Traumatic Brain Injury
At the Law Office of Robert L. Meissner, we represent victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI) throughout the Sacramento area. Contact Robert Meissner because you have rights that he, and no insurance adjuster, will advise you of.
TBI can result from a severe blow or impact to the head, but it can also be caused by a severe shaking or rapid movement, causing the brain to impact on the inside of the skull. Automobile accidents and motorcycle accidents are common causes of TBI. Brain injuries also occur in the medical malpractice context, where lack of oxygen to the brain for an extended period of time (hypoxia) during surgery, birth, or other procedures can cause permanent, disabling brain damage.
A concussion is a particular type of TBI caused by a blow to the head. While concussions may turn out to be relatively mild, the extent of the damage is not always immediately apparent. If you have suffered a head injury, however minor, seek medical attention, or at least watch for symptoms of brain injury in the days and weeks following the incident. Common concussion symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Persistent headache or neck pain
- Nausea
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Change in mood, depression
- Blurred vision, increased sensitivity to lights or sounds
One or more of these symptoms can be reason enough to seek medical attention, but sometimes even a qualified physician may fail to diagnose a brain injury. Some forms of TBI are not easily diagnosed by basic tests or even MRIs, and may require testing by a neuropsychologist or other specialist. Meanwhile, brain injuries that go undetected can lead to more serious and permanently debilitating conditions. Failing to diagnose or misdiagnosing a condition is a common form of medical malpractice.
People who are injured due to the negligence of another may bring suit to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering similar to any personal injury lawsuit. In the TBI context, other commonly recoverable damages include items such as loss of enjoyment or loss of function in life. Where the accident victim has become incapacitated from the injury, it may be up to a guardian or conservator to file suit on the victim’s behalf.
Brain injury cases are often more challenging than other personal injury lawsuits, because the victim may have no memory of the accident, or may be unable to communicate the facts of what happened. Accident reconstruction and other evidence may be required to achieve an appropriate recovery for the victim.
Attorney Robert L. Meissner has been practicing personal injury law for 14 years, frequently dealing with TBIs and other serious and catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a traumatic brain injury speak to our Sacramento accident lawyers at 916.863.2900 or use our online form and contact us for a free initial consultation today!