The consequences of a brain injury can be life-changing
Brain injuries are commonly caused by accidental head injuries, such as is often suffered in car accidents. The number of brain injuries in California and other states are rising, and according to the American Academy of Neurology, approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. were living with a brain injury by the end of December of last year. Although many brain injuries result from sports activities, a large percentage result from vehicle accidents — including motorcycles, ATVs and bicycle accidents.
When the brain is bruised, the injury is called a concussion. This condition typically results from sudden impact or the whiplash effect that occurs when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed comes to an abrupt stop. Concussions may also be caused by certain contact sports, such as football, and are often worsened by a second or third blow to the head while the first injury is not yet healed.
The consequences of brain injuries could be life-changing and vary according to the type of brain injury and severity of it. Young people who have suffered brain injuries often experience learning disabilities. The recovery of a brain-injured person during the first 12 months after the injury is commonly an indication of the level of recovery that may be expected in the long-term. Treatment varies and may include extended periods of hospitalization, surgeries and therapies. Some patients need to learn the basics again, and therapies such as speech, physical and occupational therapies are required.
California residents who have suffered brain injuries may have to cope with the financial implications of multiple expenses to adjust to living with the resulting disabilities, along with long-term medical care. If the brain injury was caused by the negligent actions of another party, the victim might pursue recovery of damages. The resources available to an experienced personal injury attorney may prove to be beneficial, as gathering evidence and medical details could be a difficult process. A lawyer will do everything in his or her power to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses and other related losses.
Source: learningdisabilities.about.com, “Learning Disabilities Injury of the Brain“, Ann Logsdon, Accessed on Feb. 4, 2015
