A Georgia Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Discusses Brain Injuries
A Georgia brain injury attorney can tell you that traumatic brain injuries should not be taken lightly. This is because the victim is at risk for long-term or even fatal consequences. Brain injuries can happen from a car accident, a slip and fall accident, or even while enjoying recreational activities. Sudden blunt force to the head area can cause a concussion in addition to bleeding, swelling or bruising of the brain. “Open and closed” are the two main kinds of traumatic brain injuries that a victim may endure. Regardless of the circumstances, if you or a loved one sustained a brain injury as a result of someone else’s actions or inactions, contact us at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch as we may be able to help you receive a settlement from their insurance company.
What is the difference between an open and a closed brain injury?
An open brain injury is one in which the victim’s skull fractured. This can occur as a result of falling and the head coming into contact with the ground or a solid object. A closed brain injury happens when the victim’s skull is not fractured, but is still serious as it can lead to life-threatening brain swelling. A Georgia brain injury attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can help you seek compensation for expensive medical treatment.
Regardless of which type of brain injury a victim sustains, it is best to go to the hospital without delay. A person may seem okay after an accident, but then collapse or develop catastrophic symptoms hours later when it is more difficult to get timely medical treatment. Because the brain is a core component of the human body, medical attention and prompt treatment is important. Keep all medical treatment receipts and documentation as your Georgia brain injury attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can use it to build your injury case.
What signs of a brain injury should victims recognize?
It is possible that a victim has a brain injury but there are no obvious exterior signs. When in doubt, going to the emergency room is the right thing to do. It is better to have diagnostics run and leave with a clean bill of health than regret not going to the hospital and experience serious complications. In addition, a Georgia brain injury attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch may suggest you undergo a medical exam before seeking compensation from the at-fault party. The warning signs of a brain injury can include the following:
- Body weakness
- Body numbness on one side
- Frequent dizziness
- Feeling nauseous and/or vomiting
- Anosmia (losing or decreased ability to smell)
- Sluggish, tiredness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Confusion
- Memory difficulties
- Receptive aphasia (not understanding spoken word)
- Expressive aphasia (difficulty talking while others cannot understand you)
- Trouble reading and writing
- Nystagmus (involuntary movements of the eye)
- Photophobia (sudden intolerance of light)
- Seizures
- Lack of awareness
- Physical paralysis
- Insomnia or other sleep disorders
- Irritability, aggression
- Depression and anxiety
- Changes in appetite
Which is worse– open or closed brain injuries?
A closed or an open brain injury can be equally devastating, possibly leading to total or partial paralysis, a loss of consciousness, or death. Any of these conditions should be treated with urgency. An open brain injury can cause excessive bleeding in the victim, while a closed brain injury can cause an unsafe degree of swelling. In either scenario, consider contacting a Georgia brain injury attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch after you get medical treatment.
Why does brain bleeding, bruising, tearing and swelling happen?
Abrupt, applied force to the neck or head can cause the brain to move within the skull and experience damage as a result. If pressure builds up, intracranial pressure may cause bodily functions to stop. If the victim does not get medical attention immediately, they may not survive. If you lost a loved one in this tragic way, contact a Georgia brain injury attorney from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch without delay.
Brain And Spinal Cord Injuries
If you are in a need of a Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney, experience can make all the difference. Attorney Andrew Lynch is a Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney with experience litigating, trying, and receiving excellent result for his clients.
Attorney Andrew Lynch had the largest jury verdict for a Georgia brain and spinal cord injury case in the Federal Courts of Georgia in 2016. Before consulting with Mr. Lynch, this client was unable to find legal representation for four years. Attorney Andrew Lynch litigated this client’s case until a jury awarded him $5,200,000.00.
Once injured, a person’s brain and spinal cord are some of the only parts of the body incapable of repairing themselves. If you have been in an accident or in any way suffered injuries to your central nervous system due to someone else’s negligence, then you may be able to recover significant damages. To evaluate your case be sure to contact a skilled Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney.
Working with a Georgia Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Whether caused by an at-fault driver in a car crash, a doctor’s medical malpractice, or an injury at a workplace accident, an injury to your central nervous system will almost always be as life changing as it is expensive. Such an injury can lead to years of medical bills, countless sleepless nights of searing pain, lost jobs and even death. Personal injury lawsuits are designed to force the person or group responsible to compensate you for these severe costs. An experienced Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney may be able to seek a financial recovery for your past and future legal damages.
To break down a legal case, under Georgia law, every person or group has a duty of care to ensure that their actions do not lead to the harm of another. If they breach this duty for any reason, be it driving recklessly or not ensuring proper workplace safety conditions, then the law puts the burden of paying for any injuries caused onto them. A Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney understands this is especially true if the injuries are as severe as damage to central nervous system.
Damage to the brain and spinal cord varies in degrees of severity. On one end of the spectrum you will find nothing but aches and pain, but on the other end can be permanent paralysis or death. In the event an injury to the brain or spinal cord has caused death, and there is a party at fault, then the family of the victim may have a Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney file a wrongful death lawsuit to cover the medical expenses and funeral costs of your lost loved one. In many cases, the courts will also award a grieving family financial compensation for their pain and suffering.
Though such compensation could not replace lost family members, it is important to hold those whose carelessness led to the untimely death of your family member accountable for their actions. An experienced Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney will help a grieving family earn the highest statistical chance at a quality legal result.
If you or someone you love has suffered from a brain or spinal cord injury, make sure to consult with a skilled Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney prior to moving forward with your lawsuit or claim. You deserve excellent legal representation. Call Decatur and DeKalb County attorney Andrew Lynch for a free consultation. Find out if you have a case to seek compensation for you or your family member’s brain or spinal cord injuries immediately. A skilled Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney will make all the difference in your legal case.
Diagnosing a Brain Injury
When it comes to a brain injury, the degree of damage can range from mild to severe. It is possible that one may not even realize that someone has suffered a brain injury. With such a large range of brain injuries, diagnosing one can be a complex process. Dealing with a brain injury can be an incredible hardship, one that may require the assistance of a Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney if another person was at fault for the injury.
Reasons for Brain Injuries
A Georgia brain injury attorney knows there are a number of ways in which a person can suffer from a brain injury, including the following:
- Deprivation of oxygen during birth
- Trauma from birth through the use of forceps and vacuum deliveries
- Bleeding in the brain
- Brain Infections
- Strokes
- Trauma from falling
- Trauma from Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Blow to the head in a fight/assault
- Lack of oxygen from:
- Drowning
- Blocked airway
Diagnostic Testing
It may be easy to diagnose a brain injury that is more severe as they can be better detected when a neurologist puts the patient through a series of tests. Diagnosis of more mild brain injuries may require more advanced testing that may include diagnostic imaging or even neuropsychological testing by a psychologist.
Diagnostic Imaging
There are several measures that may be used for diagnostic imaging:
- CAT Scan: (Computerized Axial Tomography) are images produced by an X-ray that looks at cross sections of the body. A neuroradiologist generally will read and analyze the information from a CAT Scan.
- MRI: (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) create an in depth picture of the brain. MRIs are generated using a magnetic field and are typically analyzed by a neuroradiologist.
- SPECT Scans: (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Test) uses gamma rays through the use of nuclear imaging to create a 3D image that can be analyzed by a neuroradiologist.
- PET Scans: (Positron-Emission Tomography) observes the metabolic process in the body through the use of gamma rays and a positron emitting tracer. In a PET scan a 3D image is created that allows a doctor to look at the affected area of the brain and measure the level of damage that has occurred.
Through the use of diagnostic imaging, doctors may even be able to determine the reason for the damage and how it may impact the patient’s cognitive functioning.
Neuropsychological Testing
A neuropsychologist conducts a neuropsychological test which is done through a series of interviews and paper and pencil testing. The purpose of this type of test is to measure a person’s functioning:
- Motor
- Cognitive
- Linguistic
- Executive
- Behavioral
The data is generated and overviewed by a neuropsychologist who then will analyze the information and determine if there are any deficits in the aforementioned areas.
Accessing medical treatment for appropriate diagnoses will be important to determining the type of brain injury and the best course of treatment. It may be beneficial to your case to enlist the help of a brain injury lawyer Georgia clients recommend to help determine whether or not filing a claim will be the best way to move forward.
Contact a Georgia Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Attorney for Assistance
If you or someone you love has suffered from a brain or spinal cord injury, make sure to consult with a skilled Georgia brain and spinal cord attorney prior to moving forward with your lawsuit or claim. You deserve excellent legal representation. Call Decatur, and DeKalb County attorney Andrew Lynch for a free consultation. Find out if you have a case to seek compensation for you or your family member’s brain or spinal cord injuries immediately. A skilled Georgia brain and spinal cord injury attorney will make all the difference in your legal case.
What to Do After an Accident Caused You to Have a Brain and Spinal Cord Injury: FAQs
Your Georgia brain and spinal cord injuries lawyer from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch knows that suffering a brain and spinal cord injury in an accident can be a life-altering experience, both for the injured person and their family. These types of injuries can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Knowing what steps to take after such an accident is essential to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights. Give our office a call when you need to speak with a lawyer about starting your claim.
What immediate actions should I take after the accident?
After an accident resulting in brain and spinal cord injuries, the top priority is seeking immediate medical attention. These types of injuries can be critical, and timely medical treatment is crucial to prevent further complications. Even if you don’t feel immediate symptoms, it is essential to get checked by medical professionals, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Should I contact a lawyer, and if so, when?
Yes, it is advisable to contact a Georgia brain and spinal cord injuries lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Brain and spinal cord injuries can have long-term consequences, and you’ll need legal representation to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your losses. A lawyer can start investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case while you focus on your recovery.
What types of compensation can I seek for brain and spinal cord injuries?
Brain and spinal cord injuries can result in extensive medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Compensation you may be eligible to seek includes:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy, and any future medical treatments related to the injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries lead to missed work or reduced earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost or will lose in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Brain and spinal cord injuries can cause physical and emotional pain and suffering, for which you may be compensated.
- Disability and impairment: You may be entitled to compensation for any permanent disabilities or impairments resulting from the injuries.
How can I protect my legal rights and build a strong case?
To protect your legal rights and build a strong case, you should document the accident scene (if possible), preserve any evidence, gather witness statements, and avoid discussing the accident.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit for brain and spinal cord injuries?
The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations. In most cases in Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Sustaining brain and spinal cord injuries in an accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps after the incident can significantly impact your recovery and legal outcome. Seek medical attention immediately, contact a lawyer, preserve evidence, and protect your legal rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the damages caused by the accident. Reach out to The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch to speak with our trusted Georgia brain and spinal cord injuries lawyer.