Traumatic Brain Injury Law Firm

Brain Injury FAQ's

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP has been successfully representing seriously injured victims of personal injury, medical malpractice, and brain injury accidents for decades. Our experienced Ohio brain injury lawyers have legal expertise and medical knowledge in the area of brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury, and anoxic brain injury. We understand the many important functions that the brain performs, and we have seen the devastating effects of brain injury. Our Ohio brain injury lawyers feel that any negligent person who causes brain injury or brain damage should be held responsible for their actions. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, contact a Ohio traumatic brain injury attorney at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP today.

How many people suffer from brain injuries in the United States annually?

Every year approximately 1.5 million people suffer from some type of brain injury. About 50,000 of those people, or 1/3, die as a result of their brain injuries.

What is an open head brain injury?

An open head brain injury is an occurrence where a foreign object penetrates the skull and punctures the brain, making it susceptible to infection. Open head brain injuries typically cause impairment to the functions that the injured part of the brain controls.

What is a closed head brain injury?

A closed head brain injury is an accident where there is trauma to the brain that does not result in a skull fracture. Closed head injuries are somewhat difficult to diagnose because there may be no physical signs of injury. Like other brain injuries, closed head injuries must be treated immediately.

What is a brain contusion and how is it caused?

A brain contusion is an injury that may be sustained at the same as a traumatic brain injury. As the result of head trauma brain tissue becomes bruised and swollen, and broken blood vessels may cause blood to mix with the brain tissue. Brain contusions may cause other serious medical conditions, including some that can place the victim in a vegetative state or death.

What are some common causes of brain injury?

Automobile accidents, falls, violence, and sports injuries are the leading causes of brain injury in the United States.

What percentage of brain injuries result from auto accidents?

Over half of all brain injuries are caused by auto accidents. The victim may be a driver or passenger in a car, or a motorcyclist, pedestrian, or bicyclist.

Does a serious fall put a person at risk for brain damage?

Approximately 25% of all brain injuries result from a serious fall. Elderly people and young children are especially at risk for this type of brain injury.

How often does physical violence result in brain injury?

Physical violence accounts fro approximately 20% of all traumatic brain injuries, and 10% of brain injuries are caused by gun violence.

What percent of people die as the result of a gunshot related brain injury?

Although gunshot wounds result in only 10% of brain injuries, they cause over 40% of all traumatic brain injury deaths.

What are some symptoms of brain injury?

There are a variety of symptoms associated with brain injury. Some things that may be affected by a brain injury include sexual functions, physical growth, sense of smell, muscular movements, body temperature, hormones, language, emotions, communication within the brain, and vision.

Can toxic substances cause brain damage?

Yes, toxic substances cause brain damage. There are approximately 1,000 chemicals that have the potential to inflict serious injury to people, including brain damage, learning disabilities, depression, dementia, and death. Inhaling, ingesting, and touching are some of the ways that these toxic chemicals can harm children and adults.

Does a person who has suffered from a brain injury need to see various specialists?

Yes. Depending on the severity and type of brain damage a person experiences, he or she may need to visit speech pathologists, neurologists, physical therapists, recreational therapists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals to aid in recovery.

What is a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that affects one or more of the body's systems, and causes the patient to experience extreme pain, as well as shortening his or her life span, and possibly causing a permanent disability.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of another party's negligence contact a Ohio brain injury lawyer today at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP.