A brain injury occurs when there is physical damage to the tissue and blood vessels of the brain. At least 1.5 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries each year. More than 50,000 of these traumatic brain injuries are fatal, and approximately 80,000 leave the individual with lifelong disabilities. Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in persons under the age of 44. The leading cause of traumatic brain injury is transportation-related accidents (car crashes, bicycle accidents, motorcycle wrecks, pedestrian accidents and truck wrecks). Other events that can lead to traumatic brain injuries are sport accidents, falls, misuse of firearms, domestic and elder abuse. Please see the Brain Injury Association of America and the National Center for Brain Injury Prevention and Control websites for more information.

If you or someone you care about has suffered a brain injury because of another person’s carelessness, contact the Louthian Law Firm today at Toll free: 888-662-2897 or Locally: 803-454-1200, or online for a free evaluation of your case.

There are two types of head injuries which can lead to damage within the brain (closed head injuries and penetrating head injuries). The physical damage within the brain can occur in three ways: bruising (bleeding), swelling, and tearing. Tearing occurs on a microscopic level and cannot be observed with a CT scan or MRI. For more information please visit the National Library of Medicine website.

Traumatic brain injury is characterized by a loss of consciousness. Typically, the longer an individual remains unconscious the greater the sustained damage. The resulting physical, cognitive, behavioral, and/or emotional complications can last for months or become permanent. An individual with severe brain damage will need 5-10 years of rehabilitation on the average. Please see the Brain Injury Recovery Network website for more information.

Treatment can vary depending on the circumstances of each patient. Motor and sensory functions, coordination, impaired speech, hearing, vision, smell and taste, and personality/intellectual changes are issues facing a victim of traumatic brain injury. Physical, speech, cognitive, and occupational rehabilitation, and neuropsychological services may be needed. Some areas offer specialized rehabilitation treatment centers which have skilled nursing care and can provide the necessary services on an intensive basis. Community programs may also be available for brain injury patients. Some patients may return home and visit the hospital for services on an outpatient basis. Please see the Family Caregiver Alliance website.

No amount of brain damage is acceptable to personal injury survivors and their families. A brain injury victim may be entitled to recover: medical expenses (current and future), lost earnings (current and future), and compensation for any permanent disability, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, destruction of personal property, and loss of enjoyment of life.

It may be frightening to realize that simple tasks you once took for granted have become cumbersome or even impossible. You may have a loss of memory or mood swings. If you or someone you know has sustained a traumatic brain injury, it is important to speak with an attorney familiar with South Carolina brain injury law. At the Louthian Law Firm, you can rest assured that we will work hard to protect your interests. Call our South Carolina head injury lawyers today at Toll free: 888-662-2897 or Locally: 803-454-1200,  for a free consulation.