Salt Lake City Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Working to Provide Answers for You and Your Family Throughout Utah

Imagine if one single event had the potential to remove your memories, change your personality, or erase your ability to live independently? Traumatic brain injuries are life-changing events, which most of us are confident will never apply to us. Sadly, over 2% of the US population is currently struggling with the aftermath of traumatic brain injuries, and Utah alone is home to over 50,000 sufferers. A single accident or event could change your life and things might never be the same again.

What Are the Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

A traumatic brain injury – or TBI – is typically caused when there is a severe blow or damage to the head of the victim, which penetrates through the skull and into the brain. Our brains are the powerhouse of our body, responsible for every action from laughter to tears, eating to making crucial decisions. Despite its power, the brain is a fragile organ, and even a seemingly insignificant blow can cause devastating injuries.

Some of the most common causes of TBI’s across the USA include:

• Auto and vehicle accidents – hitting your head is often a common injury if you are involved in a car crash, and many of us will tend to write off the symptoms as a simple concussion. It is crucial that you seek medical advice as soon as possible if you have been involved in an auto accident – preferably at the scene if available.
• Sports – contact sports such as boxing or football increase the chances of a blow to the head, as do any sports involving balls or bats, such as baseball. The right protective equipment is essential to minimize the chances of severe permanent damage, and once again, any head injuries should be checked out as a matter of absolute priority.
• Workplace accidents – if you are working in a potentially hazardous environment, such as a construction site, your chances of suffering a head injury are increased. However, it is essential to be aware that even seemingly ‘safe’ working spaces can be dangerous – an office is full of potential injuries and accidents waiting to happen, and your firm should have clear, strict practices in place to protect all staff members on site.
• Assault – in some cases, you may be the victim of a violent crime, such as mugging or assault. Many perpetrators will inflict a blow to the head as a means of incapacitating their victims, leaving them stunned, unable to fight back, or even unconscious. If left untreated, this blow could lead to more severe complications.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

We all know how important our brains are to everyday normal functioning, so it comes as no surprise that damage can have far-reaching effects. Salt Lake City Personal Injury Attorney is ready to help you 24/7.

Death

In some cases, injury to the brain can sadly result in rapid death for the victim; this typically occurs when the brain shuts itself down to prevent further trauma and may occur soon after the accident or after a prolonged period of enduring a vegetative state such as a coma. In some cases, blood pools in the delicate vessels of the brain, causing a clot. This is known as an aneurysm, and if it bursts, it can prove to be fatal unless instant medical assistance is available.

Disability

Even if the victim survives the initial injury, trauma to the brain can result in long-lasting damage and permanent changes. Depending on the brain area that is damaged, the affected person may lose the use of limbs and be unable to walk, talk, or move. They may also suffer damage to the senses; sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell are all governed by different areas of the brain. In situations where the damage crosses multiple locations, more than one sense may be impacted.

Emotional and Personality Changes

Our brains are also central in making us who we are; they govern our memories, likes and dislikes, responses, and relationships. Victims of brain injuries often suffer from memory issues, and this can involve both short and long-term memories. In some cases, the amnesia is temporary, but many sufferers are affected permanently.

Emotional control can also be impacted by damage to the brain; the individual may find themselves becoming irrationally angry or emotional, unable to control or regulate their moods, and unable to maintain relationships. Their social skills can be affected; many sufferers report a loss of ‘filter’ after the injury, causing them to say whatever is on their mind, resulting in social interactions becoming difficult and complicated. In some cases, entire personality traits may vanish, appear or alter, leaving a very different individual to the one who existed before the accident. Our brain injury lawyers are ready to give you a helping hand 24/7.

We can help you find the help and assistance you need for yourself and your family. There is help available. Call us at 801-465-8733.