The Perils Of Brain Injury

In New Jersey, accidents that result in death often involve a brain injury. Brain injuries come in myriad forms and can be caused in any number of ways, from trauma to lack of oxygen. Some injuries may be obvious, while others may not present themselves for days or even weeks. One thing that all brain injury has in common, though, is the potential to damage a victim’s life.

There are two general types of brain injury. Those that result from an external force, like an accident, fall, or object, are known as traumatic brain injuries or TBI. These types of injuries can range from mild concussions to penetration of the skull and brain tissue by an object. Severe TBI can be substantially life-altering or even fatal.

The other general type of brain injury is referred to as an acquired brain injury. These injuries result from a lack of oxygen to the brain, which causes brain cells to die. A complete lack of oxygen to the brain is called anoxia. If the brain is still receiving oxygen, but not enough for normal function, the condition is called hypoxia. The latter can also cause the death of brain cells, albeit more slowly. Either condition can be devastating to the victim, potentially damaging brain function or resulting in death.

Regardless of the type of brain injury a victim has suffered, if it was caused by the deliberate or careless act of another person or entity, they may be entitled to compensation. An seasoned attorney with experience handling brain injury cases can help to ensure that a victim recovers the costs of medical expenses and rehabilitation, as well as lost wages. The hardships of a brain injury go far beyond the financial, but a good lawyer can help ease some of the burden borne by victims and their families.

Source:  FindLaw.com, “Types of Brain Injury,” accessed on April 23, 2018