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Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Los Angeles Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys 


Filed Under: Catastrophic Injury, Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are severe and disabling injuries that occur when the brain is struck or jolted by external forces. They are a leading cause of death and disability, impacting millions of individuals each year. This article aims to provide insights into the prevalence, types, symptoms, and consequences of TBIs, as well as the importance of legal support for those affected.

Prevalence and Impact

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBIs account for approximately 2.6 million emergency room visits, 235,000 hospitalizations, and 50,000 deaths annually in the United States. These numbers may actually be higher since mild TBIs often go unnoticed in emergency room settings. TBIs are a significant source of neuropsychiatric disability and death, with over 30% of car accidents resulting in such injuries. The financial burden of caring for TBI victims throughout their lifetimes reaches millions of dollars.

Types and Symptoms

TBIs are classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the level of consciousness or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Mild TBIs, commonly referred to as concussions, often lead to full neurological recovery, but patients may experience short-term memory and concentration difficulties. Moderate TBIs manifest as lethargy and disorganization, while severe TBIs result in coma, where patients are unable to open their eyes or follow commands. Oxygen deprivation and swelling pose significant risks for those with severe TBIs, potentially exacerbating brain damage and increasing the likelihood of death. Long-term effects vary based on the extent of the injury and can include impaired amnesia, loss of consciousness, depression, confusion, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, sensory loss, difficulty speaking, insomnia, and personality changes.

Types of Brain Injuries

Different types of brain injuries can occur due to external forces. Some common types include:

  1. Diffuse Axonal Injury: This injury occurs when rotational forces, such as those experienced in car accidents, shake or rotate the brain forcefully. The brain lags behind the skull’s movement, leading to tearing of nerve tissue throughout the brain. Chemical imbalances and disrupted communication processes result, causing temporary or permanent widespread brain damage, coma, or death.
  2. Coup-Contrecoup Injury: This injury occurs when the impact on the head causes contusions at both the site of impact and the opposite side of the brain. The brain moves and slams into the skull, causing additional contusions.
  3. Closed Head Injury: In this type of injury, the head receives an external force, but the skull remains intact. Swelling within the closed skull leads to increased intracranial pressure, compressing brain tissues and causing further injury. The brain may expand through available openings, such as eye sockets, affecting eye nerves and impairing their functions.

Consequences and Diagnosis

Since the brain defines who we are, the consequences of a brain injury can affect all aspects of our lives, including personality. Brain injuries do not heal like other injuries, and recovery mechanisms remain uncertain. No two brain injuries are the same, and the effects can vary greatly. Symptoms may present immediately or take days or weeks to appear. Depending on the location of the injury, various functions may be affected, such as motor function, problem-solving, memory, language, judgment, impulse control, and emotional regulation. 

Diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, PET scan, SPECT scan, fMRI, and MR spectroscopy can help assess and evaluate the brain’s condition after a traumatic brain injury.

The Importance of Legal Support

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury, short-term professional assistance is often provided, leaving family members to handle the long-term care needs. Lack of proper training and professional support for caregivers can lead to problems like social isolation, role changes, depression, anxiety, and somatic difficulties. Victims of TBIs often require long-term cognitive rehabilitation, physical therapy, counseling, adaptive modifications, case coordination, and attendant care. Expert consultants can help establish a baseline condition, develop treatment protocols, determine the necessary duration of care, and assess the costs associated with implementing a life care plan.

Traumatic brain injuries have a profound impact on individuals, resulting in long-lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional effects. Seeking legal support is crucial for those affected, as it can help secure compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, consulting experienced brain injury lawyers, such as Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP, can provide the necessary expertise and assistance in navigating the legal process. With their dedication and knowledge, they strive to ensure that TBI victims receive the compensation they deserve. Contact them today for a free consultation.

Settling a California Traumatic Brain Injury Case 


Filed Under: Traumatic Brain Injuries

It is never simple to live with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even survivors of supposedly “minor” brain injuries might experience long-term consequences that affect their life and ability to support themselves for years to come. The difficulties, expenses, and effects are much more severe for persons who have suffered more serious traumatic brain injuries.

According to California law, those who sustain TBIs as a result of someone else’s negligence are entitled to make a personal injury claim to recover damages for their losses. A successful TBI settlement or verdict can give victims and their loved ones the money they need to start over and plan for the future.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? 

When the brain is damaged by a sudden trauma, it is likely that a person will suffer a traumatic brain injury. TBIs can happen when the head strikes something suddenly and violently or when something pierces the skull and enters the brain. 

Headache, disorientation, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or sleepy eyes, ringing in the ears, a terrible taste in the mouth, exhaustion or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and issues with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking are other signs of moderate TBIs.

Traumatic brain injury can be in classifications from moderate to more severe. More severe TBIs have the same symptoms as moderate TBIs but with additional ailments such as seizures, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and in some cases, a coma. 

California Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics

A traumatic brain injury, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), is a disruption in the brain’s normal function that can be brought on by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or by a penetrating head injury. According to the California Department of Rehabilitation, about 1.7 million Americans experience this every year. TBIs are responsible for 53,000 fatalities, 235,000 hospital admissions, and 1.1 million ER visits annually. Non-traumatic brain injuries (NTBI) and traumatic brain injuries are different.

In California, traffic accidents account for the majority of TBI-related fatalities in people between the ages of 5 and 24. Additionally, more than 251,000 Californians received TBI treatment and were discharged (rather than hospitalized) in the most recently reported year.

Traumatic Brain Injury in California News

A California jury ordered Albertsons grocery store to pay $4.3 million to a man who slipped on a wet floor and broke his nose, sustaining a traumatic brain injury. The victim slipped on water that had pooled on the floor close by while he was shopping in the meat section of the store, according to the local media. He struck his head on the floor after falling face down, breaking his nose in the process.

The victim said he was having memory problems and losing his sense of taste and smell months after the occurrence. It was later determined that the victim suffered a “subdural hematoma.” He subsequently needed surgery to remove fluid from his head, but the effects of a traumatic brain injury persisted.

Contact the Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP

At Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Our skilled Los Angeles brain injury attorneys are committed to obtaining the fair compensation you deserve. Contact a qualified brain injury attorney today for a free consultation online or by calling (833) ACTS-LAW. 

Linking Traumatic Brain Injuries and Mental Health Disabilities


Filed Under: Traumatic Brain Injuries

Linking Traumatic Brain Injuries and Mental Health Disabilities

It is well documented that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can directly cause disabilities and mental health issues, since a blow to the head often impacts more than one area of the brain.

The Brain Injury Association of America notes that the highest prevalence of mental health struggles caused by a brain injury includes depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many emotional changes (which are often described as personality changes).

We recently discussed the various ways in which TBIs can occur, but many victims who suffer from resulting mental health issues are not aware they may qualify for disability benefits. In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month (#MHAM), which is held annually in May, we also aspire to inform the public by exploring the most common emotional, cognitive, and psychological struggles linked with TBIs. 

Depression 

A major depressive disorder involves a consistently depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities for at least two weeks. 

Depression is quite common following TBIs. The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center estimates that nearly half of all people with TBIs are affected by depression within the first year after injury. Nearly two-thirds are affected within seven years after injury. Changes in the levels of certain natural chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, can cause depression. It can also be triggered by someone’s emotional struggle to adjust to their disability or the change in their family dynamic. 

Anxiety 

Clinical anxiety extends beyond general stress. It is a medical disorder defined by excessive feelings of worry, persistent or even intrusive thoughts about certain fears, or constant fear in general.

  • Difficulty reasoning and concentrating can make it hard for the person with a TBI to solve problems. This can make the person feel overwhelmed, especially if he or she is being asked to make decisions.
  • The demands of work (or returning to work) and time pressure can trigger feelings of anxiety in someone who sustained a TBI.  
  • Situations that require a lot of attention and information processing can make people with TBIs anxious. Examples of such situations include crowded or noisy environments or heavy traffic.

PTSD 

Many people who suffer a TBI also develop PTSD, which is difficult to diagnose because physical and mental signs of the injury might not be immediately evident. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notes that many of the symptoms which result from a TBI reflect those of PTSD. For these reasons, the VA suggests the best way to diagnose a TBI is to meet with a skilled clinician.

Aphasia 

Aphasia is a cognitive condition that limits a person’s ability to communicate. Understanding and relaying information becomes a challenge. Aphasia.org notes that depending on the severity of the trauma, aphasia due to TBIs could be transient or more permanent, and is often accompanied by other cognitive problems since multiple areas of the brain are usually affected.

Actor Bruce Willis announced his retirement due to his aphasia diagnosis. While the cause of his condition is not yet made public, it shined a light on the communication disorder, which the National Aphasia Association says affects roughly 2 million people in the U.S. and is more common than Parkinson’s Disease, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, but less than half of them receive treatment. While not everyone dies from a TBI, they will live with mental health issues. Identifying the signs of mental health disabilities caused by a TBI can help the injured person and the families secure justice, adequate compensation and create long-term plans. 

HOW CAN ABIR COHEN TREYZON SALO HELP ME?

Insurance companies try to find ways to deny an injured claimant or compensate them much less than they deserve. To secure the maximum coverage from your insurance plan, contact an experienced lawyer who understands brain injuries and mental health disabilities, knows what your insurance policy covers, and will negotiate. If you or your loved one suffers from a TBI, contact our Los Angeles insurance lawyers at ACTS Law. We can help you receive maximum benefits from your insurance company in an effort to help you live as comfortably as possible. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 833-ACTS-LAW or contact us online. With offices located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout Southern California.

Adjusting After a Traumatic Brain Injury


Filed Under: Car Accidents, Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when someone experiences a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. These are often caused by falls, car accidents, and serious sports injuries. TBIs can also occur when an object penetrates the brain tissue. Gunshot wounds, combat injuries, and other types of violent acts can cause these types of TBIs. Symptoms can vary greatly depending on whether the TBI is mild or severe, but even mild TBIs can compromise a person’s general quality of life. Victims of TBIs often face an uphill road to recovery, and some may suffer permanent deficits. However, there are proactive steps TBI victims can take that will help them adjust to life after their injury. An LA catastrophic injury lawyer can help determine the cause of the TBI and fight to recover all entitled financial compensation.

What are the Common Symptoms of TBIs?

There are a wide range of symptoms that people with TBIs can experience, depending on the nature of the injury. Some people may have symptoms for days, whereas others can suffer from debilitating symptoms for weeks or longer. TBI symptoms fall into the following four categories:

  • Thinking/remembering: These symptoms can include difficulty thinking clearly, feeling slowed or sluggish, difficulty concentrating, or having a hard time remembering information.
  • Physical: These symptoms include headaches, fuzzy or blurry vision, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light or noise, balance problems, and fatigue.
  • Emotional/mood: TBIs can also cause irritability, depression, heightened emotions, nervousness, and anxiety.
  • Sleep: People with TBIs can also experience sleep issues, including sleeping more than usual, getting too little sleep, and having trouble falling asleep.

 How Do I Know if I Have a Moderate to Severe TBI?

All head injuries should be checked out as soon as possible by a health care professional to determine the severity of the injury. The following are common symptoms of a mild TBI:

Physical symptoms

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Appearing dazed, confused, or disoriented
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Speech difficulties
  • Trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
  • Loss of balance

Sensory symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Loss of smell
  • Sensitivity to light or sound

Cognitive symptoms

  • Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
  • Mood changes
  • Feeling anxious or depressed

The following symptoms are associated with moderate to severe TBIs; they can appear within hours or days of a head injury:

Physical symptoms

  • Loss of consciousness for up to several hours
  • Persistent headache
  • Numb fingers and toes
  • Seizures
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dilated pupils
  • Clear fluid coming out of the nose or ears
  • Loss of coordination
  • Inability to wake up from sleeping

Cognitive symptoms

  • Significant confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Agitation and combativeness
  • Loss of consciousness

When is It Necessary to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for a TBI?

It is highly recommended that individuals who suffer a head injury seek medical attention to rule out a serious injury. However, if any of the following symptoms appear, the person suffering from a TBI should be taken to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible:

  • Slurred speech
  • One pupil is larger than the other
  • Unable to recognize people or places
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Becoming increasingly agitated, confused, or restless
  • Loss of consciousness

Facing the Challenges of the Recovery Process

Adjusting to life after a brain injury can be a challenging and overwhelming process, particularly if the injury was moderate to severe. Oftentimes, patients do not know how to navigate everyday life when they are dealing with physical, emotional, or cognitive deficits. The road to recovery can be a long and difficult one, but the following tips were developed by health care professionals and brain injury experts to help victims of TBIs adjust to life after a brain injury:

  • Change the definition of success. After a brain injury, it is important to redefine success when it comes to everyday activities. Things that used to be accomplished without a second thought may now require much more effort and concentration. Patients should establish reasonable goals and focus on the small successes. They should be proactive about setting realistic standards. Having friends, family, and loved ones around to show their support and encouragement can be helpful as well.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for help. Oftentimes, people hesitate to ask for help because they do not want to be a burden to their friends or family. Recovering from a brain injury will require hard work, and everyone needs help at some point during the recovery process. Those recovering should not wait to ask for help until the situation has become a serious health crisis.
  • Allow the body to heal. It can take a significant amount of time to recover from a brain injury. It is normal to feel frustrated and disappointed if the recovery process takes longer than expected. However, it is important that victims of TBIs show the same kindness and compassion to themselves that they would to a friend or a loved one, and that they allow their body time to heal. Getting frustrated, impatient, and angry will only make the process more difficult.
  • Get mental health support. Those who suffered a TBI often experience depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Mental health professionals who specialize in treating patients with TBIs can provide effective tools to manage these issues or provide medication if necessary.
  • Consider different career options. This may not always be necessary, but if a TBI is more severe, it can cause permanent physical or cognitive deficits that will make returning to the same job difficult, if not impossible. If this is the case, there are career counselors that can help carve out a new career path. Depending on the individual’s financial situation, part-time work may be a better option.
  • Have an open, honest discussion about finances. Treatment for TBIs can take weeks, months, even years, depending on the severity of the injury. The costs associated with this treatment can accumulate quickly, particularly when a patient requires long-term care from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists. It is important to have an honest conversation about treatment expectations, whether financial support will be needed, and if the patient will be unable to live alone or meet other basic responsibilities due to the injury. The more information that friends and family members have about the patient’s financial situation, the better prepared they will be to take the appropriate steps to help.
  • Set realistic goals. To avoid becoming overwhelmed by the recovery process and the hurdles that lie ahead, it is best to break down larger goals into small, more attainable goals. Small successes can build confidence and provide the motivation necessary to reach the next goal.
  • Create a support system. After a brain injury, the recovery process will likely be more successful if there is a solid support system in place. Whether that is family, close friends, therapists, or a combination of all three, a support system can help prevent depression, loneliness, and feelings of isolation. There are also support groups that TBI patients can join as it may help to talk to people who are going through a similar experience.
  • Be patient. Sometimes this is more easily said than done, but it is essential for people recovering from a brain injury to be patient. When feelings of frustration and anger take over, patients need to find effective relaxation tools to gain control of those feelings. Deep breathing exercises or repeating an affirmation can help.

How can I Prevent a TBI?

The following proactive safety steps can help reduce the risk of serious accidents that cause TBIs:

  • Always wear a seat belt. Seat belts save lives and can reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a car accident.
  • Do not drive while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication that can cause drowsiness.
  • When riding a bicycle, motorcycle, skateboard, snowmobile, or any other all-terrain vehicle, always wear a helmet.
  • To prevent serious falls around the house, install handrails in bathrooms and on both sides of the staircase, improve the lighting in the home, remove clutter, undergo regular eye examinations, and remove area rugs.

LA Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at ACTS Law Assist Victims of Traumatic Brain Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), do not hesitate to contact the LA catastrophic injury lawyers at ACTS Law. We understand how devastating these injuries can be, and that treatment can be very costly. Our skilled and dedicated legal team will work closely with you to review your medical records, walk you through the claims process, and fight to recover the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 833-ACTS-LAW or contact us online. With offices located in San Diego and Los Angeles, we serve clients throughout Southern California.

Who is Liable in a Catastrophic Injury?


Filed Under: Catastrophic Injury, Product Liability, Traumatic Brain Injuries

A catastrophic injury can significantly affect a person’s physical body, cognitive status, ability to work, and their independence. This type of injury commonly requires emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing physical or cognitive rehabilitation, and can result in temporary or permanent disability. Catastrophic injuries are likely to limit a victim’s earning potential or prohibit them from returning to work.

Medical costs and lost wages connected to a catastrophic injury can quickly devastate a victim’s financial health. Liability for a catastrophic injury can be shared among several negligent parties, including employers, manufacturers, and distributors of defective equipment, negligent property owners, and even doctors and hospitals.

Types of Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury is one that significantly impacts a victim’s life. Common types of catastrophic injury include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Head injuries that result in cognitive, mood, and physical impairment
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Loss of vision
  • Loss of hearing
  • Mobility issues
  • Amputations or loss of limbs
  • Disfigurement
  • Burn injuries
  • Chronic lung damage and lung disease
  • Electrocution
  • Heart Disease
  • Cancer

Catastrophic injury can result in a multitude of consequences for the victim, which include:

  • Medical expenses, both current and future
  • Psychological damage
  • Physical and cognitive deficits
  • Loss of independence and inability to manage the tasks of daily living, including dressing oneself, toileting issues, hygiene, cooking, and eating
  • Lost income
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Poor quality of life
  • Punitive damages
  • Loss of life

When a catastrophic injury limits a victim’s ability to earn a living or to live independently, compensation can be awarded through a personal injury lawsuit, premises liability lawsuit, or product liability lawsuit.

Determining Liability for a Catastrophic Injury

The burden of proof in a personal injury, product liability, or premises liability lawsuit falls on the plaintiff and requires proof that the defendant’s negligence directly resulted in their injury. This is not always easy to prove, even when it seems obvious that negligence was present. Large insurance companies, businesses, manufacturers, distributors, and medical facilities typically have large legal teams on retainer to fight such claims.

An experienced and qualified catastrophic injury lawyer can assess the client’s case, gather pertinent evidence to support the claim, and prove that the negligence of the responsible party directly caused their client’s injury. A lawyer will also be able to determine if there are multiple parties liable for injuries. For example, a person that suffers a catastrophic injury from an accident with a commercial truck may be able to hold the trucking company, the truck driver, and the manufacturer of a defective mechanical part liable for the injuries.

LA Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP Help Victims of Catastrophic Injury Claim Compensation

If you suffered a catastrophic injury, contact the LA catastrophic injury lawyers at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP today. We will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us at 833-ACTS-LAW or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout California.

A Message to Our Clients About Coronavirus COVID-19:
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A Message to Our Clients About Coronavirus COVID-19

At Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP, we view the safety and well-being of our clients, staff and business partners as our highest priority.

The situation regarding the COVID-19 virus is continually changing, and we are following all recommended guidelines to stay healthy.

Currently, our law firm is remaining open to serve your legal needs.

We are happy to arrange for phone or video consultations should you have any concerns about keeping your scheduled appointments with us. We are also able to exchange documents via secure drives or email.

Should you have any concerns regarding an upcoming meeting with us, please contact us online or call (833) ACTS-LAW.

Thank you and take care.