In addition to the damage caused at the moment of injury, brain trauma may cause secondary injury, a variety of events that take place in the minutes and days following the injury. These processes, which include alterations in blood flow to the brain and the pressure within the skull, contribute substantially to the damage from the initial injury.

TBI can cause a result in a multitude of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral effects. The outcome of such an injury ranges from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. Traumatic brain injury is usually diagnosed by means of CT scan or MRI.

Depending on the injury, treatment required may be minimal or may include medication, emergency surgery or surgery years later. Physical therapy, speech therapy, recreation therapy, occupational therapy and vision therapy may be employed for rehabilitation.

The effects of TBI are often permanent and life-changing. If someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of the negligence of a third-party, it is important to ensure that they have adequate representation. They may need specialized care for the rest of their life.

Heiting & Irwin is experienced at handling claims involving traumatic brain injuries in Southern California, including the Inland Empire as well as Orange and Los Angeles Counties.