Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers in Raleigh, NC

effects of traumatic brain injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the potential to change a person’s life more than almost any other injury. Every 23 seconds someone will endure a brain injury. Even a seemingly minor bump or fall can cause a person to suffer loss of consciousness, impaired thinking and brain bruising.

A severe traumatic brain injury can transform a victim into a person confusingly different from the person they were before the accident. A severe injury affects the victim and his or her loved ones.

If someone else’s negligence was to blame for the injury, our Raleigh traumatic brain injury lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

If you believe that you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in North Carolina due to another party’s negligent or intentional act, speak with a brain injury compensation lawyer at Hardison & Cochran today. The consultation is free.

The attorneys at Hardison & Cochran have pursued compensation for brain injury victims and their families in North Carolina for more than three decades. By working with our experienced TBI attorneys and staff, you can be confident that your rights will be protected.

Our lawyers can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and the best course of legal action for you to recover the compensation you deserve.

Our team of accident and injury investigators can be on the case immediately, but you need to act quickly. The longer you wait to retain the services of our Raleigh traumatic brain injury attorneys, the higher the chances become that evidence will be lost.

Call the experienced lawyers at Hardison & Cochran toll-free at 800-434-8399 now or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. You’ll get a response within 24 hours. Let us help you today.

About Traumatic Brain Injuries in North Carolina

Traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of disability and death in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1.4 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury each year, and nearly 50,000 of these TBI victims die from their injuries.

More than 5 million Americans are living with a TBI-related disability. Those who survive often discover that brain injuries can impair their ability to work and their interactions with others. Some find that they have lost the ability to concentrate and they suffer from mood swings and depression. Other victims are unable to care for themselves following a brain injury.

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by sudden, physical damage from an external force. This impact can temporarily or permanently impede normal brain functioning.

The initial symptoms of a TBI may include:

  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Dizziness
  • Coma
  • Confusion

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are divided into two main classifications:

  • Open head injury (penetrating trauma)
  • Closed-head injury

An open head injury indicates the skull has been fractured or the membranes that surround the brain have been broken due to the force of the impact.

A foreign object such as a shard of broken bone, a bullet or a nail from a nail gun entering the skull can cause a penetrating brain injury. Penetrating injuries can damage cognitive function, cause loss of coordination, affect vision or hearing or cause depression or anxiety.

An open head injury is extremely serious and can require surgical intervention to remove pieces of the skull and insert synthetic replacements.

A concussion is the most common type of closed head injury. A blow to the head may cause the brain to

bounce back and forth inside the skull, leading to temporary chemical changes in the brain and bruising. A person who has a mild brain injury may develop post-concussion syndrome, involving effects such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, difficulty thinking and paying attention and memory problems.

Closed-head injuries do not cause the skull to crack. But a closed-head injury can be just as severe as an open head injury. Both forms of impact on the brain may result in mild to severe damage.

Treatment for traumatic brain injuries varies according to the specific injury. The first order of business is to stabilize the patient and prevent brain swelling that can cause additional damage.

In patients who have a traumatic brain injury, doctor may drill a hole through the skull and insert a monitor to measure intracranial pressure caused by brain swelling. Once the patient is out of immediate danger, MRI and CT scans are used to determine the extent of the brain injury.

After the acute care phase, a brain injury survivor may spend weeks in rehabilitation re-learning basic functions.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can occur in a number of different situations.

The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:

While traumatic brain injuries have many different causes, falls and motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes.

After a car accident, such as a rollover car accident, or fall in which you struck your head, you should go to the doctor for a thorough evaluation. It is important to tell the doctor that you have been in an accident.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Car Accidents

Motor vehicles accidents are one of the leading causes of brain injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, 28 percent of people who suffer a TBI sustained their injuries in a motor vehicle crash, and nearly half of the TBIs that necessitate immediate medical care are due to traffic accidents.

A TBI suffered in a car accident can range from a mild concussion that clears up with rest, to severe brain damage that causes lasting disability or premature death.

You can suffer a TBI in a car accident due to the extreme forward and backward movement from the sudden impact of a crash. It can also result from your head hitting the windshield, steering wheel or any part of the car with great force.

Airbags, which deploy with force, can also cause head injuries. Children and small adults are more likely to be injured by an airbag.

A moderate or severe brain injury will require a lengthy and costly recovery. If another driver caused the crash that resulted in your injury or your loved one’s injury, you should seek legal guidance about your legal options.

Seeking Compensation After a TBI

You may have a right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses.

Most people who are coping with a brain injury and dealing with an insurance company on their own or on behalf of an incapacitated family member will have little leverage for negotiating with an insurance company for full compensation.

An experienced TBI lawyer who has handled catastrophic injury cases can make all the difference.

At Hardison & Cochran, our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience representing people struggling with serious injuries. We will:

  • Investigate your case to determine all the potentially at-fault parties and the insurance policies available to provide compensation.
  • Calculate the full costs and losses associated with your injury and what a reasonable settlement amount should be to cover all your present and future expenses and losses.
  • Submit a demand letter to the insurance companies and handle all aspects of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery.
  • Present your case in court if necessary.

North Carolina imposes strict deadlines on filing personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits. If you do not file a lawsuit within the time allowed, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

It is important to contact an experienced Raleigh TBI attorney promptly so that we can get to work investigating your case.

Contact an Experienced Raleigh Accident Lawyer

Hardison & Cochran has pursued compensation for accident victims and their families in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina for more than three decades. Our goal is to help you pursue a maximum financial recovery after a serious accident such as a traumatic brain injury.

Survivors of serious brain injuries are often experiencing mounting medical bills and financial stress after an accident. We recognize that you do not need additional expenses. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses.

If we cannot negotiate an insurance settlement or obtain a jury award on your behalf, we will not charge for our legal services. If you are ready to get answers to your questions about your legal rights, call today to speak with a compassionate and experienced lawyer.