4 Common Types of TBI In Maryland Accidents
A human brain is a powerful machine, but it is also a soft, extremely delicate organ composed of exceptionally complicated tissues. When a person sustains a blow or jolt to the head, it could lead to a condition that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) terms traumatic brain injury (TBI). This injury affects how the brain functions, though the specific implications depend upon the area of the brain that sustained the trauma. CDC officials classify TBI as mild, moderate, or severe.
However, this approach to classifying TBI addresses the severity – not the type and nature of the injury. There are four distinct types of injuries, and they can lead to serious consequences for the victim. The CDC notes that accidents are a top cause of TBI, so you may have legal remedies under Maryland law if you or a loved one was hurt. An Owings Mills catastrophic injury lawyer will advise you on options, but some background information is useful.
Injuries from Trauma to the Brain: CDC data indicates that falls are the cause of almost half of all hospitalizations for TBI, followed by motor vehicle accidents and intentional assault. The following types of TBI are common with a wide array of accidents:
- Concussion: This is the most common and typically the least severe TBI. A concussion occurs when the violence of an accident causes the brain to move within the skull, striking against the hard bone.
- Penetrating TBI: Loose objects, flying debris, and stationary objects can penetrate the skull in a particularly violent accident.
- Anoxic Brain Damage: This type of TBI involves a lack of blood flow and/or oxygen to the brain. With birth injury cases, a fetus may suffer anoxic brain damage if healthcare providers do not properly monitor and take action upon signs of distress.
- Diffuse Axonal TBI: Similar to a concussion, this head injury occurs when the brain shifts within the skull. However, diffuse axonal injuries cause tears in the delicate brain tissue.
Losses for Victims of TBI: In terms of losses, the biggest concern for the injured victim is the cost of medical care. Immediately after an accident, the person may require emergency treatment, surgery, and hospitalization in the ICU to stabilize TBI. There are also significant losses for victims who have long-term health complications and permanent disability because of a head injury. In the years that follow a TBI, the victim may incur costs for:
- Specialized equipment for breathing, feeding, and elimination, if the TBI results in severe brain damage;
- At-home and skilled nursing care;
- Placement at an assisted living facility; and,
- Wheelchair, hospital bed, and special adjustments to the victim’s vehicles and home.
Consult with a Baltimore County Catastrophic Injury Attorney About Your Rights
It is encouraging to know that you have options to recover compensation for the devastating losses that result from TBIs. Our team at Furman | Honick Law will help you pursue them, so please contact us at 410-844-6000 or via our website. We can set up a free case analysis at our offices in Owings Mills or Baltimore, Maryland.
Source:
cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
