A sudden brain or spinal cord injury can have lifelong consequences. Recovering from this type of trauma requires countless hours and thousands of dollars in medical bills for hospitalization, rehabilitation, equipment, home modifications and assistance. These are among the most expensive disabilities to treat and accommodate. If you’re struggling to support your family or pay for your medical care, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit and fight to recover the compensation that you need.
Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain and Spine Injuries
The brain and spinal cord contain the body’s most sensitive and intricate systems. These areas are so complex that doctors still don’t fully understand them after centuries of research. This makes treatment and recovery difficult.
Five million Americans are paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries. Approximately 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases are reported annually. These injuries are caused by tumors, infections and traumatic impacts. An additional 5 million live with permanent disabilities due to traumatic brain injuries. A blow to the head can cause a concussion or a coma. Brain injuries may create immediate disabilities or produce latent symptoms, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s. Every year, 2.5 million Americans visit the emergency room after sustaining head injuries.
Leading Causes of Brain and Spine Injuries
Head and neck injuries are the primary cause of disabilities for children and teens. Some of these injuries occur during birth. Childhood is a critical stage for brain development, so these injuries have lasting effects. Older adults are also more susceptible to head injuries compared to other age groups. Here are a few of the most common causes of head injuries:
- Assault and battery
- Birth injuries
- Car accidents
- Contact sports
- Falling merchandise
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls
- Workplace injuries
Permanent Disabilities Related to Head and Neck Injuries
The effects range in severity depending on which part of the brain, spine or nervous system was involved. Sixty percent of people with these injuries experience long-term depression and emotional dysfunction. Here are a few other symptoms:
- Loss of cognitive function
- Concentration difficulties
- Vision problems
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Paralysis
- Chronic pain
- Muscle weakness
- Coordination problems
- Speech impairment
If you’re responsible for taking care of your family and kids or if you’re the primary wage earner, this type of injury can disrupt your life. Even for folks who have health insurance and disability coverage, the high cost of treatment takes a toll on everyone. Filing a lawsuit for negligence or medical malpractice gives you a chance to recover the money that you need to access health care and provide for your family.
Since 2001, the personal injury lawyers at Allums Welsch, PC have helped clients in Birmingham and the surrounding areas recover settlements and damages for brain and spinal cord injuries. Contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re here to help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
