According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 600 people are hospitalized for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) daily. That equates to over 214,000 TBI-related hospitalizations each year. Navigating life after sustaining a brain injury can be incredibly challenging. It’s not only the potential physical hurdles but also the emotional and financial ones. That’s why you should consider hiring a Seattle brain injury lawyer.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC, we understand the severe nature of brain injuries and work diligently to protect the rights of those affected. If you or a loved one has experienced a brain injury due to another’s negligence, know you’re not alone. Our seasoned legal team stands ready to help and will be there for you every step of the way.
What Are the Types of Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries typically fall under three primary classifications: mild, moderate, and severe. The distinction between these types primarily revolves around the intensity of your brain injury, symptoms, and the length of recovery time. Here’s what you need to know about minor, moderate, and severe brain injuries.
Mild TBI
Often called a concussion, a mild TBI might not result in unconsciousness. If you do have any period of unconsciousness, it is usually brief. The symptoms might be subtle and are sometimes overlooked or mistaken for something else. Mild TBI symptoms include the following:
- Brief loss of consciousness spanning a few seconds to minutes;
- Headache;
- Dizziness or vertigo;
- Confusion or disorientation;
- Memory issues, especially surrounding the event;
- Fatigue or drowsiness;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Speech problems, such as slurred speech; and
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual.
Examples of a mild brain injury include whiplash from a car accident, a fall from a short distance, or a minor impact from a sports activity. Most individuals recover fully, but you should still seek medical attention and monitor for persistent or worsening symptoms. Even a minor brain injury means you could be at a higher risk for a more severe one in the future.
Moderate TBI
With a moderate TBI, the individual might remain unconscious for a couple of minutes to several hours. Cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments can be temporary or permanent. Symptoms of moderate traumatic brain injuries can include:
- Loss of consciousness lasting from a few minutes to several hours,
- Persistent and worsening headache,
- Dilation of one or both pupils,
- Repeated bouts of nausea or vomiting,
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose,
- Coordination issues,
- Seizures or convulsions,
- Difficulty waking up from sleep,
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes, and
- Profound confusion or agitation.
A significant car crash, a fall from a height, or a violent blow to the head can result in a moderate traumatic brain injury. Symptoms are more pronounced than a mild TBI.
Severe TBI
Severe traumatic brain injuries are the most critical. They often result from high-impact or penetrating injuries to the head. Victims might remain unconscious for days, weeks, or even longer. Rehabilitation is almost always required, and the brain injury may lead to lifelong challenges. Severe brain injury symptoms include the following:
- Extended unconsciousness or coma lasting days, weeks, or longer;
- Absence of sleep-wake cycles;
- Persistent vegetative state;
- Minimal or no responsiveness to stimuli;
- Loss of higher-level cognitive function;
- Significant motor function challenges or paralysis;
- Respiratory issues potentially requiring assistance;
- Severe changes in personality or behavior; and
- Inability to communicate or follow commands.
Traumas like gunshot wounds, significant falls, or head-on or rollover crashes often cause severe traumatic brain injuries. Recovery times vary, but the path can be long and arduous. Recognizing symptoms early on can make a significant difference in available treatment options. Always consult a medical professional if you suspect a brain injury, whether you think it’s minor or not.
Importance of Timely Treatment with Brain Injuries
Immediate medical intervention for brain injuries is crucial. Diagnosing a brain injury early on can significantly affect the progression, potential complications, and overall prognosis of a TBI. Conversely, delaying treatment can exacerbate a brain injury and lead to more severe symptoms, prolonged recovery, or permanent damage.
Moreover, early treatment often helps mitigate potential long-term consequences. Timely care not only boosts the chances of a better outcome but can also prevent secondary injuries or other complications that may arise. Always prioritize medical attention after head trauma and contact an experienced Seattle brain injury attorney at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC.
Why Hire a Seattle TBI Lawyer?
Brain injuries can be life-altering, bringing with them emotional, physical, and financial burdens. A skilled Seattle traumatic brain injury lawyer understands the legal complexities of such cases. Your attorney will help you navigate the intricate legal landscape and fight to hold all negligent parties legally liable. You should concentrate on your recovery rather than arguing with insurance companies over who owes you money.
Victims need someone to advocate for the maximum compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Brain injuries often involve ongoing care that insurance companies don’t voluntarily factor into settlement negotiations. Hiring a Seattle brain injury lawyer from Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner offers peace of mind, allowing you and your family to focus on healing.
Contact the Seattle Brain Injury Lawyers at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC
You have many options for hiring a brain injury attorney in Seattle. What sets Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner apart from other firms? For one, we’ve built our careers and reputations on a very important belief—an injury claim represents a significant milestone in your life. Even a minor brain injury can impact your life in many ways. Our focus is not just about financial recovery; we want to help you recover physically and emotionally.
Our lawyers have over four decades of legal experience and know what it takes to build a strong brain injury case in Seattle. We work on a contingency basis, so you’ll never pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If you’re struggling with a brain injury after an accident, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Let a Seattle TBI lawyer review your case and help you understand your rights and legal options.
