Traumatic Brain Injury
Chattanooga Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Compassionate representation for victims of negligence and recklessness
Accidental injuries to the head often impact the brain as well, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The effects of a TBI can be long-lasting, requiring extensive medical treatment and years of costly rehabilitation. Without adequate compensation for the harm placed upon them, victims and their families may find that these expenses prevent them from getting the care that they need.
Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers is a law firm that fights for the rights of those injured by the negligence of others. We have been a staple of the community for more than 70 years, providing skilled and trustworthy legal guidance. When you secure our services, you can rest assured that you are receiving top-notch representation from reputable Chattanooga traumatic brain injury lawyers.
Experienced attorneys to take on the most severe TBI cases
Various incidents can trigger a brain injury. The impact of a vehicle crash may jolt the head violently, causing the brain to move around and hit the skull. A brain injury may also result from a foreign object penetrating the skull or a blunt force blow to the head.
The personal injury lawyers of Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers have helped numerous victims affected by brain injuries.These injuries can result from a variety of accidents, including those involving:
- Falls. The leading cause of head injuries is falling. People whose work requires them to use ladders or scaffolding or who work at elevation are at a greater risk of falling. However, tripping up (or down) a set of stairs at the office, falling off of a stepstool while reaching for an item on a shelf, falling into an open manhole in the street—all can also lead to a TBI. Falls are the number one cause of TBIs in older adults.
- Vehicle accidents. The impact caused by a head-on, side-impact, or rear-end collision can lead to a TBI. Severe brain injuries are also common in crashes involving bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
- A blow to the head can cause serious harm. Violent assaults, particularly those involving objects, are among the leading causes of TBIs.
- Work-related injuries. Head injuries are a constant risk for employees of construction sites and industrial work. Falling objects can strike the head, causing severe damage to the brain.
Fighting for substantial compensation to cover your medical needs
When seeking compensation for a TBI, our knowledgeable attorneys are not only concerned about the immediate effects. We fight to secure compensation that adequately addresses current and future medical needs. Victims of severe TBIs often need long-term medical assistance, so we work with medical experts to identify needs and future costs related to:
- Providers may prescribe medication as a method of pain management or to treat additional conditions brought on by brain damage.
- Surgical procedures. Under some circumstances, surgery is the most appropriate method of treating symptoms of brain injury.
- A patient with a TBI may need to relearn basic bodily functions and movements, which can require months and even years of rehabilitation.
- Living accommodations. The most severe TBI injuries may require alterations to the victim’s home and transportation methods.
- Psychological assistance. Depression and anxiety are commonly associated with TBIs. Psychological assistance is essential to promoting a high quality of life for these victims.
Frequently asked questions about TBIs in Chattanooga
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 69,473 people died because of TBIs in 2021, while 214,110 people were hospitalized for these injuries. When it comes to total injuries, the numbers are likely even higher, as not everyone seeks medical care for head injuries. Given the prevalence of severe TBIs, many Americans likely have questions about these injuries, their impact, and options for recovering compensation after experiencing a TBI that another person caused. Here are some of the questions that TBI victims and their families often ask.
How do I know if I have a TBI?
TBIs can present with a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Unconsciousness, or decreased consciousness
- Blurred or double vision
- Convulsions or seizures
- Unequal eye pupil size/dilation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Clear fluid that drains from the nose and ears
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance
- Weakness in arms, legs, or face
- Loss of memory
- Confusion
- Frustration and irritability
- Changes to sleep patterns
- Difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Experiencing an unexplained bad taste
How do doctors diagnose a TBI?
After an accident, a doctor will review information about the injury and ask certain questions. Facts related to the accident and whether the person suffered unconsciousness can help medical providers get a better understanding of the person’s injuries. Doctors may also perform imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI, to further evaluate any brain damage. Another tool doctors may use is an intracranial pressure monitor, which helps them determine if the brain is swelling.
How can doctors treat TBIs?
Treatment for TBIs varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury. In the case of mild TBIs, the treatment might include rest and monitoring. More serious cases may require medications like anti-seizure drugs and surgery. Severe TBIs require long-term care and rehabilitation with a team of specialists. The costs related to this treatment can be difficult for many people to cover, making pursuing a personal injury claim important for anyone who might have a case.
What are some long-term effects of TBI?
Not all TBIs have long-term effects, but a moderate to severe injury could cause permanent brain damage. You may experience a number of long-lasting cognitive, physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. The effects are wide-ranging and different for everyone, but they could include:
- Difficulty concentrating and/or remembering things
- Speech, smell, taste, and/or vision problems
- Depression, anxiety, and/or mental health issues
- Insomnia
- Trouble reading or writing
- Inattention and/or impulsiveness
- Mood swings
- Paralysis
- Headaches
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Seizures
Will this TBI change my personality?
Brain injuries sometimes cause subtle or pronounced changes in personality. Depending on the part of the brain that the injury impacted, you could experience mood swings, irritability, or behavioral outbursts. Some studies indicated that in 30% of cases, patients experience increased aggression.
However, every situation is different, and help is available. You can speak with a doctor to learn what options, including medication and therapy, can help you cope. You are still you, and you can learn to cope with the new you.
My loved one has a TBI. What can I do to help them?
During the first few months after a TBI, your loved one may be experiencing difficulty with fulfilling basic needs. You may need to cook, clean, run errands, and watch the children for them. Do not make your loved one feel like a burden—instead, show up with open arms and offer assistance. Be patient, compassionate, and generous with your time and resources. Be a kind, listening ear as well. Consulting with professionals and possibly even support groups will help ease some of your emotional burden.
What kinds of doctors can I work with to manage my TBI?
Many types of doctors can help manage your TBI, from a neurologist to a physical therapist to a psychologist. Work with your care team to develop a plan specifically designed to meet your needs.
Can I go back to my old job after a TBI?
This depends on the extent of your injury, how it affected you, and what job-related tasks you need to perform. If you require special accommodations post-TBI, your employer must provide adequate accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Alternatively, you may be able to get a different job that better suits your new condition.
Can I sue the person who caused my TBI?
If your brain injury was caused by the negligence of another, yes, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Such situations where legal action may be warranted include motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents, slips and falls, work-related accidents, and assaults. You and your Chattanooga TBI attorney must prove that the at-fault person acted recklessly or carelessly, and those actions directly led to your injuries.
What are the warning signs of a traumatic brain injury in children?
Adults might have a better grasp of how to describe their symptoms than children, which can make it more challenging for parents and caregivers to determine if a child suffered a TBI. However, the symptoms are similar to those that adults experience, including loss of consciousness, memory issues, irritability, sensitivity to light, nausea, changes in sleeping habits, and more. Because these injuries are so serious, it’s important to seek medical attention if a child suffers a head injury, even if you are on the fence about how severe it might have been.
How do TBIs affect children differently than adults?
A TBI can cause long-term changes in children’s cognition, behavior, self-regulation, social participation, and learning. Families who are caring for a child who suffered a TBI need to seek out all the support they can find and pursue compensation where possible so that they provide the best possible future for that child.
What is the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury?
A concussion is a mild TBI. These injuries are common in accidents and sports, and fortunately, they are not life-threatening. Still, even a mild TBI or concussion can cause serious issues that linger, such as post-concussive syndrome.
What are the legal time limits for filing a TBI lawsuit in Tennessee?
If you or a loved one experiences a TBI, you could be facing serious costs related to that injury. In cases where someone else caused the TBI, you might be able to recover damages to cover those costs and compensate for your pain and suffering. However, you need to act quickly. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is just one year.
How much money is my claim worth?
No one can tell you upfront exactly what a personal injury claim is worth. With your lawyer, however, you can determine a potential amount based on:
- How much your total medical expenses have been
- What your future medical costs might be
- How much money you lost if you were not able to work because of your injury
- An estimate of any lost future earning capacity
- What personal property was damaged in the accident
- How much pain, suffering, and emotional distress you experienced
You focus on healing; we will focus on your claim
If you or a loved one was impacted by a severe TBI, contact the hometown lawyers with a proven track record of aggressive legal advocacy. Call the experienced traumatic brain injury lawyers at Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers today or complete our contact form to schedule your free and confidential consultation. We serve clients in North Georgia, Cleveland, Chattanooga, TN and the surrounding counties.