Traumatic Brain Injury Questions
Phoenix,Arizona
What is traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury is when an accident or trauma causes injury to the brain. This type of injury can be a penetrating head injury or a closed head injury. With a closed head injury brain damage may have occurred without any outward signs of trauma being present. Depending upon the extent of damage to the brain, the symptoms will be considered mild, moderate or severe. TBI attorney, Jerrold Mayro, has represented many brain injury victims and family and understands both the legal and the physical and emotional aspects of brain injuries.
Can brain injury occur without direct trauma to the head?
Yes. When the head is whiplashed without hitting a hard object, the brain’s white matter can suffer an axonal injury. This type of traumatic brain injury is referred to as an acceleration/deceleration injury. In serious whiplash injuries the brain’s axons are stretched to the point of damage and body tissues are torn.
When will the full extent of traumatic brain injury be known?
The “wait and see” approach that doctors often take with TBI patients is a frustrating one for friends and family. However, no one knows whether a TBI patient who is in a comatose state will remain in coma for a few days or years. Obviously, the longer a person is in a comatose state, the less likely he or she will recover completely.
Is it possible for two individuals to have the same level of brain injury, but have two different degrees of outcome?
Yes, because no two brains are alike. A variety of factors can determine outcome. Some of those may include:
- Intellectual capacity
- Physical Health
- Age
- Emotional stability or instability
- Quality of immediate medical attention after injury
- Psychological adjustment or maladjustment
- Other injuries related to the body
Is recovery from TBI possible?
For personal injuries involving TBI, recovery can be measured in weeks, months and even years. The most rapid recovery occurs during the first six months after an injury. For milder traumatic brain injury, a patient is likely to be back at work within three months. Some TBI patients will have no noticeable symptoms, while others will require life-long care.
What are the survival rates among TBI victims?
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, children and adolescents are more likely than adults to survive following TBI. Of the 1.4 million people that sustain a TBI each year, 50,000 of those will die while 1.1 million will be treated at an emergency department and released. Those with moderate to severe TBI typically have life-long disabilities with varying degrees of dependence.
It looks like my loved one’s brain injuries will require life-long care. Where should I go for help?
At the Mayro Law Firm in Phoenix, Arizona we understand the long-term consequences associated with traumatic brain injuries and have helped clients who have suffered both mild and severe brain injuries to obtain compensation. If you live in Phoenix, or anywhere in Arizona, please schedule a no-cost consultation with our office today, so we can begin the evaluation of your case.
Suite 700
Phoenix, AZ 85016
