If you see legal articles refer to “catastrophic accidents,” they’re usually talking about incidents in which the victims suffer the most severe kinds of injury — disfigurement, disability, lost limbs, stroke, or even loss of life.
Catastrophic accidents frequently involve damage to the head and/or brain. That is especially true in car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and commercial trucking accidents, where the head may be unprotected against high-speed impact.
Statistics on Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Every day in the United States, around 190 people die from TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- There were over 214,000 TBI-related hospitalizations across the country in 2020, the most recent year for which official data on the subject is available.
- Those over the age of 75 are at the greatest risk of death and hospitalization due to traumatic brain injury.
The CDC also found that moderate to severe types of TBI can have effects that go well beyond the immediate outcome of the injury.
For example, among victims who are still alive five years after the injury:
- 57% are moderately or severely disabled.
- 50% return to a hospital at least once.
- 55% do not have a job (but were employed at the time of their injury).
- 29% are dissatisfied with life.
- 29% use illicit drugs or abuse alcohol.
- 33% rely on others for help with daily tasks.
- 12% live in nursing homes or similar institutions.
New York TBI Accidents
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that traumatic brain injuries generally result from sudden or forceful external trauma. According to the Mayo Clinic, objects that penetrate the skull can also cause TBI.
Head and brain injuries vary in severity but should always be treated as medical emergencies. In cases where negligence contributes to a TBI, survivors are entitled to financial compensation for their suffering; because of how serious these issues are, these settlements are often very high-value. In the event of wrongful death, some family members may also be entitled to a financial recovery.
As New York City brain injury attorneys, we have helped many New Yorkers deal with the difficult aftermath of catastrophic head injuries. We understand that the emotional toll alone can be overwhelming in these cases, and the last thing victims and their families need is anxiety related to insurance claims and compensation. Sadly, insurance companies typically make the whole process far more combative than it needs to be. That’s where our office can help.
Tucker Lawyers PC is an experienced and aggressive New York City personal injury law firm with years of experience and a strong track record of good results. We battle on behalf of every client, striving to get as large a settlement as possible in each case.
What Causes TBI?
Traumatic brain injury can occur in many different scenarios. It is helpful to talk about the external forces that cause TBI in terms of whether the trauma was direct or indirect:
- Direct trauma occurs due to an impact between the skull and a hard surface, such as a wall, floor, steering wheel, steering column or windshield.
- Indirect trauma is caused by a jostling of the brain in the absence of blunt trauma. Examples include severe whiplash, high-speed bodily impact, and shaken baby syndrome.
The leading causes of TBI are:
- Falls: Falling is the most common cause of TBI-related deaths among 75 years and older and the leading cause of non-fatal TBI among people ages 0 to 4 and 25 and older. These falls can occur in the home, the workplace, or elsewhere.
- Being struck: Being struck by or against an object is the leading cause of TBIs that are treated in emergency rooms among people aged 15 to 24. These types of injuries commonly result from workplace activities.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Vehicle crashes are the third-leading cause of TBIs requiring medical treatment and the third-leading cause of TBI-related deaths.
One specific and important result of indirect trauma is diffuse axonal injury, which occurs in about half of all severe head injuries, as well as in some moderate cases. Diffuse axonal injury is caused by rapid movement of the brain within the head as a result of the body’s rapid acceleration and deceleration. It is common in shaken baby syndrome, school sports injuries, and auto accidents involving severe whiplash.
Diffuse axonal injury affects a large portion of the brain, causing devastating lesions that can quickly leave a person in a vegetative state.
A Note on Concussions
Concussions are also a form of traumatic brain injury. While they typically involve less extensive damage than other types of head trauma, it would be a mistake to dismiss concussions as trivial injuries. If you suffer multiple concussions, you can experience severe and permanent consequences, so it’s important to go for medical assessment and treatment if you suspect you may have been concussed.
Common TBI Symptoms
Traumatic brain injury can cause many different symptoms, and very few patients will exhibit every possible sign. You may have a TBI even if only one or two symptoms are present. That’s why you should seek immediate medical attention after any vehicle accident or any blow to the head.
Symptoms of TBI may include:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Impairment in hearing, vision, or other senses
- Poor balance
- Memory or concentration problems
- Confusion
- Speech problems
- Seizures
- Changes in mood or personality
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations in any part of the body
- Signs of stroke
- Vomiting
- Changes in pulse, especially reduced pulse
- Slow breathing
- Liquid (spinal fluid) coming out of the ears or nose.
Some of these symptoms could be noticed immediately after an injury. However, in many cases, a brain injury can take days, weeks, or even months to cause noticeable symptoms.
Most of us aren’t equipped to notice a serious brain injury. It might simply seem like something “isn’t quite right” or that a victim “just isn’t herself.” Only after seeing a doctor and being tested do many victims realize the true scope of the problem.
Treatment Options for Traumatic Brain Injuries
While the initial onset of a traumatic brain injury is typically very sudden, the journey to recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Treatment plans are multifaceted and will vary significantly depending on individual symptoms and other circumstances.
It’s important to note that many traumatic brain injuries are incurable; lifelong treatment and rehabilitation is often necessary for victims to have the best possible quality of life. The cost of this kind of ongoing care can add up to a six- or seven-figure sum. That’s why it’s so important to seek top-class legal representation when pursuing a lawsuit related to a traumatic brain injury.
Therapeutic Intervention
There are a number of therapies that may be useful during TBI recovery, including:
- Physical therapy: This can help TBI victims to regain mobility and coordination.
- Occupational therapy: This focuses on improving the performance of daily tasks like cooking or dressing.
- Speech therapy: This addresses verbal communication difficulties.
- Cognitive rehabilitation: This tackles memory, focus, and problem-solving issues.
Symptom Management
Coping with symptoms is another important aspect of living with TBI. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are common, but there are strategies you can use to mitigate their impact. Relaxation exercises, prioritizing sleep, and the avoidance of triggers can all make a big difference.
Counselling and Psychotherapy
The emotional impact of TBI shouldn’t be overlooked; anxiety, and depression frequently accompany serious head injuries. Counselling and psychotherapy can be very useful in addressing these problems.
Contact Our New York City Brain Injury Attorneys Right Away
Time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing any type of legal action, so if you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury, please do not delay. Even if some time has passed since your accident and you’ve only recently discovered the nature of your injury, there could still be time to act. You may be entitled to considerable damages, and our office can help you make the most of your rights.
Do not accept an offer from an insurance company without talking to us first. We offer free consultations without obligation, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office. You can reach us via our online contact form or over the phone at (516) 399-2364.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ATTORNEY BIO]
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Tucker Lawyers. From the very beginning of my case, they demonstrated unwavering dedication and professionalism. They were consistently ‘on top of everything,’ ensuring no detail was overlooked. Their proactive communication was remarkable I truly appreciated the regular calls and follow-ups after my doctor appointments, which kept me informed and reassured throughout the process. – Meaghan L.
I would highly recommend Tucker Lawyers. During a very stressful time and not knowing where to turn Tucker Lawyers really stepped up to the plate and put my mind at ease. They were very attentive and guided me and my family through this ordeal with a very successful outcome. John Tucker was fantastic. Very diligent and kept on top of things. You have a client for life for life. – Joan L.
