One of the more tragic consequences of any accident is brain injury. Brain injury occurs as a result of different types of trauma. A brain injury can differ in severity from mild to moderate to severe.
A typical cause of brain injury is through the striking of the head on a fixed object like the pillar post of a car, or by falling onto a hard surface. However some brain trauma can be caused by forward and backward motion in a whiplash type accident where the brain hits the skull and becomes damaged.
After an accident EMT,s and other first responders use medicL tests to determine whether a person appears to have brain trauma. They look at the pupils of the eyes to look for unequal size, and they ask questions to determine whether a person seems confused or dazed.
If head trauma is suspected doctors may order a CT to rule out swelling or brain bleeds .
in our practice we often question our clients on the head trauma they sustained in an accident. Mild head trauma may show up as forgetfulness and anxiousness. This can also lead to depression. In some cases head trauma from whiplash can damage the brain stalk where the pituitary and hypothalamus glands are located. There are reported cases of women who as a result of this brain stalk injury can lose fertility.
More severe head trauma can lead to swelling in the brain, resulting in the placement of shunts to remove fluid so that the brain does not suffer as much damage. These major traumas can lead to the loss of short term, and long term memory. Major brain injuries can also result in more significant cognitive deficits such as delayed speech as well as full and partial facial paralysis. Brain injuries also can affect personalities. They can also significantly lower the IQ of the injured party.
Loved ones who live with brain injured persons may have their own claims against the person who caused their spouse to be injured.
Everyone has read about the horrific shooting of Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords. The gunshot caused major brain damage which is being treated. Details about her recovery have been spotty . However the New York Times reported that members of her staff say Congresswoman Giffords recently began speaking for the first time since the Jan. 8 attack by a gunman in Tucson. Brain injury patients who regain speech typically begin to do so within months of the event. With determination and good medical care recovery can be made sooner. Unfortunately, many of our clients are woefully underinsured. They will never be able to receive necessary treatment and rehabilitation for a complete recovery. That is why I always recommend that everyone carry good insurance.
In Georgia an injured person is responsible for their own medical treatment unless they have adequate medical pay or health insurance to cover their loss. Most of the time people with catastrophic injuries will be unable to recover enough money from the person who caused their injuries because that person doesn't have but minimum limits coverage.
As a former member of the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission I am aware of the devastating impact of brain injuries. I have seen the need for trauma centers, and well trained first responders. I also know how important it is to have a competent legal assessment of the situation. In any brain injury case experts may be called upon to review a life care plan, and to create special needs trusts, Oftentimes a guardian will have to be appointed because an individual is no longer competent to take care of themselves.
Everyone needs to go over their financial situation with. qualified financial advisor, and insurance professional. The best way to protect yourself is to be careful, and to plan well.