A traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Missouri is a devastating event that can upend every aspect of a victim’s life, from their ability to work and enjoy daily activities to their physical and emotional well-being.
The ripple effects of such an injury often extend to the victim’s family, leaving them grappling with mounting medical bills, long-term rehabilitation costs, and profound emotional strain.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, it’s essential to know that you have options. An experienced Missouri traumatic brain injury lawyer from our law firm can help you seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Our dedicated team has extensive experience advocating for brain injury victims and is committed to achieving justice for you and your loved ones.
What Exactly is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head or body, disrupts normal brain function. This type of injury can also result from an object piercing the skull and entering brain tissue.
TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from mild concussions that cause temporary symptoms to severe injuries that result in long-term disability, cognitive impairment, or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are often categorized into two main types: penetrating and non-penetrating. Penetrating TBIs, also known as open brain injuries, occur when an object like a bullet or bone fragment pierces the skull and damages specific areas of the brain.
Non-penetrating TBIs, or closed head injuries, are caused by external forces strong enough to move the brain within the skull, such as those from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
In some cases, TBIs can result in both immediate damage (primary injuries) and delayed complications (secondary injuries), which may develop over hours or even days following the trauma.
These injuries can affect cognitive abilities, motor skills, communication, and emotional well-being, requiring extensive medical attention and long-term care.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, working with an experienced Missouri traumatic brain injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Our dedicated legal team understands the devastating impact of these injuries and are committed to securing the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are The Categories of Brain Injuries in Missouri?
Because the brain is such a complex and vital organ, injuries to it can vary widely in severity and impact. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are generally categorized into three main levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Each category reflects the degree of damage and the long-term consequences that may follow.
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (MTBI):
Often referred to as concussions, mild TBIs are the most common type of brain injury. They typically result from a minor blow or jolt to the head and can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, or temporary memory loss. Although mild TBIs may seem less severe, they can still cause long-term complications if not properly diagnosed and treated. - Moderate Traumatic Brain Injuries:
These injuries involve a more significant impact to the head, which can result in loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours, confusion, or amnesia lasting days or weeks. Victims of moderate TBIs often require hospitalization and may experience cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges that necessitate rehabilitation and ongoing medical care. - Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries:
Severe TBIs involve substantial brain damage that can have life-altering effects, such as permanent disability, cognitive impairments, or loss of motor functions. These injuries may require lifelong medical attention, therapy, and support, profoundly affecting not only the victim but also their loved ones.
Each level of TBI presents unique challenges, and understanding the severity of an injury is crucial for determining the best course of medical and legal action. Whether a TBI is mild, moderate, or severe, victims and their families may face significant financial and emotional burdens.
For immediate legal assistance from an experienced Missouri traumatic brain injury lawyer, contact our law firm today. We offer free case evaluations and are never too busy to speak with you.
Why Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Sometimes Referred to as a “Silent Injury”?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are often referred to as “silent injuries” because their effects are not always immediately visible. Unlike external injuries such as cuts or bruises, the damage caused by a TBI occurs internally, making it difficult for others to recognize the severity of the problem.
This invisibility can make it challenging for victims to get the help and understanding they need.
A person suffering from a TBI may appear physically fine while struggling with debilitating symptoms like difficulty concentrating, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, fatigue, or trouble sleeping.
These cognitive and emotional challenges can significantly impact daily life but may not be immediately associated with a brain injury.
Another reason for the term “silent injury” is the delayed onset of symptoms. After a head injury, a person may feel dazed or slightly dizzy at first but seem to recover within a short period. Unfortunately, severe symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision problems, or cognitive decline may not appear until days or even weeks later.
This delay can lead victims to overlook the severity of their condition or attribute symptoms to other causes, further delaying critical treatment. Failing to seek timely medical attention can exacerbate the injury and complicate any effort to seek compensation for damages.
To learn more about brain injuries, schedule a consultation with an experienced Missouri traumatic brain injury attorney from our firm today.
How Often Do Brain Injuries Occur in Missouri?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant health concern both in Missouri and nationwide. According to the Brain Injury Association of Missouri, approximately 16,500 traumatic brain injuries occur in Missouri each year, leading to thousands of hospitalizations and more than 1,000 deaths annually.
Nationally, the CDC estimates that 2.8 million TBIs occur every year, underscoring the widespread impact of these injuries across the country.
Missouri has also experienced a 15.6% increase in combined emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to TBIs, as reported in the Traumatic Brain Injury Burden Report. From 1999 to 2003, the state recorded an average of more than 14,000 TBI-related events each year, which included:
- 1,320 deaths
- 3,660 hospitalizations
- 9,082 emergency department visits
The leading causes of TBIs in Missouri are falls, motor vehicle crashes, and blunt force trauma. Falls and motor vehicle accidents alone account for nearly 37% of TBI-related hospitalizations, while other mechanisms include being struck by or against an object or person.
These incidents not only result in significant medical challenges but also create long-term financial and emotional burdens for victims and their families.
Furthermore, more than 118,000 Missourians currently live with long-term disabilities resulting from traumatic brain injuries, as detailed by the Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Nationally, that number rises to 5.3 million Americans. Vulnerable populations include toddlers, adolescents, young adults, and individuals aged 65 and older.
For more brain injury statistics reach out to our skilled Missouri personal injury lawyers. We can help you understand your rights after an accident or head injury.
What Are Some Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Missouri?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often stem from various types of accidents, many of which are preventable. Understanding these common causes highlights the importance of safety precautions and the role of legal assistance in holding negligent parties accountable. If you’ve suffered a TBI, consulting a Missouri traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the most frequent causes of TBIs in Missouri:
- Car Accidents: Vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. The force of impact during a crash often results in severe head trauma. Even seemingly minor collisions can lead to lasting brain damage.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to TBIs because they lack the protective structure of a car. Even with helmets, riders face a high risk of head injuries during collisions or falls.
- Truck Accidents: Accidents involving large trucks often lead to devastating injuries due to their massive size and weight. Victims of these crashes are more likely to sustain TBIs that require extensive treatment.
- Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries, particularly when struck by vehicles. Without adequate protection, head injuries are common in these types of accidents.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians face extreme risks when struck by vehicles, with head trauma being one of the most common injuries in these incidents.
- Rideshare Accidents: The increasing use of rideshare services has also contributed to TBI cases. Passengers, drivers, and other road users are at risk of head injuries during collisions involving rideshare vehicles.
- Bus Accidents: Collisions involving public or private buses can result in catastrophic injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. TBIs are a frequent consequence of these high-impact crashes.
Regardless of the cause, traumatic brain injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on victims and their families. Consulting a skilled attorney at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers is essential for navigating the legal process, understanding your rights, and securing compensation for your losses.
What Are Some of the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the injury. Whether mild or severe, symptoms of TBI should not be ignored, as even a mild brain injury can lead to significant complications if left untreated.
Here are the most common signs of brain injuries:
Mild Symptoms of Brain Injury
If you experience any of the following symptoms after an accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While these symptoms may seem minor at first, they could signal a more serious issue that requires proper treatment:
- Loss of consciousness for a brief period or feeling disoriented
- Headaches or a sensation of pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
- Sleep disturbances, such as trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Dizziness or a feeling of being lightheaded
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Difficulty with concentration, memory, or speech
- Mood changes, including feelings of depression, irritability, or anxiety
These symptoms might seem like nothing more than a temporary inconvenience, but they could be early indicators of a TBI. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a Missouri traumatic brain injury attorney if you suspect that an accident has led to a brain injury.
Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Brain Injury
If mild symptoms are left unaddressed or the brain injury is more severe, it can lead to the following alarming symptoms. These signs indicate a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention:
- Loss of consciousness for an extended period (several minutes or hours)
- A persistent headache that worsens over time
- Vomiting or repeated nausea that doesn’t subside
- Seizures or convulsions
- Dilated pupils (one or both)
- Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears, a sign of skull fracture
- Weakness or numbness in the arms, fingers, toes, or other parts of the body
- Loss of coordination or difficulty walking
- Slurred speech or difficulty communicating
- Severe confusion, agitation, or abnormal behavior
- Coma, or an inability to wake up from sleep, or other disorders of consciousness
If you or a loved one has suffered a blow to the head or body, consulting an experienced Missouri traumatic brain injury lawyer from our law firm can help ensure that your legal rights are protected while you focus on recovery.
Establishing Liability After a Traumatic Brain Injury in Missouri
Proving liability is a critical step in seeking compensation for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). To recover damages, it must be shown that another party’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct directly caused the accident that led to the injury.
Whether it’s a distracted driver, a property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions, or a trucking company’s disregard for safety regulations, establishing who is responsible is essential to securing the compensation you deserve.
For example, if you sustain a brain injury in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, your attorney will use a variety of evidence to establish liability. This could include witness testimony, police reports, medical evaluations, photos, video footage, and expert testimony.
These pieces of evidence work together to demonstrate how the accident occurred and how the responsible party’s actions caused your injury.
When it comes to brain injuries, the costs can be overwhelming. Victims often face extensive medical bills, lost wages due to an inability to work, long-term rehabilitation expenses, and emotional distress. In many cases, the effects of a severe TBI can last a lifetime, making it even more crucial to prove the full extent of the injury and its ongoing costs.
Compensation for brain injuries is not automatically granted. To obtain fair compensation, it is necessary to prove the specifics of your injury and the long-term impact it will have on your life.
This includes providing medical records, expert testimony, and a detailed account of both past and future medical expenses.
How Can a Missouri Brain Injury Lawyer Help With My Claim?
After sustaining a traumatic brain injury, it is critical to have legal representation who understands the complexities of both your medical and legal needs. An experienced attorney will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for both immediate and future expenses related to your injury.
An attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gathering vital evidence to support your case. This includes collecting medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
By building a strong case, your attorney will work to prove liability and the full extent of your injuries, ensuring that all factors—such as long-term rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering—are considered in your compensation claim.
Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Gathering Evidence: Collecting and organizing all relevant evidence to establish fault and demonstrate the severity of your injury.
- Expert Testimony: Working with medical professionals and other experts to accurately assess the impact of your brain injury and long-term care needs.
- Calculating Damages: Ensuring that all costs, including medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and future care, are factored into your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance: Dealing with insurance companies to ensure you are not taken advantage of and that you receive fair compensation.
- Legal Representation: Representing your interests throughout the legal process, whether in settlement negotiations or court, to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Emotional and Legal Support: Providing compassionate and responsive legal counsel to help you navigate both the emotional and legal challenges of your recovery.
Having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome for your case, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Experienced Brain Injury Lawyers in Missouri
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact a traumatic brain injury can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
With years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, including brain injuries, we are committed to helping victims in Missouri navigate the legal system to secure the compensation they need to recover and rebuild.
Our team of dedicated attorneys works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the highest level of legal representation and personalized care throughout their entire case.
Our legal team approaches each case with compassion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Whether you are dealing with the physical, emotional, or financial consequences of a brain injury, we are here to support you every step of the way.
From initial consultation to trial, our attorneys will stand by your side, fighting for your rights and ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Our goal is to secure the compensation that allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
