Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys in Lee’s Summit, MO
Seasoned representation for traumatic brain injury victims in Missouri
Victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are lucky to survive their injuries; however, there are long-term permanent effects that they must live with for the rest of their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), victims of TBIs are 50 times more likely to die from seizures, 11 times more likely to die from drug poisoning, nine times more likely to die from infections, and six times more likely to die from pneumonia. These reasons are just some of the reasons why victims of TBIs should seek compensation from the parties who were responsible for their injuries. The life of a TBI victim will never be the same after the injury that could have been prevented.
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our Lee’s Summit traumatic brain injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of innocent victims throughout Missouri and Kansas. We understand that traumatic brain injuries are life-changing, and you or your loved one may never fully recover. When seeking compensation, you need a strong advocate on your side. Our attorneys have three decades worth of experience fighting for traumatic brain injury victims. We will guide you through each phase of the litigation and work with your medical team to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
How many people live with a traumatic brain injury?
According to the CDC, “there were approximately 223,050 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2018 and 60,611 TBI-related deaths in 2019. This represents more than 610 TBI-related hospitalizations and 166 TBI-related deaths per day.”
The CDC also reports that despite additional rehabilitation services and inpatient hospitalization, 50 percent of victims with TBIs will either witness a decline in their daily lives or die within a five year period.
How are brain injuries classified?
While every brain injury is unique, there are two types of common injuries: open head injuries and closed head injuries.
Open head injuries
Open head injuries, also called penetrating injuries, are brain injuries that happen when the skull is broken, cracked, or otherwise penetrated by a foreign object. These types of injuries can happen during car accidents, because of a violent attack, during the birth or delivery process, or even from a serious fall. Open head injuries are usually disastrous and can cause victims to experience dangerous swelling in the brain. They also pose a risk of infection because the brain is exposed, and a risk of a deadly inflammatory response called sepsis.
Closed head injuries
Closed head injuries are brain injuries that do not penetrate the skull. Although these injuries may sound less dangerous, they can produce the most life-threatening damage to a victim. Although no foreign objects penetrate the skull, the brain collides violently against the skull, bouncing from one area to the next. There are three different types of closed head injuries:
- Concussions. This is one of the most familiar closed head injuries. Depending on the circumstances, concussions can also occur with open head injuries. This type of injury happens when an abrupt force to the head damages the blood vessels inside the brain. Victims of concussions can either lose consciousness for a few minutes or blackout entirely.
- Contusions. This type of injury happens when the brain experiences bruising. Like a concussion, this type of injury can also occur with an open head injury in some cases. During a contusion, a victim’s blood vessels are injured, causing blood to leak around the surrounding areas of the brain. Contusions can happen alongside a fracture or other blood clots.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI). This type of injury is caused when the brain shakes back and forth. These injuries happen in situations like car accidents, shaken baby syndrome, and even falls. This type of injury has the potential to become fatal because of the way it interferes with a victim’s chemical and functioning processes.
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Who is at greatest risk of a brain injury in Lee’s Summit?
While anyone can suffer from a TBI, there are some groups who are more at risk of experiencing these injuries. Some of these groups are:
- Young children. Because young children are active in sports and other recreational activities, they are the group that is most at risk of sustaining brain injuries like concussions.
- Young adults. Young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 are also at risk of suffering from TBIs related to sports and recreational activities.
- Seniors. Older adults aged 60 and up are at risk of falling and hitting their heads against surfaces.
- Males. Males from any age group are prone to engaging in risky behaviors like speeding, driving while under the influence, and engaging in physical assault.
What are common causes of brain injuries in Lee’s Summit?
The most common causes of brain injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Being hit by falling objects
- Acts of medical malpractice
- Sports and recreation
- Acts of violence
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
When your TBI is the result of another person’s negligence, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recoup damages. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some rare cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Kansas City Accident injury Attorneys seeks to hold all liable parties accountable for the harm they caused you.
What are some short-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries?
Even with mild TBIs, brain function can be temporarily altered for a specific amount of time. Some victims can experience the effects of TBIs for months and even years after the incident. Common short-term consequences of a mild TBI involve:
- Nausea or persistent vomiting
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Tired eyes or blurred vision
- Numbness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
What are the lifelong consequences of traumatic brain injuries?
The long-term effects of TBIs depend on where the trauma occurred in the brain. For example, damage to the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving, reasoning, and impulse control, can cause a TBI victim to engage in risky and more dangerous behaviors. Victims of TBIs who experienced trauma on the left side of their brain can encounter problems with logic, speech difficulties, examining visual information, and the general ability to perform regular tasks. Other lifelong consequences of TBIs include:
- Balance problems
- Memory loss
- Paralysis
- Reduced language skills
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
How are long-term family caretakers affected by a traumatic brain injury?
Family members who opt to become long-term caretakers for loved ones with a TBI are at risk of suffering from caregiver burnout. This situation is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion associated with providing care for an individual. Caregiver burnout is typically described as a change in attitude towards caregiving responsibilities, usually from positive and empathetic to negative and uncaring. This situation usually happens when a caregiver is overwhelmed with the responsibilities of caring for a loved one and does not receive the help that he or she needs.
Do you have a traumatic brain injury lawyer near me?
Our Lee’s Summit office is located at 200 NE Missouri Rd Suite 200. Please call for an appointment. Our law firm also has offices throughout Missouri and Kansas.
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our Lee’s Summit traumatic brain injury lawyers have been fighting for traumatic brain injury victims for three decades. We wholeheartedly believe that you deserve to have your life back. We work with neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropsychologists, concussion specialists, and other types of physical and emotional therapists.
Experienced Lee’s Summit traumatic brain injury attorneys
Our Lee’s Summit TBI attorneys work to hold drivers, vehicle owners, construction site owners, manufacturers, property owners, doctors, and others liable for causing you or your loved one to suffer a TBI. To discuss your traumatic brain injury claim, call Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 816-471-5111 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.