Brain injuries can be fatal or life-changing, as they affect cognition, mood, memory, and behavior. When a brain injury occurs, it’s important to uncover the cause to determine if another person or company should be held liable for the damage inflicted.
At Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C., we have represented many clients suffering from brain injuries. Our Philadelphia medical malpractice firm can help you identify who can be held liable, show the extent of the damage, and identify the right legal strategies to fight for full and fair compensation.
To find out more about how our Philadelphia brain injury lawyers can help you, call us today.
How A Philadelphia Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help You
When you have suffered from a head injury, a Philadelphia brain injury lawyer can provide invaluable help in the aftermath. An attorney can assist you in:
- Determining if you have a brain injury claim: You would need to be able to show that you suffered a brain injury as a result of the negligence or wrongdoing of an individual or company.
- Identifying who is to blame for your injury under the law: Multiple potential defendants could sometimes be liable for losses, such as a truck driver and their employer if you were harmed in a truck accident, or a property owner who allowed unsafe conditions to put you at risk.
- Gathering evidence: If you want to pursue a brain injury claim, you will need evidence as to both the cause of your injuries and the extent of your losses. We can help you to gather physical evidence, eyewitness testimony, expert testimony, medical evidence, and more.
- Negotiating a settlement: Many brain injury claims settle outside of court if the defendants and their insurers accept responsibility for the harm you have endured. We can help negotiate a fair settlement to save you the stress of legal proceedings. We’ve stood up to big insurance companies, and our solid negotiating skills maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Going to court: Our team includes experienced litigators who have recovered millions of dollars for clients in brain injury claims.
These are just some of the ways in which our caring and compassionate Philadelphia wrongful death attorney can assist you in the aftermath of your injury.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Brain Injury in Philadelphia?
In many cases, brain injuries result from events that could have been prevented. When negligence or unsafe practices contribute to an injury, the responsible parties may be held liable. Potentially liable parties can include:
- Property owners – if unsafe conditions, like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained equipment, cause a visitor to fall
- Drivers – motor vehicle operators who cause collisions due to reckless or negligent driving
- Businesses or institutions – entities that provide inadequate security or fail ot maintain safe environments, leading to assaults or other injuries
- Schools, coaches, and sports programs – organizations that fail to implement proper safety policies, training, or supervision, resulting in injuries to athletes
- Manufacturers of defective products or equipment – companies that produce unsafe helmets, sporting gear, or other equipment that contribute to brain injury
At Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C., we help victims and families determine whether negligence played a role in their injury. If a person, company, or organization is found responsible, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, lost wages, and other losses.
How Are Brain Injuries Defined?
According to the Brain Injury Association, a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is defined as an injury that occurs when the function of the brain is altered by an external force. The force could impact the brain if something strikes the head or if the head strikes another object.
There are two primary types of traumatic brain injuries: closed head injuries and open head injuries.
- Closed head injuries involve injury to the brain without the skull being penetrated. Bruising, contusions, and swelling can occur due to blunt force trauma without the skull being punctured.
- Open head injuries involve injury to the brain that occurs when the skull is penetrated and the brain is exposed to the outside environment. These injuries are caused by a penetrating object and can directly impact the brain tissue, resulting in bleeding, infection, or loss of function.
While open head injuries are usually more serious, both types of injuries can lead to catastrophic or fatal outcomes and cause long-term impairment.
Common Causes Of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are very common, with the Brain Injury Association of America reporting that this type of injury occurs every nine seconds.
The Mayo Clinic has identified leading causes of brain injuries, including:
- Falls: Falling is the most common cause of brain injury, according to the Mayo Clinic. Adults and children are especially vulnerable to brain injury from this cause.
- Car accidents: These accidents can impact people in cars, motorcycles, or bicycles, or pedestrians can be affected as well.
- Violence: Gunshot wounds and assault can result in injury to the brain.
- Sports injuries: Soccer, boxing, football, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and extreme sports are high-risk sports for causing brain injury.
- Explosive blasts: Explosive blasts are a leading reason for military personnel to experience brain injury
Symptoms Of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can cause very severe symptoms. In some cases, they are fatal, and in many other circumstances, the damages resulting from a brain injury are lifelong. Even when recovery is possible, it often takes a very long time and requires expensive medical treatment.
While the symptoms do vary based on the type and extent of injury, people suffering from a brain injury could experience:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Speech problems
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Changes in your ability to smell
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Feeling dazed, confused, and disoriented
- Sleep interruptions
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Slurring of speech
- Coma
Unfortunately, these symptoms can be life-changing, especially when they persist over long periods of time.
Contact a Philadelphia Brain Injury Attorney from Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C., Today
Don’t hesitate to get a legal advocate on your side after a brain injury. Give us a call today at (610) 825-0500 to schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia brain injury attorney who can help in your pursuit of justice.