Tacoma Brain Injury Lawyer

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury caused by an external force or impact to the head or body that results in damage to the brain. This damage can range from mild to severe and may involve temporary or permanent impairment of brain functions. TBIs are often the result of accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violent incidents. If you have suffered a brain injury in an accident, it is important that you get in touch with a Tacoma brain injury attorney who can help guide you through the legal process, help you recover compensation, and ensure that your rights are protected. To receive a free case consultation for your brain injury case, contact Brumley Law Firm today.

Understanding Brain Injuries in Tacoma

TBIs occur when a sudden force, such as a blow or jolt to the head, causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This can result in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissues, leading to a disruption of normal brain function.

Classification of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are classified into three categories—mild, moderate, and severe—based on the extent of damage to the brain, the duration of symptoms, and the level of consciousness or responsiveness following the injury. These classifications help medical professionals determine the appropriate treatment and prognosis.

Mild Brain Injury (Concussion)

A mild brain injury, often referred to as a concussion, is characterized by a brief disruption of normal brain function. This can result from a blow to the head or a sudden movement that causes the brain to move within the skull.

Key indicators of a mild brain injury include:

• Loss of Consciousness: If present, it typically lasts for a few seconds to minutes, but many individuals with mild brain injuries do not lose consciousness at all.
• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score: A GCS score of 13-15 out of 15 points, where 15 indicates full consciousness and responsiveness.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms may appear immediately or be delayed.
• Duration: Symptoms usually resolve within a few days to weeks, though some individuals may experience post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for a longer period.

Most people recover fully from a mild brain injury with rest and a gradual return to normal activities. Repeated mild injuries, however, can lead to more serious long-term effects.

Moderate Brain Injury

A moderate brain injury involves a more significant disruption of brain function and often includes a longer period of unconsciousness or confusion.

Key indicators of a moderate brain injury include:

• Loss of Consciousness: Can last from a few minutes to several hours.
• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score: A GCS score of 9-12, indicating moderate impairment in consciousness and responsiveness.
• Symptoms: Individuals may experience more pronounced cognitive deficits, such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with attention. Physical symptoms can include persistent headaches, dizziness, and weakness in limbs.
• Duration: Recovery may take weeks to months, and individuals may require rehabilitation to regain lost functions.

With proper treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals with moderate brain injuries can recover significant function, though some may have lasting impairments.

Severe Brain Injury

A severe brain injury involves extensive damage to the brain, often resulting in prolonged unconsciousness or coma, and significant long-term impairments.

Key indicators of a severe brain injury include:

• Loss of Consciousness: Often lasts for several hours, days, or longer, with some individuals remaining in a coma or vegetative state.
• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score: A GCS score of 8 or below indicates severe impairment in consciousness and responsiveness.
• Symptoms: Severe brain injuries can result in significant cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, including paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, and personality changes. These symptoms may be permanent and can drastically affect the individual’s quality of life.
• Duration: Recovery is often prolonged and incomplete, with many individuals requiring long-term care and support.

Individuals with severe brain injuries may experience lifelong disabilities and may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support. The extent of recovery varies, with some individuals regaining some level of independence, while others may remain dependent on caregivers for daily activities. To ensure that you receive compensation for ongoing care, contact our Tacoma brain injury lawyers.

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a widely used clinical tool designed to assess a person’s level of consciousness after a brain injury. It measures three key functions: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each of these functions is scored individually on a scale, and the scores are then added together to give an overall score ranging from 3 to 15.

Scoring

• Eye Opening (1-4): Ranges from no eye opening to spontaneous eye opening.
• Verbal Response (1-5): Ranges from no verbal response to oriented conversation.
• Motor Response (1-6): Ranges from no motor response to obeying commands.

Interpretation

• 13-15: Indicates a mild brain injury.
• 9-12: Indicates a moderate brain injury.
• 3-8: Indicates a severe brain injury, often associated with coma.

The GCS is an essential tool in emergency and critical care settings as it provides a quick and standardized way to assess the severity of a brain injury and helps guide immediate treatment decisions. It also allows for consistent communication among healthcare providers regarding a patient’s condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can significantly affect cognitive functions, including memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. Victims may experience difficulties with concentration, confusion, and memory loss. In severe cases, cognitive impairments can impact a person’s ability to work, perform daily activities, or live independently.

The physical effects of a brain injury can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common physical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, seizures, and coordination problems. Severe brain injuries can result in paralysis, loss of motor function, or sensory impairments, such as vision or hearing loss.

Emotional and behavioral changes are common after a brain injury. Victims may experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and changes in personality. These emotional effects can strain relationships with family and friends and may require psychological counseling or therapy.

What Are Some Causes of Brain Injuries in Tacoma?

Brain injuries can occur due to a variety of incidents where an external force impacts the head or body, leading to brain damage. Some of the causes our Tacoma brain injury lawyers typically see include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of TBIs, occurring due to collisions involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The sudden impact can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to varying degrees of injury. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Tacoma, contact our Tacoma accident attorneys to schedule a free case consultation.
• Falls: Falls, particularly among the elderly and young children, are a major cause of TBIs. These injuries occur when a person trips, slips, or falls from a height, leading to head impacts that can range from mild to severe.
• Sports Injuries: TBIs in sports occur frequently in contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer. These injuries typically result from collisions, falls, or being struck by equipment, with risks including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Contact Our Tacoma Brain Injury Attorneys Today

Recovering from a brain injury involves more than just medical treatment – it requires the right legal support to ensure your rights are protected and your future is secure. At Brumley Law Firm, our Tacoma brain injury attorneys have expertise in guiding brain injury victims through the legal process, helping you understand your options and pursue the best possible outcome. Reach out to our Tacoma brain injury attorneys today at (833) 832-2727 or by filling out our online form to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate your case with expertise and compassion, so you can move forward with confidence.