Traumatic brain injuries involve more than just an impact to the head. These injuries involve notable damage to the brain itself, can occur in multiple ways and have a variety of consequences. Dealing with these consequences can be costly, but a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney at The Warren Firm might be able to help.

If you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury, a civil lawsuit might provide the financial relief you need to address any expenses relating to your accident. Paying for medical care after your injury could be simplified with a successful injury claim. A Charlottesville traumatic brain injury lawyer could help you pursue these claims against the person responsible for your trauma.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries fall into five general categories. While these injuries are complex and not easily categorized, understanding these categories could be beneficial. A Charlottesville brain injury attorney could work with a person that has sustained a traumatic brain injury to help them understand the compensation that could be available in his or her case.

Concussions

Concussions occur when an impact to the human body causes the brain to shake violently within the skull. Concussions involve damage to the brain caused by this jolt. It is impossible to predict the symptoms of a concussion, as they often fail to materialize immediately. While some develop symptoms like nausea or dizziness immediately, others will notice major personality changes months later.

Penetrating Brain Injuries

Unlike concussions, some injuries involve an impact penetrating the brain directly. This injury not only pierces the skull but damages portions of the brain underneath. These injuries are common with gunshot wounds.

What are Diffuse Axonal Injuries?

In some ways, a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is similar to a concussion. A DAI also occurs when the brain suffers a violent jolt from an impact. The two injuries differ based on the nature of the damage. A DAI involves a jolt hard enough to tear the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the brain.

Brain Contusions

Commonly known as a brain bruise, these injuries can be more severe than they sound. Following an impact to the brain, blood can pool underneath the brain’s surface. If this leads to clotting, the condition could become fatal.

Coup-Contrecoup Injuries

A Coup-Contrecoup injury is effectively two traumatic brain injuries in one. These injuries occur when an impact to the head damages the brain. It also causes the brain to accelerate through the skull, striking the other side. This leaves two injuries: the original point of impact and the area where the brain strikes the skull.

How Long Does Someone Have to File a Brain Injury Lawsuit?

A plaintiff in a traumatic brain injury lawsuit must adhere to a number of statutory requirements when bringing their case. One of the most important is known as the statute of limitations.

The statute serves as a deadline for filing a claim. When a plaintiff files suit after the deadline expires, the court is empowered to dismiss the claim permanently. According to Code of Virginia Section 8.01-243, a plaintiff must file their lawsuit within two years of the injury occurring. A Charlottesville brain injury attorney could assist a plaintiff with filing a traumatic brain injury claim on time.

Speak with a Charlottesville Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Given the complex medical issues that come with a traumatic brain injury, pursuing these claims on your own could be difficult. You might be entitled to file suit without an attorney, but doing so could put your claim at risk.

By relying on the experience of a Charlottesville traumatic brain injury lawyer, you increase your chances of obtaining the financial compensation you are seeking. To discuss your case, schedule an initial evaluation right away.