Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly devastating, often resulting in severe physical and mental implications for victims. Both victims and their family members will face a number of new challenges, ranging from obtaining proper and adequate medical care to managing medical bills and day-to-day expenses to facing a lifetime of disability. The emotional consequences of a traumatic brain injury are nearly as debilitating as the physical effects.
At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., our Reno TBI lawyers understand what you and your family are going through. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury as a result of another person or party’s negligence, we can help you file a catastrophic injury claim and seek fair compensation for your expenses and losses caused by the injury. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers in Reno are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and will do everything possible to secure justice on your behalf. With over 150 years of combined experience and millions of dollars recovered, our Reno brain injury attorneys have what it takes to effectively advocate for you.
Call Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. at (775) 284-8888 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a member of our legal team. Speak to a TBI lawyer near you today!
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What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
There are several different types of brain injuries; a traumatic brain injury, as the name implies, occurs as a result of a traumatic accident or event that causes damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often result from serious car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, and other similar incidents. While they are technically classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on how life-threatening they are, there is really no such thing as a minor TBI—all brain injuries are very serious and require immediate medical attention.
Common TBIs include:
- Concussions: A concussion occurs as a result of a severe jolt or blow to the head, which causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. This, in turn, causes the brain to move within the skull, which can lead to injury and brain damage. This movement can also lead to chemical changes in the brain, which may have any number of negative consequences.
- Contusion: “Contusion” is the medical term for a bruise; a brain contusion, therefore, is a bruise that forms on the brain. Typically, brain contusions occur alongside other TBIs, such as concussions. An impact or blow to the head causes blood vessels to burst, leading to blood pooling (bruising). In most cases, brain contusions heal on their own. In more severe cases, however, they will not heal and will require surgical removal.
- Coup-Contrecoup: A coup-contrecoup brain injury occurs when a blow to the head is so severe, it causes the brain to hit the opposing side of the skull. This results in two points of injury: one where the initial impact occurred, and one where the brain slammed against the inside of the skull. Coup-contrecoup injuries are often accompanied by other TBIs, such as brain contusions and concussions.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries: When a sudden impact or blow causes the brain to rotate and move inside the skull, it can lead to shearing or tearing of the various connecting nerve fibers, called “axons,” on the brain. This is a very serious TBI and often leads to long-term brain damage and coma. Diffuse axonal injuries can be difficult to diagnose, as tears are often microscopic and, therefore, difficult to detect on CT scans and MRIs.
- Penetrating Injuries: While the above examples are all classified as “closed head injuries,” penetrating head injuries are known as “open head injuries” and are arguably the most obviously traumatic type of brain injury. When an outside object penetrates the skull and brain, the victim is likely to sustain massive damage and, in many cases, these injuries will be fatal.
- Hematoma (Brain Bleeding): A hematoma occurs when there is bleeding in or around the brain, often due to a traumatic injury. The accumulation of blood can put pressure on the brain, causing significant damage. There are several types of hematomas, including:
- Epidural Hematoma: Bleeding between the skull and the brain's outer protective layer. This type often results from a blow to the head and may cause rapid onset of symptoms.
- Subdural Hematoma: Bleeding between the brain and the layer of tissue covering the brain. This type is more common in falls or accidents where the brain is jolted. It may develop more slowly and can have delayed symptoms.
- Intracerebral Hematoma: Bleeding within the brain tissue itself. This is a serious condition that may require surgery to relieve the pressure caused by the blood accumulation.