Houston Brain Injury Lawyer

Traumatic Brain injuries can be one of the more difficult cases to present to a jury, simply because the injury can’t be visualized. Fortunately, we have developed winning strategies for head injury lawsuits. We have helped many brain injury victims win multi-million dollar settlements.  Talk with a brain injury lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm. Never a charge for a case consultation.  Call 281-587-1111!

Brain injuries can be some of the most difficult life events. They might result from a number of accidents or events, such as:

• Automobile accidents
• Truck accidents
• Construction accidents
• Near drowning
• DWI Accidents

Brain injuries may be open or closed injuries. Open head injuries are those that result in an actual puncture wound or break, in the skull. A closed head injury occurs when the skull is not broken or punctured, but the brain is otherwise damaged. An example is a concussion where the brain strikes the inside of the skull.

Both types of brain injury can be severe to life-threatening. All minor, moderate, and severe head injuries bring the possibility of expensive medical care. Brain injury patients may also be unable to work for some time as a result of the injury, which puts additional strain on finances.

However, you do have options when you or a loved one has suffered a severe brain injury that another party caused. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you explore the options available to you and collect the right evidence to establish your case.

What are the symptoms of a brain injury?

One has to be especially careful when a closed head injury or traumatic brain injury is suspected. Symptoms may not show up immediately after the accident. Often, symptoms show up only after an hour or even days after the event.

Because of the dangers inherent with a traumatic brain injury, getting medical help after a sharp blow to the head is always recommended. Numerous tests can be performed, which will help diagnose a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These tests include a CT scan, speech pathology testing, neuropsychological tests, and others.

Here are some of the classic symptoms of a brain injury:

• Headaches
• loss of consciousness
• Confusion or forgetfulness
• nausea or vomiting
• personality changes
• slurring your speech
• balance issues
• mood swings
• memory loss

How TBI is diagnosed?

Traumatic brain injuries are diagnosed with reference to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The GCS is an objective measure of a person’s functioning ability in three areas:

1. Speech ability
2. Ability to open the eyes
3. Ability to move

Medical professionals rate a person’s responses in these three categories and come up with a total score for the person. A score of 13 or higher usually means a mild traumatic brain injury. A score of nine up to 12 indicates a moderate brain injury. Eight and below shows a severe head injury.

Usually, the Glasgow scale is completed on the way to the hospital after an accident. The testing will be repeated throughout a person’s hospital stay. Medical authorities indicate there may not be a correlation between Glasgow, scales, and a person’s ability to recover.

A TBI is considered a mild injury if,

The person did not lose consciousness or was unconscious for less than 30 minutes.

Memory loss was one day or less.

The GCS was 13 to 15.

A moderate traumatic brain injury is:

The person was unconscious for over 30 minutes in less than 24 hours.

Memory loss from one day to a week.

GCS of 9 to 12.

A severe TBI is:

The person was unconscious for more than one day.

Memory Loss for more than a week.

GCS of eight or lower.

What About Concussions

According to Brainline, an organization that works to prevent, treat, and aid those that have suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a concussion can be defined as “a result of a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.”

While most individuals might chalk up any head injury as “not being too serious,” the research indicates that even the most minor of concussions can have a wide range of psychological or physical effects.

The research also notes that, while many signs and symptoms of a serious issue can arise just minutes after a traumatic head injury, other signs may take days or even weeks to develop. Thus, one must recognize the symptoms of a concussion to prevent ongoing or additional trauma to the injured individual potentially.

Thus, remember the following concussion symptoms, broken down by subset:

Emotional and Cognition

• The individual cannot think clearly and has trouble concentrating.
• The individual cannot recall old information or store new information.
• The individual feels as if they are “slowed down.”
• The individual has an abrupt change in mood, such as being easily angered or upset, sad, anxious, or nervous.
• The individual is overall more emotional than normal.

Physical Attributes

• A headache, whether minor or moderate.
• Blurred or fuzzy vision.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light or varying noise levels.
• Dizziness.
• Problems with coordination and balance.
• Sleeping more or less than usual.
• Feeling more tired than usual or having no energy.
• Having a hard time trying to fall asleep.

For young children, one should follow:

• Crying more than usual.
• Changes in behavior, such as throwing “temper tantrums,” become easily agitated or upset, or noticeable changes during play.
• Continued headache.
• Changes in sleeping patterns, nursing, or sleep.
• Disinterest in favorite toys or activities.
• Loss of acquired skills; for example, having trouble with toilet training after already mastering this feat.
• Loss of balance and overall trouble with coordination.
• Trouble concentrating.

If you notice someone with the above symptoms after a head injury, the first thing to do is to remain calm. By panicking, one will make the situation worse by not fully understanding the condition and being unable to render aid or seek after help.

Your Case May Require Expert Testimony

One of the keys to recovering compensation for damages related to a head injury is having qualified experts who can provide testimony about your case. An expert’s opinion and testimony can make the case. We will seek out experts with whom consultation will likely be necessary.

These experts may include professionals with knowledge of:

• future medical expenses;
• accident reconstruction;
• economics or finances; and
• neurology and other medical specialties.

Having our legal team forms a foundation upon which many cases of severe head injuries have resulted in significant damages.

What Compensation Can I Get in My Brain Injury Case?

If you or your loved one has suffered a brain injury as the result of another party’s negligent act, you can seek compensation for the damages that result. In this type of case, accident victims and their families might suffer an array of damages.

Appropriate compensation may cover some of the following:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Reduced capacity to earn a wage
• Loss of wages
• Home modification requirements
• Emotional distress

Discuss the extent of your damages and the types you may recover with a leading Houston head injury attorney, as the damages recoverable will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Houston Head Injury Lawyers for Help

The key to a successful brain injury lawsuit is hiring a knowledgeable attorney who is experienced in handling serious head injury damage cases. The earlier in the process you seek out the best attorney for your case the better.

The injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm have many years of experience helping people seek full and appropriate compensation for head injury cases. See some of our recent muli-million dollar settlements! If you were injured in Texas and need a Houston brain injury lawyer, we are here to help. Please call 281-587-1111 and we will be glad to discuss your legal options or fill out the online consultation request.

Never a charge for an injury accident consultation!