According to The Centers for Disease Control, about 176 Americans die every day from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These catastrophic injuries can easily cause permanent disability, loss of function, personality change, and in extreme cases, require permanent care.

The Law Office of Scott R. Herndon understands that a traumatic brain injury can have serious and lasting effects on your life. Contact us today for a free consultation. We help people get fair compensation for traumatic brain injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We provide respectful, caring counsel for people with TBI throughout California, from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Central Valley and Southern California. Call now to work with a dedicated Berkeley traumatic brain injury lawyer.

Common Causes Of Traumatic Brain Injuries

In a recent study conducted, the CDC found that many people, especially children under 17 and elderly adults over 65, are prone to Traumatic Brain Injuries.

The leading causes of TBI include:

  • Falls. A fall may be purely accidental, or it may be due to someone else’s negligence. This is the most common cause of TBI in people 65 and older.
  • Motor vehicle crashes. This may also be due to someone else’s negligence. It’s the most common cause of TBI in young adults.
  • Sports injuries. Many athletes are subjected to multiple mild TBIs or concussions that may have longer-term effects.
  • Being hit by an object. You might have hit your head on the car door or someone might have assaulted you. In another example, a business might have neglected to put up a sign warning of a low doorway or ceiling, or its electronic entrance doors may shut on a customer, impairing them in the process.
  • Child abuse. Tragically, this is the most common cause of TBI in children under 4.
  • Penetrating injuries. This includes being hit by a bullet or shrapnel, being hit by a weapon such as a hammer, knife, or axe, or a head injury that causes a bone fragment to penetrate the skull.

A Berkeley TBI attorney can review the circumstances of your accident to determine its cause and who should be held legally responsible.

Any Brain Injuries Can Be a Severe Injury

It is important to see a doctor immediately following an accident. Traumatic Brain Injuries can be difficult to diagnose as they often don’t usually manifest symptoms right away, but a specialized physician may be able to treat even asymptomatic TBI in its early stages.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Associated Symptoms

Traumatic brain injuries are classified into three main types:

  1. Mild TBI or concussion,
  2. Moderate TBI,
  3. Severe TBI.

Mild TBI or concussions are caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move back and forth within the skull, which may result in chemical changes within the brain and/or stretching and damaging brain cells.

As a result, someone with mild TBI may have symptoms that affect their cognitive functions. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the common symptoms of mild TBIs and concussions include:

  • A brief loss of consciousness (many people with mild TBI remain conscious).
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision or tired eyes
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • A change in sleep patterns
  • Behavioral or mood changes
  • Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking

Repeated concussions may cause additional and more severe symptoms. Many people who play contact sports are subjected to repeated head injuries and concussions that result in ongoing problems with concentration, memory, headaches, and loss of balance.

Moderate or severe TBI can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a penetrating head injury (e.g., gunshot wound). Moderate and severe TBI can lead to serious physical and psychological symptoms, coma, and death. In addition to the symptoms listed above for mild TBI and concussion, people who have moderate or severe TBI may also have the following symptoms:

  • A headache that gets worse and/or does not go away
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Unable to awaken from sleep
  • Larger than normal pupil (dilation) of one or both eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or numbness in limbs
  • Lack of coordination
  • Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

Who Is Responsible for My TBI?

If you’ve suffered from trauma because of another person’s negligence, then it is possible that they could be held liable for financial compensation. However, determining who was negligent can require the care and attention of an attorney and qualifying experts due to the complexity of the accident.

The following parties may have been responsible:

  • Car Accidents: If you have been injured in an auto accident, it is essential to determine liability. An example of negligence would be reckless driving, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, or distractions such as text messaging.
  • Commercial Truck Accidents: Truckers’ hours can be particularly dangerous due to long and repetitive shifts with heavy equipment. These demanding conditions can lead to catastrophic errors in judgment on the roadways. If you’ve been involved in an accident as a result of such a practice, contact us to analyze your claim.
  • Employers: Protecting the health and safety of employees should be an essential goal for any business. If an employer knows working conditions or machinery are a safety risk for its workers, liability may be found.

California law provides for compensation for people who are injured due to the negligence of others. If your TBI is caused by someone else’s actions or omissions, you need to consult with an experienced Berkeley attorney. We understand the long legal road ahead for people who have suffered TBI. We are experienced in TBI law and know how to navigate the California legal system. We humanize the process of getting compensation for your injuries. And we are personally invested in helping you get the space you need to heal and the resources – and commitment you need to prevail in settlement negotiations or in court, when necessary.

We Treat our Bay Area Traumatic Brain Injury Clients Like They Are Family

Based in Berkeley, California, The Law Office of Scott R. Herndon is a nationally-recognized, law firm that represents clients throughout California. We are highly selective in our client base, affording us unrivaled time and attention for our clients who have suffered severe personal injuries. Scott R. Herndon’s experience as a philosopher, professor, athlete, and author, makes him different from other personal injury lawyers. He is devoted to paying extraordinary attention to each client. He listens carefully, does his research, and advocates with the mind of a professor, an artist’s attention to detail, and an athlete’s focused determination.

If you or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury, call (415) 360-5477 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Berkeley traumatic brain injury lawyer.