The Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries, also referred to as TBIs, are some of the most common types of injuries suffered by accident victims. According to the Northern Brain Injury Association (NBIA), about 450 Canadians suffer a serious brain injury every single day.
A victim can suffer a traumatic brain injury when there is a blow to the head, though not all blows to the head result in the same level of damages. There are different types of TBIs that have various consequences. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, a TBI can affect the victim’s ability to walk, think, understand, or remember things.
If you or your loved one suffered a blow to the head during an accident (e.g., a motor vehicle accident), seek medical attention immediately and consider speaking with a Hamilton brain injury lawyer to determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your TBI.
6 Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
While some traumatic brain injuries are relatively minor and result in short-term symptoms, others can lead to permanent impairments, including but not limited to problems with mental health and motor skills.
Some of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries include:
1. Coup-contrecoup brain injury.
This type of injury occurs either from impact or violent back-and-forth movement of the brain inside the skull. As a result, the brain can be damaged at both its impact and opposite sides. Symptoms of coup-contrecoup brain injury are often severe and disabling and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
2. Concussion.
This is the most common type of brain injury that accounts for thousands of emergency room visits across Canada every year. A victim can suffer a concussion when there is a sudden blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function. The effects of a concussion can last for days or weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
3. Brain contusion.
This type of injury is a bruise to the brain caused by a direct and strong blow to the head. Contusions are also referred to as hematomas.
4. Diffuse axonal injury.
This injury occurs when the brain shifts and rotates inside the skull so rapidly that it causes the brain’s connecting nerve fibers (axons) to tear.
5. Second-impact syndrome.
This type of brain injury is a recurrent TBI. In other words, it happens when a victim suffers a second head injury before symptoms from an initial trauma have subsided.
6. Penetrating injury.
As its name implies, this life-threatening brain injury occurs when an object penetrates a person’s skull and brain. A penetrating injury can result in bleeding, blood clots, and death if not treated immediately.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the five-year outcomes for patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries are quite disturbing: 22% of them died, 22% did not see any improvement, 30% became worse, and only 26% improved.
Recovering Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury because of negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct on the part of another individual, you might be entitled to compensation. Recoverable damages in TBI cases include:
- The cost of medical treatment
- The cost of rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
Consider speaking with an experienced brain injury lawyer to evaluate your unique situation and determine what compensation is available in your specific case.
Contact the Hamilton Brain Injury Lawyers at Virk Personal Injury Law
Schedule a free case review with our brain injury lawyers Hamilton to pursue the compensation to which you or your loved one is entitled after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Our dedicated lawyers will identify all potentially liable parties and help you build a strong case to help you obtain fair compensation for your damages and losses. Call (905) 521-8888 or book a free consultation online with our brain injury lawyers at Virk Personal Injury Law.