Seattle Brain Injury Lawyer

A brain injury is any damage to the brain that disrupts its normal functioning. This damage can result from various causes, such as external trauma, lack of oxygen, infections, or other medical conditions. Brain injuries can affect cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral functions, and their severity can range from mild, such as a concussion, to severe, leading to long-term disability or death. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, it is important to contact a Seattle brain injury attorney who can help guide you through the legal process and ensure that you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today to schedule a free case consultation for your brain injury case.

Types of Brain Injuries

There are many different types of brain injuries. Here are some of the most common ones our Seattle traumatic brain injury attorneys see:

Concussions

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body. It can result in a temporary loss of normal brain function, and symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems. Concussions are common in sports and car accidents and can sometimes lead to more serious complications if not properly treated.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes significant damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild (like concussions) to severe, involving loss of consciousness, extended hospitalization, or even permanent disability. Symptoms of TBI can include cognitive impairments, motor deficits, speech and language difficulties, and emotional and behavioral changes. Severe TBIs often require long-term rehabilitation and may have lifelong consequences.

Anoxic Injuries

An anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is completely deprived of oxygen for a prolonged period, leading to widespread brain cell death. This type of injury can result from drowning, suffocation, or cardiac arrest and often leads to severe, irreversible damage.

Hypoxic Injuries

A hypoxic brain injury happens when the brain receives insufficient oxygen, but not a complete lack. This can occur due to events like respiratory failure, carbon monoxide poisoning, or complications during surgery. The effects of hypoxic brain injuries can vary from mild impairments to severe disabilities depending on the duration and severity of oxygen deprivation.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Seattle

Some of the most common causes of brain injuries that our Seattle brain injury attorneys typically see include:

Car Accidents

Car accidents in Seattle are one of the leading causes of brain injuries. The sudden impact or violent jolt during a collision can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in concussions, TBIs, or other types of brain injuries. Brain injuries from car accidents can be particularly severe due to the high forces involved.

Falls

Falls are a significant cause of brain injuries, especially among the elderly and young children. A slip or trip can result in a blow to the head, leading to concussions or more severe TBIs. In older adults, falls often result in brain injuries that can have long-lasting or even fatal consequences due to their increased vulnerability. If your loved one has succumbed to a severe brain injury, contact our Seattle wrongful death attorneys to learn about how you may be able to recover compensation for your losses.

Sports Injuries

Sports, particularly contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, are common causes of concussions and other TBIs. Repeated head trauma, even from seemingly minor impacts, can lead to cumulative brain damage, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative brain condition found in athletes with a history of repeated head injuries.

Medical Malpractice

Brain injuries can occur due to medical errors, such as surgical mistakes, anesthesia complications, or misdiagnosis leading to delayed treatment. For instance, failure to recognize and treat a stroke or aneurysm promptly can result in severe brain damage. Medical malpractice cases involving brain injuries can be complex and require expert legal representation.

Assaults

Physical assaults, including blows to the head, gunshot wounds, or other violent acts, can cause serious brain injuries. These injuries are often severe and can result in long-term disability or death. Victims of assault-related brain injuries may have legal recourse to seek compensation from the perpetrator.

Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected. These symptoms are typically categorized into three main areas: physical, cognitive, and emotional.

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Blurred vision
• Loss of coordination

Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion
• Slowed thinking (cognitive slowing)

Emotional symptoms

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Changes in personality

Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Needs

Many brain injury victims require long-term care and rehabilitation to recover or manage their symptoms. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. In some cases, individuals may need lifelong assistance with daily activities, requiring home care or placement in specialized facilities. The cost of long-term care can be substantial, making legal compensation critical for covering these expenses.

Levels of Brain Injuries

TBIs are categorized by their severity:

• Mild TBI (Concussion): Often characterized by temporary confusion, headache, dizziness, and sometimes loss of consciousness. Symptoms usually resolve with time, but repeated mild TBIs can have cumulative effects.
• Moderate TBI: May involve longer periods of unconsciousness, significant confusion, and cognitive or physical impairments. Recovery may take weeks to months and can require rehabilitation.
• Severe TBI: Involves prolonged unconsciousness (coma), significant neurological impairment, and potentially permanent damage. Severe TBIs can result in long-term disabilities and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Legal Rights of Brain Injury Victims in Seattle

You have the right to pursue legal action if your brain injury was caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. This might involve suing an individual, business, or institution responsible for the circumstances that led to your injury. You can take legal action in cases such as car accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, or assaults with the help of a Seattle injury attorney.

Seeking Compensation After a Brain Injury

Seeking compensation is crucial for covering the wide range of expenses associated with your brain injury. These costs can be overwhelming, including emergency medical treatment, ongoing healthcare, rehabilitation, and long-term care if your injury is severe.

Compensation can also help you recover lost wages or address loss of earning capacity if your injury prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently. Additionally, you are entitled to seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Without proper compensation, you may struggle to afford the necessary care and support, which can significantly impact your recovery and quality of life. By taking legal action with the help of a Seattle brain injury lawyer, you ensure that those responsible for your injury are held accountable, and you receive the financial resources needed for your care and recovery.

Contact Our Seattle Brain Injury Attorneys Today

Suffering a brain injury can disrupt every aspect of your life, from your health to your ability to work. At Brumley Law Firm, we believe that you shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone. Our experienced legal team is ready to fight on your behalf, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Take the first step by calling us at (833) 832-2727 or by using our convenient online form to arrange your free consultation. Let our Seattle brain injury attorneys take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing.