Unfortunately, PI claims for injury to the brain are not uncommon. This type of injury can impair a person’s cognitive functioning, or lead to physical disabilities. Trauma to the brain may also produce an altered or diminished state of consciousness – one that leads to emotional or behavioral disturbances.
How an Injury Can Occur
In some instances, trauma to the brain, or traumatic injury, is described as a closed injury. In this instance, the victim receives a blow to the head from an outside force. However, the skull does not displace or fracture. Brain injury in Bethlehem, PA then can be described as temporary or permanent. The injury can lead to total or partial disability, or psychosocial maladjustment.
TBI-Related Symptoms
A traumatic brain injury is sometimes known as a TBI, or brain trauma. The injury is not associated with injuries to the brain that are degenerative, congenital, or hereditary. Neither is it related to brain injuries that are caused from trauma at birth, disease, or toxic substances. This injury, which often manifests itself during an accident, may involve one or more of the following events:
- Memory loss after an accident
- Loss of consciousness
- Focal neurological deficits
In the US, just over 5 million people are suffering from TBI – a brain injury that comes with lifelong side effects.
Penetration Injuries
Most TBIs that occur are the result of falls, followed by motor vehicle mishaps, or events where the person’s head was struck. The latter often results in mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) – many of which are frequently related to a sports activity. In addition, TBI can also be caused by an impact from a sharp object, knife, or bullet, also known as a penetration injury.
A closed-head-type brain injury can indeed be serious as the injury can increase the pressure inside the skull, which can compress the other tissues, resulting in further injury. Needless to say, any kind of brain trauma that results from an accident should be given careful review by a PI attorney.
