Austin Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

Experienced Brain Injury Attorneys in Austin Are Here to Help

Brain injuries—whether traumatic or the result of stroke or other internal processes—are unlike any other kind of injuries. Every function of the human body depends, to some degree, on a functioning brain. Even mild brain injuries can have permanent impacts on the victim, while severe injuries may leave the victim virtually helpless, dependent on machines, and the care of others.

The victim’s family usually suffers as well, with their suffering also tied to the severity of the brain injury. Caring for a severely brain injured family member is exhausting, nerve-wracking, and, frequently, unappreciated because the injured person no longer has the ability to empathize with others.

All of these consequences occur at the very time that the victim and family face loss of income, massive expenses, and a very uncertain financial and social future. When the injury was caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, the family also faces the additional anxiety of dealing with the legal process that has to precede any recovery of damages that may ease their problems.

Every person who is directly affected by a traumatic brain injury (TBI) needs three things: patience, emotional support, and a good, experienced lawyer who understands both the legal process of getting compensation from the person at fault and the special problems facing the victim and family members.

Contact the experienced Austin brain injury attorneys at Briggle & Polan, PLLC by calling (512) 400-3278 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have recovered millions for our clients; let us fight for you and your family.

TBIs Affect Many, Many People

Nationally, TBIs causes some 50,000 deaths every year. Another 300,000 victims suffer TBIs severe enough that they are hospitalized. Roughly 80,000 of those victims are left with disabilities—physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral—that remain for the duration of their lives.

TBI victims may live many years after the injury, of course, and the total number of TBI victims in our country is much higher than most people know: several million Americans currently live with a TBI-related disability.

Causes of TBIs

Any kind of accident that involves physical impact to the head or even a whipping motion of the head that causes the brain to move within the skull can result in a TBI. More than half of all TBIs occur in auto accidents. Roughly another quarter results from the victim falling.

The Consequences of a Brain Injury

All human behaviors and every physical action require that some portion of the brain function properly. There is simply no way to exaggerate how devastatingly serious TBIs can be for victims and their families. Some functions may be recovered while others are lost or impaired forever. Rehabilitation programs that enhance recovery of lost functions are costly and require deep commitments from both the victim and caregivers.

The disruption of life is severe enough that psychological counseling is often needed by both victims and family members, especially those most involved in caring for the victim.

Medical and technological advances have produced many mechanical and electronic aids that can substitute for lost functions, all of which are expensive and require that the victim learn how to use them.

Physical Consequences

The part of the brain that is damaged and the severity of the damage determine which physical functions are affected.

Functions that may be affected include:

• Strength
• Limb movement
• Balance and coordination
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Speech
• Hearing and/or vision

Intellectual & Psychological Consequences

TBIs may dramatically affect the “ability to think” in the broadest sense. Memory is often affected, as are the abilities to focus and to string ideas together coherently. Even logical and coherent thoughts may take longer to form than before the injury. Learning new ideas and tasks may be difficult or even impossible. All of these problems are obstacles to fundamental human activity like socializing, working, and performing basic tasks from dressing to shopping.

TBIs often produce basic personality changes, which complicates recovery and puts significant stress on the victim’s personal relationships, causing conflict with family and caregivers.

TBIs in Children

After a TBI, children may have problems learning, both in an academic sense and in the sense of discovering how to socialize and to form emotional attachments. Adult TBI victims who once had these skills may be better equipped to overcome the impairments than children who never had the skills at all.

It’s also harder to assess the damages caused by a TBI in a child. Many of the symptoms of TBI—restlessness, impaired learning, and the like—may also be caused by other problems that produce “developmental delay” or by other disorders, like attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

FAQs About Brain Injuries in Austin

What Are the Main Causes of Brain Injuries?

The main causes of brain injuries include falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports-related incidents. Falls are the leading cause, particularly among the elderly and young children. Motor vehicle accidents are another major cause, resulting in TBIs due to collisions and crashes. Sports injuries, especially in contact sports like football and boxing, also contribute significantly to brain injury statistics.

How Is a Brain Injury Diagnosed?

A brain injury is diagnosed through a combination of medical history evaluation, neurological exams, and imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs. These diagnostic tools help medical professionals assess the severity and location of the brain injury. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and minimizing long-term damage.

What Are the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Signs of a traumatic brain injury can vary but often include headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, blurred vision, and memory loss. In more severe cases, symptoms may include loss of consciousness, seizures, or profound disorientation. It’s important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur following a head injury.

Can Brain Injuries Be Prevented?

While not all brain injuries can be prevented, many can be mitigated by wearing protective gear such as helmets during sports or cycling, ensuring seat belts are fastened in vehicles, and fall-proofing homes for the elderly. Educating the public about safety measures and promoting awareness are key strategies in reducing the incidence of brain injuries.

What Compensation May Be Available for Brain Injury Victims?

Compensation for brain injury victims may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The amount and type of compensation depend on the severity of the injury and the impact on the victim’s quality of life. It's essential to consult with a brain injury lawyer Austin to understand the legal options available and to develop a strategy for pursuing compensation.

Get Help from an Austin Brain Injury Attorney

Everything about a TBI is complex, including the process of recovering compensation from the person who caused the injury. Yet, your financial burdens start building at the time of the accident and continue to grow as the case for compensation proceeds. Choosing the right attorney to guide you through this process can shorten the time it takes to recover and lessen the pressure on the victim and family.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we understand both the legal and personal aspects of TBI cases. We know the kinds of expenses and losses that may be encountered by TBI victims, and we have a track record of success in recovering the compensation that injured Texans need to continue treatment and rehabilitation and hold their families together. Often that means a settlement without going to trial. But if that won’t get you the compensation you deserve, we will see the case through to a jury trial. We are real trial lawyers who are prepared to aggressively advocate for you in the courtroom.

Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced and compassionate Austin brain injury attorneys. You will have no out-of-pocket expenses and will not pay any legal fees until you are awarded money for your catastrophic injury.

Contact our Austin traumatic brain injury attorney by calling (512) 400-3278 today!