Alton Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Experienced legal help after serious head or brain trauma in Illinois
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of trauma to the brain that can result from a blow to the head, a jolt to the head, or an object penetrating the skull. TBI can range from mild, such as a concussion, to severe, such as a skull fracture or coma. The effects of TBI vary depending on the severity of the injury, but can include physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
If you or a loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury because of another’s negligence, you shouldn’t be responsible for the resulting expenses – and you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. The Alton TBI attorneys at Glisson Law have been helping injured folks just like you for more than 25 years. We can answer your questions, take over the legal process, and let you sit back and rest while we do the hard part. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are two main types of TBI: closed head injury and penetrating head injury.
- Closed head injury: This type of TBI occurs when the head is struck or shaken and the skull remains intact, but the brain is damaged from being violently jolted. Examples of closed head injuries include concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries (DAI).
- Penetrating head injury: This type of TBI occurs when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. Penetrating head injuries can cause significant damage to very specific areas of the brain, and result in severe and long-lasting consequences.
TBIs can also be classified based on the severity of the injury, with mild TBI (concussion) being the most common and severe TBI often resulting in long-term disability or death. Regardless of the type or severity of TBI, prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment can greatly improve a patient’s chances of recovery.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are two main types of TBI: closed head injury and penetrating head injury.
- Closed head injury: This type of TBI occurs when the head is struck or shaken and the skull remains intact, but the brain is damaged from being violently jolted. Examples of closed head injuries include concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries (DAI).
- Penetrating head injury: This type of TBI occurs when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. Penetrating head injuries can cause significant damage to very specific areas of the brain, and result in severe and long-lasting consequences.
TBIs can also be classified based on the severity of the injury, with mild TBI (concussion) being the most common and severe TBI often resulting in long-term disability or death. Regardless of the type or severity of TBI, prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment can greatly improve a patient’s chances of recovery.
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Ringing in the ears
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Changes in mood, such as irritability or depression
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
Any time you or a child are struck on the head or suffer a jolt to the neck/head, seek medical attention immediately, even if you’re feeling fine in the moment. Some TBI symptoms can come on quickly and put your life in danger. Further, prompt treatment can improve recovery and minimize potential long-term effects.
Good To Know: Over 611 Americans are hospitalized for a brain injury every single day. [CDC]
How do TBIs commonly occur?
Common causes of TBI include slip and falls, car accidents, physical assaults, and sports- or combat-related injuries. TBI can also occur from objects penetrating the skull, such as bullets or objects falling from heights, like on a construction site or retail establishment.
Individuals can also sustain traumatic brain injuries as a result of medical malpractice, swimming pool accidents, a defective product, and other preventable reasons. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your options.
What is the prognosis for a traumatic brain injury?
Because every person is different, the potential outcome for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) will vary widely, depending on the severity and type of the injury, as well as the age and overall health of the individual. In general, mild TBIs (concussions) typically have a good prognosis, with most people making a full recovery within a few weeks to a few months.
Moderate to severe TBIs, however, can have more significant and long-lasting effects. Some individuals may recover completely, while others may have permanent physical, cognitive, or behavioral impairments. Factors that can influence prognosis include the severity and duration of symptoms, the presence of additional medical conditions, and the availability of appropriate medical and rehabilitation services.
Remember, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical treatment following a TBI, as this can only improve your chances of a positive outcome and minimize any potential long-term effects. Ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation is also important for maximizing recovery and quality of life. Per Johns Hopkins, “The goal of brain injury rehabilitation is to help the patient return to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life— physically, emotionally, and socially.”
How can your Alton lawyers help with my TBI claim?
The attorneys at Glisson Law are here to help – and here’s how. We can:
- Evaluate your claim. An experienced TBI lawyer reviews the details of your case to determine your eligibility for compensation and the value of your claim.
- Gather evidence. We round up and preserve evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions, all in support of your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies. TBI claims are often complex, and insurance companies may not offer fair compensation. We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you secure a fair settlement.
- Navigate the legal process. The legal and insurance process for TBI claims can be complicated and time-consuming. We’ll guide you through, handle the paperwork, and keep you informed of all your options and rights.
- Represent you in court. If your claim cannot be resolved through negotiation, our legal team goes to court and fights for you.
Seek legal counsel as soon as possible after a TBI, as you’ll need to meet the Illinois personal injury statute of limitations for filing a claim, which is two years.
Do you have a traumatic brain injury lawyer near me?
Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re a block away from City Hall, and you can find 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, skilled Alton traumatic brain injury attorneys
At Glisson Law, we’ve been representing injured folks for more than 25 years. Our clients know us as the firm that gets things done and makes things right. If you or someone you loved sustained a brain injury because of another’s negligence, let us help. We can put our network of resources to work for you and help ensure you secure the financial compensation you deserve for your losses. To find out what we can do for you, call our office or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We serve individuals and families throughout Belleville, Edwardsville, St. Clair and Madison County, and all of Southwestern Illinois.