KATY, TX BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEY
HELPING INJURY VICTIMS GET THE COMPENSATION THEY NEED & DESERVE
Traumatic brain injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s life. If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury, the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC is prepared to help.
When faced with the life-altering consequences of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it’s crucial to have a compassionate and experienced legal advocate on your side. Our dedicated Katy, TX brain injury attorney understands the complex medical, emotional, and financial challenges that TBI victims and their families face.
We are committed to providing personalized, results-driven representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and ongoing care needs. You can trust our team to navigate the legal process efficiently and effectively while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
To schedule a consultation with our Katy brain injury attorney, call 713-987-7107.
What Is Considered a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. A TBI can range from mild to severe and can cause physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. These injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability in children and adults ages 1 to 44 in the United States.
Types of TBIs
There are two main types of traumatic brain injuries: closed head injuries and penetrating head injuries. Closed head injuries occur when there is a forceful bump or blow to the head that does not penetrate the skull but still causes damage to the brain inside. Examples include concussions caused by sports-related activities such as football and boxing.
Penetrating head injuries occur when an object penetrates through the skull into brain tissue. Examples include gunshot wounds and stab wounds.
Common Causes of TBIs
The most common causes of traumatic brain injury are:
- Falls. Falls are amongst the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, especially among older adults and young children. This includes falls from heights, such as ladders or stairs, as well as slip and fall accidents on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists can result in severe head trauma and brain injuries.
- Sports injuries. Contact sports such as football, rugby, and boxing, as well as high-impact sports like skiing and skateboarding, often lead to traumatic brain injuries due to collisions, falls, or blows to the head.
- Violence. Physical assaults, gunshot wounds, and domestic violence can cause traumatic brain injuries. Shaken baby syndrome is a specific form of violence that can lead to severe brain injury in infants.
- Blast injuries. Military personnel and those in close proximity to explosions, such as construction workers >or oil and gas workers, may experience traumatic brain injuries due to the force of the blast.
- Workplace accidents. Industrial and construction accidents, including being struck by falling objects or heavy equipment, can result in head injuries and brain trauma.
- Recreational accidents. High-risk recreational activities, such as rock climbing, horseback riding, and diving, can lead to traumatic brain injuries if proper safety precautions are not taken.
The Symptoms of TBIs
The symptoms of a TBI depend on its severity. Mild cases may cause headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, and blurred vision as well as:
- ringing in the ears,
- fatigue or lethargy,
- a change in sleep patterns,
- behavioral or mood changes such as depression or anxiety, and
- trouble with memory, concentration, attention span or thinking.
More serious cases may result in:
- loss of consciousness for a few seconds to minutes,
- persistent headaches,
- vomiting, convulsions, or seizures,
- an inability to awaken from sleep,
- dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes,
- slurred speech,
- weakness or numbness in fingers and toes,
- loss of coordination,
- increased confusion agitation restlessness or other unusual behavior, and
- increasing drowsiness.
How a TBI Affects a Person’s Daily Life
A severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a wide range of profound consequences on an individual’s life, both in the short and long term. Immediately following the injury, symptoms may manifest differently depending on the area of the brain affected. Over time, the long-term effects of a TBI can be even more debilitating, often leading to cognitive issues such as difficulty with concentration, memory, problem-solving, and communication.
Personality changes are also common, including mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety. Physical deficits, such as impaired motor function, coordination, and balance, can further impact the individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain independence.
The challenges faced by those with a TBI extend to various aspects of their lives, including occupational functioning and interpersonal relationships. The cognitive, emotional, and physical changes associated with TBI can make it difficult for individuals to return to work or find new employment opportunities. Additionally, these changes can strain relationships with family and friends, as they may struggle to understand and adapt to the affected person’s new limitations and behavioral changes.
Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Treatment options for TBI are varied and depend on the severity and specific symptoms of the injury. Non-surgical interventions may include:
- medication management to address symptoms such as pain, seizures, or mood disorders;
- physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve motor function, coordination, and communication skills; and
- cognitive rehabilitation to address issues with memory, attention, and problem-solving.
In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to address life-threatening complications, such as bleeding or increased intracranial pressure, or to repair skull fractures or other structural damage. Ultimately, the goal of TBI treatment is to maximize recovery and improve the individual’s quality of life, with a multidisciplinary approach often being the most effective means of achieving this.
Types of Damages in a TBI Claim
There are two main categories of damages that can be pursued in a TBI claim: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of the injury. They include:
- Medical expenses. This includes past, present, and future medical costs such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages. Compensation for the income lost due to the inability to work or reduced earning capacity.
- Loss of earning capacity. If the TBI victim is unable to return to their previous occupation or has a diminished ability to earn a living, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of future earnings.
- Property damage. If any property was damaged as a result of the accident, the victim may seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
Non-Economic damages are more subjective and relate to the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury. They include:
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and mental anguish endured by the victim.
- Emotional distress. This covers the psychological impact of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If the TBI has hindered the victim’s ability to enjoy their usual activities, hobbies, or relationships, they may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Loss of consortium. This refers to the damage caused to the relationship between the victim and their spouse or partner, including the loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations.
Work With Our Katy Brain Injury Attorney
With over 15 years of experience, Katy personal injury lawyer Shane McClelland can help you build a strong case and fight to receive the maximum compensation. Once you retain our services, we can:
- Investigate the accident to better establish liability and gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- Evaluate the full extent of the damages, considering both economic and non-economic losses.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Call 713-987-7107 today to schedule an initial consultation.
