What are Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Severe traumatic brain injuries involve a loss of consciousness of greater than 6 hours. TBIs involving shorter periods of unconsciousness are categorized as either mild or moderate. Severe TBIs can include both closed head injuries and open head injuries. Closed head injuries involve damage to the brain that is not visible without the assistance of an MRI or CAT scan. Open head injuries, on the other hand, involve the penetration of the skull and brain by a bone or other foreign object.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries are “a contributing factor in a third (33%) of all injury related deaths in the United States.”  In situations where a severe traumatic brain injury isn’t fatal, the injury victim may suffer a number of different symptoms and complications. The effects of a severe TBI include:

  • Amnesia
  • Ongoing disability
  • Impaired cognitive function
  • Impaired motor function
  • Difficulties with the 5 senses
  • Difficulties controlling and expressing emotions

For individuals, living with a severe traumatic brain injury can be life altering. The effects of TBIs don’t impact just the injured individual. In fact, severe TBIs can impact entire families and social groups. It is important for the loved ones and family members of the injured individual to take care of themselves, and make use of the resources available to them to help with adjusting to a new way of life.

If your loved one has been injured or killed in an accident that caused a severe traumatic brain injury, you want an experienced attorney to help you understand your rights and see to the needs of your loved one. At The Ernst Law Group, we represent injured individuals and their families and can help you pursue an injury or wrongful death claim after your loved one’s injury.

Don’t let uncertainty or expense deter you from picking up the phone. We offer free consultations and handle all severe traumatic brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid until we are able to resolve your case. This way you don’t have to worry about paying us and can spend your time and energy focused on adjusting to your new way of life.

Call us today. We are here to help.