Litchfield Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys
Experienced representation for survivors of Illinois head and brain injuries
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious injury that can happen when the head is hit or injured. TBI can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems. The severity of a TBI can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury. If you have suffered a TBI, it is important to speak to a doctor or therapist to discuss your treatment options and to get the support you need to recover.
At Glisson Law in Litchfield, our attorneys understand brain injuries. We have over 25 years of experience helping those with TBIs and other brain injuries. We know how to hold the right people responsible when you or a loved one suffers injury through no fault of your own. And, we have achieved multi-million dollar settlements and results for our clients. If you need help, get in touch with us today.
How can we help?
- What is a traumatic brain injury?
- What are the different types of traumatic brain injuries?
- What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries?
- Who is responsible for my Litchfield traumatic brain injury?
- What is the value of my Litchfield traumatic brain injury claim?
- Do you have a traumatic brain injury attorney near me?
What is a traumatic brain injury?
The National Library of Medicine reports that around 1.7 million Americans suffer a brain injury every year. Further, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) report, “there were approximately 223,135 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2019 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021. This represents more than 611 TBI-related hospitalizations and 190 TBI-related deaths per day.”
The Mayo Clinic states, “Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury.”
What are the different types of traumatic brain injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries are categorized by type and grade. There are two main types of traumatic brain injuries: non-penetrating and penetrating.
- A non-penetrating TBI occurs when there’s a jolt or blow to the head, but it does not cause the skull to fracture. These are among the most common TBIs and cause damage to the brain’s tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.
- A penetrating TBI happens when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. These injuries can cause significant damage to the brain.
Traumatic brain injuries are also graded by severity – mild, moderate, or severe.
- Mild traumatic brain injuries are the least severe form of TBI. They may manifest with brief episodes of unconsciousness, accompanied by symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Fortunately, the majority of individuals with mild TBIs experience a complete recovery within a few weeks.
- Moderate traumatic brain injuries are considered more serious compared to mild TBIs. They often entail a prolonged loss of consciousness, memory lapses, slurred speech, impaired mobility, and even noticeable personality changes. Individuals with moderate TBIs may require physical therapy or rehabilitation as part of their recovery process.
- Severe traumatic brain injuries are the most serious of TBIs. These injuries often result in extended periods of unconsciousness, coma, paralysis, and other severe disabilities. Individuals afflicted by severe TBIs may necessitate lifelong care and support.
What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries?
Symptoms of TBI will vary depending on the part of the brain that’s damaged and the severity of the injury. However, common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Trouble walking
- Paralysis
- Vision problems
- Hearing problems
- Seizures
- Sleep problems
TBI symptoms can also exhibit a delayed onset, potentially not becoming evident until hours or even days following the injury. If you suspect that you or someone you know has experienced a TBI, it is imperative to promptly seek medical attention. Swift diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prospects of achieving a complete recovery.
Who is responsible for my Litchfield traumatic brain injury?
Liability for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances that led to the injury. In many cases, responsibility may lie with one or more of the following parties:
- Negligent individuals. If your TBI resulted from someone else's negligence, such as a car accident caused by a reckless driver, a slip and fall on poorly maintained property, or an assault, the responsible individual may be liable for your injury.
- Employers. In cases where a TBI occurs at the workplace due to unsafe conditions, inadequate training, or negligence on the part of the employer or co-workers, you may be eligible to file a workers' compensation claim or, in some cases, a personal injury lawsuit against the employer.
- Medical professionals. If a healthcare provider's negligence, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mistakes, leads to a TBI, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
- Manufacturers. When a TBI occurs due to a defective product or equipment, such as a faulty helmet or malfunctioning safety gear, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective item may be liable under product liability laws.
- Property owners. If a TBI occurs on someone else's property due to unsafe conditions, such as a slippery floor, uneven walkway, or inadequate security, the property owner or occupier may be responsible for your injury.
- Government entities. In some cases, if a TBI occurs as a result of negligence by a government agency or employee, such as an accident involving a government vehicle or due to poorly maintained public property, you may have a claim against the government entity.
- Third parties. In certain situations, responsibility for a TBI may involve multiple parties, and it may be necessary to pursue claims against more than one party, depending on their respective roles in causing the injury.
Determining liability in a TBI case can be complex, and it often requires a thorough investigation and legal expertise. Consult with an experienced Litchfield personal injury attorney who can evaluate the specific circumstances of your injury, identify liable parties, and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for your TBI-related expenses and losses.
What is the value of my Litchfield traumatic brain injury claim?
The value of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) claim is highly specific and depends on a variety of factors. Some of the key factors that can influence the value of your TBI claim include:
- Medical expenses. The cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation for your TBI, including past and future expenses, is one of the most important components of your claim. This can include hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, medication, assistive devices, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost wages. If your TBI has led to time off work or a reduced ability to earn income, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, both past and future.
- Pain and suffering. Non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life can be challenging to quantify, but can significantly impact the value of your claim.
- Permanent disabilities. If your TBI results in long-term or permanent disabilities, such as cognitive impairment, mobility limitations, or personality changes, these factors will play a strong role in determining the value of your claim.
To get a more accurate estimate of the value of your specific TBI claim in Litchfield, it's crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. They can evaluate the details of your case, consider the relevant factors, and provide you with a realistic assessment of the potential compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Do you have a traumatic brain injury attorney near me?
Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re only a block away from City Hall, and there is plenty of parking across the street. There’s also a bus stop right outside our office. Glisson Law conducts phone and video conferences when applicable, and makes home and hospital visits if you cannot travel to us.
Compassionate and skilled traumatic brain injury lawyers serving Litchfield, Illinois
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you understand the life-altering impact it can have. Seeking justice and fair compensation is crucial. The dedicated team of traumatic brain injury attorneys at Glisson Law in Litchfield is here to support you through this journey. With our extensive experience and client-centered approach, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer, call or fill out our contact form today.