Traumatic Brain Injuries

Seattle Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuits in Washington

Few injuries are as significantly life-changing as brain injuries. Victims often suffer permanent physical, mental, and/or cognitive disabilities and impairments. They typically require extensive medical treatment, as well as ongoing and even lifelong care. Compounded by lost wages and other unexpected financial challenges, the cost of treating a serious brain injury can easily exceed hundreds of thousands—in not millions—of dollars.

If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, reach out to Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department. Our Seattle TBI attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic injuries, as well as their family members and loved ones. We strive to help our clients recover the maximum compensation they are owed so that they can heal and move forward with their lives.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (206) 202-2562 or contact us online today.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

There are several different types of traumatic brain injuries, but they are all classified into the following two categories:

  • Closed-Head Brain Injuries: A closed-head brain injury occurs when the brain is injured or damaged but there is no physical injury or damage to the skull.
  • Open-Head Brain Injuries: An open-head brain injury involves injury or damage to the skull bone, as well as injury or damage to the brain.

Both closed-head and open-head brain injuries are extremely serious, but closed-head brain injuries present the additional problem of being difficult to detect. Without obvious damage to the skull, it can be challenging to determine when an accident or traumatic event has led to a potentially life-threatening brain injury.

Some examples of closed-head brain injuries include:

  • Concussions: Generally considered to be “mild” or “moderate” brain injuries, concussions result from a sudden blow or impact to the head, as well as violent forces that cause the head to jerk suddenly back and forth. Although they are classified as less serious than other types of brain injuries, concussions can still have serious effects, especially when an individual suffers multiple concussions throughout their lifetime.
  • Coup-Contrecoup: A coup-contrecoup brain injury occurs when a violent blow or impact to the head causes the brain to move inside the skull, hitting the opposite side. This results in two points of injury on the brain: one where the impact occurred and one where the brain hit the inside of the skull.
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury: A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) occurs when a violent force or impact causes “shearing,” or tearing, of the microscopic connective tissues within the brain. Depending on the size of these tears, DAIs can result in catastrophic brain damage and may even be fatal.
  • Oxygen Deprivation: Various forms of oxygen deprivation—including asphyxia, hypoxia, and anoxia—can result in significant, irreversible brain damage. Oxygen deprivation-related brain injuries are commonly caused by near-fatal and fatal drownings, birth injuries, choking, and assault/violence.

Some examples of open-head brain injuries include:

  • Penetrating Injuries: Penetrating head/brain injuries involve foreign objects that pierce the skull, entering and causing damage to the brain. These tend to be among the most serious and deadly of all traumatic brain injuries. Gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries are two examples of penetrating brain injuries.
  • Skull Fractures: A skull fracture occurs when the skull bone cracks or breaks, typically due to a serious fall or violent blow to the head. This can lead to hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding), pooled blood on the brain, and skull fragments entering or piercing the brain.

Signs & Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

While open-head brain injuries may be more easily detected, identifying a closed-head brain injury can be challenging. Anyone who suffers a serious blow to the head should seek medical attention, as they may have sustained an unseen brain injury.

Some common signs of TBIs include:

  • Brief or prolonged loss of consciousness
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Memory loss
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Dilated pupils
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Convulsions
  • Seizures
  • Light or noise sensitivity

Some TBIs may also lead to cognitive effects, such as changes in mood or behavior, new or worsened depression, agitation, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia and fatigue, are also common.

If you notice any signs of a brain injury, either in yourself or someone else, seek immediate medical attention. If necessary, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Any serious accident or catastrophic event can lead to a life-altering brain injury.

Some of the most common causes of TBIs include:

If someone else was to blame for the incident that caused your or your loved one’s injury, you could be entitled to financial compensation. At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, our Seattle traumatic brain injury attorneys have recovered more than $200 million in compensation, including many million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. We can help you seek the fair compensation you and your family are owed.

Request a Free Consultation with Our Team Today

Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department understands the immense impact serious head injuries and traumatic brain injuries have, both on victims and their loved ones. Our goal is to help you secure fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. We are known for our aggressive approach to litigation, as well as our willingness to go to trial.

When you choose our firm, you get an entire team of legal professionals dedicated to your recovery. We work with industry experts, including medical professionals, who provide powerful testimony in support of our clients’ claims. We know how to gather evidence and put together a detailed, innovative strategy aimed at maximizing your recovery.

You don’t owe any legal fees unless we win your case. Call (206) 202-2562 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

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