What’s considered a catastrophic brain injury?
Catastrophic Injury/Wrongful Death - August 15, 2022
Catastrophic brain injuries are considered the most severe and devastating injuries you can sustain in an accident.
It is important to understand what qualifies as a catastrophic brain injury because it has such a serious impact on everyday life. Due to the seriousness of this injury, if you or your loved one received an injury like this, you might be able to receive compensation.
A catastrophic injury lawyer from Horwitz Law Firm can take a look at your case and determine whether your injuries qualify you for this level of damage recovery. Call (800) 985-1819 now for your free consultation.
What is a catastrophic brain injury?
According to the peer-reviewed Military Medicine publication, a catastrophic brain injury is defined as “any brain injury that is expected to result in permanent loss of all brain function above the brainstem level.”
There are different levels of brain injuries – from “minor” ones like concussions, to the more severe traumatic brain injuries. The recovery process for a brain injury varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury.
It’s important to note that all brain injuries should be taken seriously – even though a concussion may be called “minor,” this injury can have a devastating effect on victims. Never assume that your injury is nothing to worry about. You may have suffered brain damage that could cause permanent loss of brain function, so take your injury seriously and see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.
Causes of Catastrophic Brain Injuries
Anything that hits your head or causes your head to sustain these injuries could cause a brain injury of this magnitude.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Car Accidents
- Sports Injuries
- Falls
- Work Injuries
- Violence
- Combat Injuries
Symptoms of Catastrophic Brain Injuries
The exact symptoms you experience will be based on which part of your brain was injured and how severe those injuries were. You might experience any of these symptoms:
- Memory Loss
- Difficulty Seeing or Hearing
- Coma or change in consciousness
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Extreme Anxiety or Depression
- Trouble Concentrating or Being Confused
- Lack or Impairment of Fine or Gross Motor Skills
How Catastrophic Brain Injuries Impact Your Life
There are a lot of ways that this kind of injury can impact your life. It could change what type of job you can do, and how you relate to your friends and family members. It could also cause your family members to change their lives as they take care of you.
These are all damages for which you might be able to receive compensation.
Physical Therapy
Sometimes, these brain injuries are so traumatic that a person will have to learn how to walk, shower, and even hold a fork and feed themselves again. This all falls under either physical therapy or occupational therapy.
These therapy visits come at a cost. Keep track of all your medical bills from these services, because you might be able to get them reimbursed.
Hospitalization
Immediately after the brain injury occurs, there is often a stay in the hospital as the staff monitors the victim. Depending on the severity of the injuries, they might go into a coma and be put in critical care.
All of these instances come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, these bills are things that you might be able to get covered by the responsible party.
Loss of Wages
Such a severe injury often leaves the person unable to work in the same position as before. Whether they are permanently disabled or just forced to accept a job that pays less, these are all instances of loss of wages.
This kind of loss is something you might be able to recover as well.
Disability Pain and Suffering
This is more subjective, but still should be considered. Not being able to take care of yourself will have emotional impacts on you and your family. This should be included in the compensation you are seeking.
Stages of Brain Injuries
These types of injuries often involve an extended hospital stay. Whether you go into a coma, a vegetative state, or a minimally conscious state, you will need to be monitored by hospital staff.
What is the difference between those states? Check this out:
- Coma: This is when a person is unconscious and unable to respond to stimuli. Sometimes people go into them naturally, and other times physicians place people in a medically induced coma.
- Vegetative State: In a vegetative state, people can open their eyes or have reflex responses, but they are still unaware of their surroundings.
- Minimally Conscious State: In this state, a person will have altered consciousness. There are signs of awareness of their surroundings and themselves.
Speak to an Attorney
If you or someone you know suffered a catastrophic brain injury, seek help from an experienced attorney at Horwitz Law Firm. We’ll look closely at your case and fight for you to receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Brain injuries impact lives in serious ways. From lost wages to growing medical bills, there might be ways for you to receive money that can help with these burdens. Call (800) 985-1819 now.
