Vero Beach Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Brain injuries affect over a million people in the United States each year. Car, truck and motorcycle crashes are responsible for the vast majority of these injuries, although there are many other causes.
A traumatic brain injury occurs when there is a sudden physical impact on the brain. During a collision, for example, a vehicle occupant can hit the dashboard or stop suddenly, causing the brain to crash against the inside of the skull. In a crash, forces up to 30 times the victim’s weight are involved. A swelling of the brain tissue and bruising known as contusion often results.
When an individual suffers a severe impact to the head, that person may experience a brain injury on either the side of impact or the direct opposite side of impact. These collisions, known as coup and contrecoup injuries, have the potential to seriously and negatively affect the victim. Our personal injury lawyers have represented brain injury victims throughout Florida. If someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury, please contact our Vero Beach traumatic brain injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Are Coup And Contrecoup Brain Injuries?
When the head has suffered a serious collision with an impact force – perhaps the individual has been hit with an object or has fallen and landed on their head – the brain may be jostled around. There is fluid in place to suspend and shield this central organ from impact forces and from hitting the inside of the skull, but large forces may overcome the protection capabilities of the cerebral liquid.
- Coup brain injuries occur when the skull is compressed enough to impact the brain. They result from a heavy impact to the skull, and will occur in the region that has been hit.
- Contrecoup brain injuries occur when the brain moves inside its cavity and hits the wall of the skull. These typically occur in the region directly opposite of the impact force.
Some brain injuries can be detected during an emergency room visit by an MRI, CT scan, X-ray or EEG. Others occur within the deep recesses of the brain and are not immediately obvious. Deficits may not become apparent until later when complex tasks are undertaken.
Common symptoms of brain injury include but are not limited to:
- Difficulty focusing
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches
- Impaired judgment
- Learning difficulties
- Personality changes, including impulsive or violent behavior
- Problems with organization
- Restlessness/problems with sleep
The brain is only a three pound mass of gray matter, and yet it is responsible for the essence of who we are. In addition to the injured party, countless others are affected. It is difficult for family members, co-workers and friends to adjust to the personality and cognitive changes that may result from the injury. Fortunately, with proper rehabilitation and treatment, many individuals experience dramatic improvement.
The treatment options can be expensive. If you believe your injury may have been caused by the negligence of others, you may be entitled to compensation under the law, and should contact a brain injury law firm immediately.
Contact Our Experienced Vero Beach TBI Lawyers Today
For over 25 years, the experienced lawyers of Vocelle & Berg, LLP, have been committed to representing the injured and their families. Our personal injury lawyers have represented brain injury victims throughout Florida. If you, a family member, a loved one or a friend has suffered a traumatic brain injury, please contact our Vero Beach traumatic brain injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation.
