San Francisco Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic brain injuries are extremely serious matters. A wide variety of debilitating health issues can arise from these injuries, and many can impair victims for the rest of their lives. When these injuries are caused due to the negligence of another person, victims have the right to seek full and fair compensation for their medical care and any other losses they suffer as a result of the injury.
Brain injuries may not be as visible as lacerations or broken bones, but they can be even more serious. Brain injuries may result from a wide range of different accidents, from a car accident to a slip and fall. In recent years, new research has shown that even relatively innocuous knocks to the head can have devastating effects as time passes. Brain injuries can seriously impact your overall quality of life, and this is why it is so important to take legal action if another party was responsible for your injuries.
Insurance companies routinely dismiss brain injury claims as nothing more than a bump on the head and an opportunistic money grab. But the victims know differently. They know about the memory issues, violent mood swings and other problems that come with possible brain damage. A San Francisco brain injury lawyer who is experienced in these matters can help to ensure that your claim is taken seriously and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Serious Nature of Brain Injuries
The medical community has made significant progress while studying brain injuries over the last few decades. We now understand that even slight knocks to the head can have significant effects many years later. In particular, there has been considerable research conducted on sports-related head injuries and CTE, especially among children.
Doctors have also developed an understanding of the link between head injuries and mental health problems. About one in five individuals with mild concussions or head injuries may experience mental health issues as a result. These issues may take up to six months to develop after an individual suffers a head injury. Injury victims may suffer from depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, and many other issues. In extreme cases, head injuries can even cause personality changes among individuals.
In addition, some research has explored links between head injuries and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and similar disorders. It is widely-accepted that head injuries can have profound effects on an individual’s ability to function. These injuries can affect a person’s vision, memory, speech, and more.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury? Also known simply as a “TBI,” a traumatic brain injury is a specific type of head injury that is caused by a blow or bump to the head. This disrupts the normal function of the brain. In addition, a TBI can be caused by the head suddenly being jolted. This may happen after a sudden impact to an automobile during a collision. TBIs can also occur when an object actually pierces the skull and goes into the brain.
There are a number of clinical signs that may be indicative of a traumatic brain injury: Loss of consciousness, Loss of memory (also known as amnesia), Muscle weakness, Vision loss, Change in speech (slurring or difficulty forming sentences), Disorientation, Slow thinking and/or no ability to focus on tasks.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics – The prevalence and severity of traumatic brain injuries become clear when you consider the alarming statistics that surround this issue: In 2014 alone, there were 2.87 million cases of TBI in the United States; 837,000 of traumatic brain injuries during 2014 were suffered by children; 5 million people in the United States live with a disability due to a TBI; Since 2006, hospitalizations and deaths due to TBI have increased by more than 50%; Each year, almost 100,000 individuals experience long-term or permanent disabilities due to TBI; Almost 80% of all TBI cases are suffered by males; Sports and recreational activities account for about 20% of all traumatic brain injuries among children; Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes for TBI-related deaths and the leading cause for non-fatal TBIs is a slip and fall
Why it is So Important to Get Medical Treatment After a Brain Injury
Many individuals fail to get the necessary medical treatment after suffering a brain injury. Often, these individuals may not be fully aware of the harm that has been done to them. Remember, even a slight knock to the head can have serious consequences months or even years down the road. Even though you might feel like your head injury is not very serious, you should still get checked out by a medical professional.
Only after being assessed by a qualified healthcare provider can you be sure about the extent of your brain injury. Doctors and specialists can conduct a range of different tests to determine whether or not you may deal with serious consequences in the future. After determining an accurate prognosis, these medical professionals can recommend various forms of treatment that may mitigate any potential consequences you may face.
In addition, getting treatment for your head injury is important in a legal context. If you fail to get the necessary tests and treatment for your head injury, it will be difficult to receive compensation for your injury. A considerable aspect of your case revolves around proving that you actually suffered legitimate injuries. When a doctor conducts tests and assesses your condition, there is a written record of your injuries. These medical records can be used as strong evidence in your case. In addition, you may also get an MRI, which is a diagnostic image of your brain. This could also be an excellent piece of evidence that you can use to prove the extent of your injuries.
Although it is always important to get medical treatment for any type of injury, brain injuries may be especially elusive due to their somewhat invisible nature. A plaintiff who walks into a courtroom with a cast on their arm or a disfigured face will receive a different reaction compared to someone with no visible injuries. However, that same person might be suffering serious personality changes and depression due to their head injury. This is why it is so important to gather evidence and show the court what is happening “under the surface.”
Common Injuries that Can Cause Brain Injuries
There are a number of accidents and incidents that can lead to brain injuries. Whenever another party’s negligence has led to a plaintiff’s injuries, the injured party can file a lawsuit and receive compensation for their damages.
Car Accidents: Sudden jolts or impacts can cause serious head injuries. In certain situations, objects may even penetrate the skull and enter the brain tissue after a crash.
Slips and Falls: Wet floors and debris can cause innocent people to slip and fall. Older people are especially vulnerable to falls, and these accidents can cause serious brain injuries. Property owners are liable if they fail to clean up spills and address hazards.
Medical Malpractice: Medical professionals may also cause head injuries if they act in a reckless, negligent manner. For example, a botched brain surgery can cause lifelong consequences for innocent patients.
Trust Your Case To A Respected Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
At Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C., we represent clients in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area in all types of traumatic brain injury cases. Our attorneys have a substantial background in these cases, and we know how to manage your case to a favorable outcome. You can rely on us to pursue every available option to see that all of your current and future needs are fully accommodated.
We work with a quality team of medical experts, life-planning specialists, economists and others who can help us build a compelling case that clearly illustrates the severity of your injury and the impact it will have on your life. We work hard to negotiate a fair settlement for each client and try to avoid the need for a lengthy court proceeding, but we will be fully prepared to litigate if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.
Contact A San Francisco Brain Injury Attorney Today
At Mary Alexander & Associates, our San Francisco based brain injury lawyers have more than 30 years of expertise taking on TBI cases and taking up the causes of our clients. We handle cases with victims in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and beyond. We have the scientific background to grasp the medical issues, and the courtroom savvy to press the legal ones. Together, that enables us to do more than just put on a case. It enables us to win. Call us or contact us online to speak to a brain injury attorney in San Francisco today.
