Every year, people right here in Alameda suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). We see the devastation at Berg Injury Lawyers every day and understand how a TBI can change every aspect of a person’s life.
It is estimated that well over 200,000 people are hospitalized for TBIs across the U.S. each year. That’s a staggering number, but this statistic reflects only the most severe cases and underestimates the true number of TBIs each year. It also doesn’t reflect the number of cases that were caused by someone else’s negligence.
Whether your TBI happened in a car accident on I-880 or from an assault or fall on someone’s property, contact our catastrophic injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to explain your legal options and seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
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What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A TBI is a brain injury caused by a sudden blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. Accidents like car crashes, sports injuries, and slip-and-falls often cause TBIs. When filing a TBI claim, it’s important to understand the way TBIs occur and the common types.
Here are two ways brain injuries occur:
- Closed Brain Injury: Occurs with a backward and forward motion that shakes the brain inside the skull.
- Penetrating Brain Injury: Happens when the skull is broken and creates an open head wound that exposes and penetrates the brain.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Whether mild or severe, our team of TBI lawyers here in Alameda has seen the far-reaching impact brain injuries have on our clients’ lives.
Here are some of the common types of TBIs we often see:
- Concussion: Generally, a mild TBI, this brain injury is considered temporary.
- Contusion: A brain bruise where small blood vessels bleed into the brain’s tissue and can cause swelling.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury: DAI is caused by rapid deceleration or rotation of the head, causing the brain to hit the skull. This damages the brain’s white matter.
Signs and Symptoms of TBIs
The symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and may not appear immediately after the injury. It’s crucial to seek medical attention right away if you suspect you or a loved one has suffered a head injury, even if the symptoms seem minor. Here are some common signs and symptoms of a TBI:
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Numbness or weakness in extremities
- Seizures or convulsions
- Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
Even if symptoms seem mild initially, it’s crucial to seek a medical evaluation, especially if you experience worsening symptoms or symptoms that appear after a delay. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience a loss of consciousness for any length of time. A doctor can diagnose the severity of your TBI and monitor you for any potential complications.
Where to Seek TBI Care and Support in Alameda County
Right after an accident, we recommend you seek immediate emergency care at one of Alameda County’s Level 1 and 2 Trauma Centers, such as:
- Highland Hospital (Adult Level 1)
- Eden Medical Center (Adult Level 2)
- Washington Hospital (Adult Level 2)
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (Pediatric Level 1)
When dealing with something as all-consuming as a TBI, rehabilitation and community support are essential. The following TBI centers provide ongoing care, resources, and support services for survivors of traumatic brain injuries:
Long-Term Effects of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries can have profound, long-lasting repercussions for survivors and their families. While some individuals with mild TBIs recover fully, others face lingering or permanent challenges. Here’s what you need to know about the potential long-term effects:
- Physical Impairments: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, TBIs can lead to physical disabilities such as impaired coordination, balance issues, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
- Cognitive Difficulties: TBIs can impact cognitive functions like memory, attention, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Survivors may experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, increased irritability, difficulty controlling impulses, or total personality changes.
- Social and Occupational Struggles: Changes in physical, cognitive, or emotional functioning can make it difficult to return to work, maintain relationships, or participate in social activities.
In addition, the CDC has shared statistics highlighting the lifelong impact of moderate to severe TBIs:
- 57% of sufferers are moderately or severely disabled five years after the injury.
- 55% of sufferers are no longer employed.
- 29% of sufferers are not satisfied with life.
The repercussions of a TBI can be far-reaching and may significantly impact every area of your life. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, an experienced TBI lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover the lifelong costs associated with your injury.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs can happen to anyone, in many different scenarios, but certain situations carry a greater risk. Many of these involve someone falling victim to another person or party’s negligence, whether that’s an employer or a property owner. In Alameda, common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
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Types of Compensation for a TBI
The specific types and amount of compensation recoverable in a TBI case are case-dependent, but potential damages can include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, and other future related medical costs
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred due to the injuries, like transportation to medical appointments or modifications to your home for accessibility, if the injury affected your mobility
- Long-Term Care: Expenses for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care if the TBI leads to permanent disability
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery and potential loss of future earning capacity if the injury prevents a return to work
- Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to your vehicle, personal belongings, or other property occurring in the accident that led to your TBI
- Pain and Suffering: Damages recognizing the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the injury
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, these damages are meant to punish the responsible party and act as a deterrent
An experienced Alameda TBI lawyer can evaluate your claim, determine what damages apply, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
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The cost of hiring a lawyer shouldn’t prevent you from getting the high quality representation you deserve. That’s why Berg Injury Lawyers has the No Fee Guarantee®—a simple promise that if you don’t win, you pay nothing.
Contact Our Alameda TBI Lawyers Today
The aftermath of a TBI can be overwhelming and confusing. Whether your TBI was caused by a negligent driver on one of Alameda County’s highways, like I-580, or you slipped and fell while visiting a bar or restaurant on Park Street or Webster Street, our team knows the area and the local law.
We understand the unique challenges TBI victims and their loved ones face. Our compassionate team of Alameda catastrophic injury lawyers is here to provide the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the legal process. While you rebuild your life, we’ll fight to secure the financial resources and support you need.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in Alameda, contact us today.
