CALL 916-777-7777
Youtube Facebook-f X-twitter Linkedin-in

Traumatic Brain Injury is More Widespread Than You Think

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
child with cover on forehead Discussions of traumatic brain injury (TBI) often address sports associated with repeated concussions now known to deteriorate the brains of players over time. However, sports involving tackle impact, such as football and hockey, are not the only activities that can cause TBI. Millions of people suffer from TBI, including individuals who are not athletes. TBI can result from any forceful motion of the head which may, or may not, involve direct impact. Increasingly, the medical profession is paying attention to how various forms of TBI lead to serious injuries and death. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one third of injuries that lead to death involve mild to severe Traumatic Brain Injury. The CDC reports that three age groups are especially vulnerable to TBI:
  • Infants to toddlers of four years of age
  • Adolescents from 15-19 years of age
  • Seniors over the age of 65
Children who are 14 years old or younger account for nearly a half million emergency department visits for TBI annually, notes Mark Herceg, the Director of Neuro-psychology at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, N.Y.

TBI Can Be Mild with Subtle Effects

Life-altering TBI doesn’t necessarily involve immediate, distinct symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, severe headache, or seizures. Mild TBI is often missed at the time of injury, but can cause a range of effects, including sleep disturbances, poor concentration, and fatigue. Even a  minor disturbance, such as a bump or blow to the head, can disrupt the normal function of the brain, says Herceg. One of the least-discussed potential consequences of TBI is the loss of emotional control. Even mild TBI can result in debilitating changes in mood management, behavioral conduct and feelings. TBI can impact mood functions by:
  • Altering feelings
  • Changing how emotions are expressed
  • Increasing or decreasing the intensity of feelings
  • Increasing the frequency or severity of intense mood swings
When TBI affects the emotional control center of the brain, reports Herceg, individuals may lose control of their emotional responses. As such, someone they may respond to emotional stimuli in an inappropriate or disproportionate manner. They may display unprovoked intense emotional reactions and responses. It is important that family members respond in a supportive manner and ensure that medical assistance is readily available.

Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Are Waiting To Hear From You

At the Arnold Law Firm, our Sacramento personal injury attorneys help victims and their families recover financial compensation for their brain injuries. To discuss the details of your case for free, call (916) 777-7777.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.