Boston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys
A serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have devastating effects on not only the victim, but their family as well.
Due to its seriousness, anyone who is believed to have suffered a brain injury, whether mild or severe, should receive medical attention as quickly as possible. Since little can be done to reverse the initial brain damage that results from trauma, medical professionals will need to try to stabilize the injured person to focus on preventing further injuries from being suffered. Only then can an accurate prognosis for the victim be given, and it is also at that time that the long road to recovery begins.
Types of TBIs
There are many different types of brain injuries a victim can suffer. Common TBIs include the following:
- Penetrating brain injury. This type of injury is caused by an object forcing fragments, along with hair, skin, and bone into a person’s brain. This can result in the brain ricocheting within the skull or cause the brain tissue to stretch and/or rupture. Penetrating brain injuries often result in death.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI). This kind of TBI is the result of the strong shaking or rotation of a person's head, which causes the brain to trail behind the movements of the skull and results in tears to the brain structures. Often, this causes brain chemicals to be released, which can lead to additional damage. This type of injury is one of the most serious TBIs, with about 90 percent of those suffering a DAI never regaining consciousness, while those who do are typically impaired severely.
- Coup-contrecoup injury. This type of brain injury is caused when a blow to a person’s head is powerful enough to result in a contusion at the site of impact, and also moves the brain while causing it to hit against the other side of the skull, resulting in an additional contusion.
- Contusion. This kind of injury is the result of a direct impact to a person’s head. It is a bruise to the brain that bleeds, and often, large contusions will have to be surgically removed.
- Concussion. This type of TBI results when a person suffers a direct blow to their head, if their head is violently shaken, or due to whiplash or other similar injury. A concussion can also include skull fractures and brain swelling and/or bleeding.
Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries in Massachusetts
Immediately upon arrival at the hospital, medical professionals will ensure a TBI victim is receiving proper oxygen supply to the brain as well as to the rest of the body, making sure an adequate blood flow is maintained. The victim’s blood pressure will also closely be monitored and controlled. Imaging tests such as a CT scan and X-rays will be conducted to help determine the diagnosis and prognosis of a brain injury victim. The skull, neck, and spine will also be checked for bone fractures or instability.
If it is concluded a victim suffered a moderate to severe TBI, they can expect to be required to undergo extensive rehabilitation that is tailored to their needs in the areas of speech/language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. A Boston brain injury victim may also need to participate in social support and psychiatry treatment. Depending on the severity of the injury, this process can take months or even years. Sadly, some TBI victims never fully recover from their injuries.
Due to the high costs relating to necessary TBI treatment, it is important for injured victims and their family to understand their legal options if the injury was the result of another person’s negligence. Holding a negligent person or parties accountable for a brain injury can help cover costly hospital bills, medical and rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, and more. At the Kiley Law Group, LLC, founder Tom Kiley and our Boston TBI lawyers will help you every step of the way through the complex process of filing a claim against the person who caused your injury or your loved one's injury. You are not alone during this difficult time. Call 1-888-208-1695 to find out how we can help you.
