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A doctor reviewing a brain stem injury on an x-ray.

What Happens if the Brain Stem is Damaged?

The brain stem is an extremely important part of the brain that controls many vital functions. Damage to the brain stem is serious and potentially life-threatening.

Brain stem damage can occur in a broad number of circumstances including car accidents, recreational activity accidents, slip and fall accidents, or any other time a blow to the head occurs. Damage to the brain stem can have catastrophic effects on many essential bodily functions.

The consequences of a brain stem injury can be severe and life-altering. Treatment and prognosis depend on the underlying cause and the extent of damage. The individual’s overall health is also an important factor. Rehabilitation and supportive care may be necessary to help manage symptoms and improve the individual’s quality of life.Brain Injury Association of Virginia

If your brain stem injury occurred because of someone else’s negligent actions, you may have cause to bring a lawsuit for financial compensation. Brain stem injury treatments are costly and a lawsuit may be necessary to cover the costs of your medical expenses. The funds can help you pay your rent, mortgage, and day-to-day expenses.

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Coup Vs. Contrecoup Brain Injuries: Understanding the Differences

A brain injury can change your life overnight. Find out how a brain injury attorney can help you hold those responsible for your injury accountable for their negligent actions.

A coup brain injury and a contrecoup brain injury are both types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can occur when the brain sustains damage due to sudden impact or acceleration-deceleration forces. Both types of injuries are incredibly serious and can result in lifelong complications.

A coup injury occurs when the head strikes an object or surface. Upon impact, the force of the blow causes the brain to collide with the inner surface of the skull, resulting in an injury to the brain tissue directly beneath the point of impact. Coup injuries typically involve bruising of the brain tissue at the impact site.

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An older woman with short gray hair wearing a red sweater holds her head in pain.

Understanding Differences Between Cerebral Contusions and Concussions

Among the most common types of head trauma are cerebral contusions and concussions. While both can result from similar incidents, such as car accidents or falls, understanding the distinctions between these two conditions is crucial for both medical and legal purposes.

As experienced personal injury lawyers, we at the Brain Injury Law Center recognize the importance of educating our clients and the public about these matters to ensure they receive the legal support and medical attention they deserve.

Brain Injury Association of America logoIn this guide, we explore the fundamental differences between cerebral contusions and concussions, shedding light on their causes, symptoms, treatment procedures, and potential legal implications. We aim to provide valuable insights that empower you to navigate these challenging circumstances with confidence.

Read on to gain a deeper understanding of the crucial distinctions between concussions and brain contusions. Reach out to the Brain Injury Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000 for actionable legal advice and representation.

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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Each brain injury case is unique. Sharing personal stories about a brain injury is a powerful way to raise awareness.

For Brain Injury Awareness Month this March 2024, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has created a new survivor-focused campaign to raise awareness of brain injuries. The “My Brain Injury Journey” campaign seeks to create a broader conversation about the unique and dynamic nature of brain injuries while exploring its lesser-known aspects.

Brain Injury Association of America logoThe campaign aims to empower survivors and encourages them and their loved ones to share their own personal stories about how they have navigated their lives after a traumatic brain injury.

Brain injuries can bring about permanent, life-altering changes for the survivor and their family. If you or a loved one have sustained a traumatic brain injury due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 to set up a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Read on to learn more about this year’s Brain Injury Awareness Month campaign and how you can participate. 
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A young Asian man with a white bandage wrapped around his head is comforted by a paramedic in the back of an ambulance.

What Is the Difference Between Open Head Injuries vs. Closed?

It’s important to understand the nuances of open head injuries versus closed head injuries, exploring their causes, medical implications, and legal considerations

When it comes to personal injury cases, understanding the nature and severity of injuries is crucial. Among the various types of traumatic injuries, open head injuries and closed head injuries stand out due to their distinct characteristics and implications.

Open head injuries involve a break in the skull, often leading to direct brain exposure or penetration by foreign objects. In contrast, closed head injuries occur without any visible penetration or break in the skull. Despite their differing mechanisms, both types of injuries can have profound consequences on an individual’s health, livelihood, and legal recourse.

Top 25 Brain Injury Trial LawyersBy gaining a deeper understanding of these distinctions, injury victims and their advocates can navigate the complexities of their cases with clarity and informed decision-making. To discuss your options for filing a claim or lawsuit to access compensation, contact the Brain Injury Law Center at (757) 244-7000 right away.

Read on for more information about the causes, effects, and differences between open and closed head injuries.

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A doctor explains to an elderly couple their symptoms

TBI Death Rate is Increasing

Deaths related to traumatic brain injuries are on the rise. An experienced attorney can help you pursue the financial compensation you are entitled to.

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in healthcare statistics—Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) death rates are on the rise. As the numbers climb, so does the urgency for individuals and their families to understand their rights and seek justice. TBIs can have devastating long-term effects and can effectively change your entire life.

Sometimes, pursuing a lawsuit for damages is the only way to ensure that you have the financial means necessary to heal in peace. A settlement or jury award can be used to pay your rent or mortgage, take care of your family, and pay for other living expenses.

If you or a family member has suffered a TBI as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to bring a lawsuit for damages. An experienced attorney can assist you in understanding the intricate legal aspects associated with TBI cases. Your attorney can work to  safeguard your rights and secure just compensation for the damages you’ve endured.
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Does a Brain Injury Qualify for Disability?

Navigating the intersection of law and medicine, we aim to shed light on the complexities surrounding brain injuries and the eligibility criteria for disability benefits.

As seasoned legal professionals who passionately champion the rights of those facing life-altering challenges, we at the Brain Injury Law Center bring a wealth of experience to this discussion. Join us on a journey through the intricate legal landscape that defines whether a brain injury constitutes a qualifying condition for disability benefits.

Our goal is not only to provide insightful information but also to empower individuals and their families with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions during challenging times. Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself, a loved one, or you simply want to stay informed on legal matters, this blog is your go-to resource for comprehensive and accessible legal insights.

Our founding attorney Stephen M. Smith has secured a record-breaking settlement for a brain injury lawsuit — $12+ million after a slip and fall injury. Should you need specific legal advice or personalized representation, we encourage you to reach out to us at (757) 244-7000 as soon as possible. We are here to provide the help you deserve. (more…)

A man holds the side of his head and face in pain.

What is the Average Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement?

The average settlement for a traumatic brain injury will depend on a variety of factors. A traumatic brain injury attorney can help you pursue a lawsuit for damages.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)  can have lasting effects and can cause many different types of health problems. If you have been involved in any type of accident, you should get checked by a medical professional for any type of head trauma. 

Once you have received medical attention, you should consider contacting an attorney who can help you pursue financial compensation for your injury. 

In lawsuit cases where a traumatic brain injury has caused significant damages, the settlement amount can be substantial. However, there is no set average settlement for traumatic brain injury lawsuits. 

Settlements are often influenced by the severity of the injury, negotiations between the parties involved, the skill of the legal team involved, and may also be subject to insurance policy limits. Hiring an attorney is the surest way to make sure that you receive the damages that you are entitled to by law. 
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Benefits of Exercise After Brain Injuries

New data shows that aerobic exercise after a traumatic brain injury may result in a wide range of physical and cognitive benefits.

A recent report indicates that aerobic exercise following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may yield various improvements in terms of cognition, mood, and cardiovascular fitness. Traumatic brain injuries can often have negative effects on a person’s brain functioning, personality, emotions, and other aspects of life. Thus, this is good news for patients who may be recovering from a brain injury.

After a brain injury, the injured person may be facing mounting hospital debts, an inability to work or earn wages, and other financial hardships. Medical treatment and follow-up methods like physical therapy or exercise may be difficult to obtain when dealing with such debt. However, compensation from a lawsuit can help pay for therapy, rehabilitation, and other long-term healing measures. 

Full compensation in a lawsuit depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries and even the skill and capability of the lawyer handling the case. An experienced attorney is needed to fully maximize the remedies available under the law. At the Brain Injury Law Center, our team has proven experience delivering substantial results for TBI patients.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, we can help you pursue legal action for damages. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 to schedule a free consultation regarding your case.

Read on to learn more about the connections between exercise and recovery from a brain injury. (more…)

A woman in a green sweater holds her hand up to her forehead.

Alcohol and TBI Issues in an Injury Lawsuit

Alcohol consumption can significantly worsen the effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and impede the recovery process. Alcohol use can also exacerbate cognitive impairments, impair judgment, and increase the risk of further injury.

Alcohol and brain injuries share a complex and often detrimental relationship. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions, coordination, and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents that can lead to TBIs. Moreover, alcohol can worsen TBI symptoms, hinder the healing process, and increase the risk of complications.
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Individuals with TBIs are advised to exercise caution with alcohol consumption, as it can complicate recovery and potentially lead to further harm. If you have experienced a brain injury that was made worse by the use of alcohol or was caused by the use of alcohol, you may be able to bring a case for damages. 

Brain injury cases involving alcohol are very complicated, so it is important to consult with an attorney who is experienced in brain injury lawsuits. Contact the lawyers at The Brain Injury Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000. Our firm has handled countless brain injury lawsuits and we are standing by to help you begin the legal process.  (more…)

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