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Helping clients in Oklahoma recover compensation after debilitating brain trauma
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head that disrupts normal brain functioning. Although most brain injuries result in a mild concussion, more severe brain injuries can result in coma, amnesia, or even death. Many victims live with constant physical and emotional pain. Victims often lose some cognitive function.
At Cunningham & Mears, our Oklahoma City injury attorneys understand the unique challenges of brain injuries and the accidents that cause them. We have experience presenting the costs of present and long-term health effects to insurance companies and judges and juries to help maximize your compensation for brain injury. Our lawyers work with your doctors and our own network of doctors, when necessary, to fully understand the medical help you need and all the ways your injuries have made your life more difficult.
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How can we help?
- What are the causes of brain injuries?
- What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?
- How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed?
- What are the possible long-term effects of traumatic brain injury?
- What are the treatments for a traumatic brain injury?
- What types of healthcare providers treat TBI victims?
- What compensation do your TBI attorneys pursue for brain injury victims in Oklahoma City?
- Do you have a TBI lawyer near me?
What are the causes of brain injuries?
According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 190 people die from TBI-related events every day in the United States. Brain injuries can be caused by all types of accidents:
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What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?
Symptoms of brain injury can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. In many cases, you may not have any symptoms for days or even months after your injury. For this reason, and to protect your rights to compensation from the negligent party or insurer, our lawyers recommend you seek medical attention immediately after any accident or blow to the head. It is also important to understand and recognize the possible symptoms of brain injury:
- Headache
- Seizures or convulsions
- One enlarged pupil
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Blurred vision or tired eyes
- Mood changes
- Difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating
- Memory trouble
- Irritability
- Change in sleep patterns
- Lethargy or tiredness
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Balance problems
- More emotional
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Ringing in the ears
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
- Loss of coordination
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience a worsening headache, weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, repeated vomiting, nausea, or slurred speech.
How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed?
A common TBI diagnosis test is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). This is a 15-point exam that seeks to see how a patient responds to different types of stimuli. The CGS examines how well the accident victim follows directions, moves their eyes, moves their limbs, and their speech coherence. The lower the score, the more severe the TBI is.
The physicians or nurses often ask the people who have knowledge about the accident and the patient questions about - how the injury happened, whether the patient lost consciousness, the length of time the victim was unconscious, what parts of the body were struck, and other questions.
CT scans look for any fractures, bleeding in the brain, blood clots, bruised brain tissue, and swelling of the brain tissue. Doctors may use a monitor to check the amount of tissue swelling.
What are the possible long-term effects of traumatic brain injury?
There are a few issues that you must consider when thinking about the long-term effects of brain injury. The first issue is that every brain injury is different, so there is no single answer to the question, “How will a brain injury affect my life?” The second issue is that some of the long-term effects will last the rest of the patient’s life, and some effects may become increasingly severe. Finally, whether the brain injury is considered mild or severe will also have an impact on the prognosis.
Given that there will be vast variability in the effects of brain injury, here are some examples of the potential long-term effects of TBI:
- Headaches
- Coma
- Loss of balance
- Language impairment
- Impaired cognitive function
- Emotional problems
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Inflammation
- Partial paralysis
- Post-traumatic epilepsy
- Neuro-degenerative processes
A brain-injured person may recover from some of these complications over time, while others may become more severe. When the brain suffers a serious injury, it can have a significant and lasting impact on the patient’s relationships, their work, and how they interact with the world.
What are the treatments for a traumatic brain injury?
The Mayo Clinic notes that treatments vary depending on each victim and the severity of the TBI. Surgery may include removing blood clots, repairing skull fractures, stopping any bleeding, and opening a window in the skull to relieve pressure in the skull. Different medications are often used during surgery.
According to the Mayo Clinic, TBI treatment programs include:
There are a variety of brain injury treatment programs, including the following:
- “Acute rehabilitation programs
- Subacute rehabilitation programs
- Long-term rehabilitation programs
- Transitional living programs
- Behavior management programs
- Day-treatment programs
- Independent living programs”
Researchers are continuing to explore new treatments to help traumatic brain injury victims.
What types of healthcare providers treat TBI victims?
Traumatic brain injury victims often need to treat with many different types of healthcare providers starting with the ER physicians and neurosurgical team. The rehabilitation team includes the following health providers and counselors:
- Neurologist/neurosurgeon
- Internists and specialists
- Rehabilitation nurse
- Therapists - physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, and vocational therapists.
- Physiatrists
- Psychologists and psychiatrists
- Audiologists
- Nutritionists
- Orthotists
Non-physicians may include a case manager, a social worker, and a chaplain. Many victims and families also benefit from TBI support groups.
What compensation do your TBI attorneys pursue for brain injury victims in Oklahoma City?
Whether a brain injury occurs because of medical malpractice, a car crash, or a fall, the injury will have a lasting impact on the person’s life. Victims with a TBI can claim the following damages against the responsible defendants:
- Medical bills – current and future, as many TBI victims need a lifetime of medical care
- Lost income – current and future, as many TBI victims can never return to work full-time or even part-time
- Pain and suffering – physical and emotional
- Inability to function
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Other damages such as loss of consortium (marital enjoyment)
Our compassionate, skilled Oklahoma City traumatic brain injury attorneys understand both the complicated medical issues and the legal issues involved in obtaining compensation for the injuries and other losses the injured person has suffered.
At Cunningham & Mears, we are relentless in our pursuit of justice on your behalf. You do not pay legal fees if we do not win compensation for you, and your consultation with us to discuss your case and learn about your legal options is free and without any obligation to hire us.
Do you have a TBI lawyer near me?
Cunningham & Mears has two offices located in Oklahoma City. Our first is located at 5104 N Francis Ave., Suite 102, Oklahoma City, located just 4 mins drive from Penn Square Mall with plenty of car parking and easy access to the office. Our second is located at 9428 Westgate, Suite 102B, in the Brookhaven West part of Oklahoma City, just a short walk from Resurrection Cemetery and off the Northwest Expressway. We do see clients at their homes or a hospital if they are ill or immobile.
Contact a seasoned head injury attorney today
If you were in an accident caused by the negligence of another party and you sustained a brain injury or other injuries, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The lawyers at Cunningham & Mears have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through your claim and advise you on how to maximize your recovery. To learn more, contact us or call 405-451-5088 today for a free initial consultation.
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