NYC Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are some of the most serious injuries anyone can experience after an accident. They often cause long-lasting or permanent effects that impact an accident victim’s health, ability to work, and overall quality of life. Whether caused by a slip and fall, car accident, construction accident, or workplace incident, TBIs require complex legal strategies to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. There are far too many scenarios in the everyday lives of people in New York City that create the possibility of TBI accidents, making understanding your legal options crucial for your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
Have You or a Loved One Experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices have over three decades of experience handling cases involving TBIs, including rideshare, taxicab, and truck accidents. When you want an attorney with experience and in-depth knowledge of the complexities of New York accident claims, schedule a free case evaluation with one of our TBI accident attorneys.
Understanding What a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Is
TBIs can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Moderate to severe TBIs can lead to life-long complications and expensive treatments. Symptoms vary from person to person and can change with time, but they often include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vision loss
- Memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Seizures
- Changes in behavior
- Blood vessel damage
- Swallowing problems
- Executive functioning difficulties
- Difficulty speaking
Research has also suggested that severe TBI can increase a person’s risk for developing degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
An accurate valuation of your TBI claim is vital, including calculating the predicted future costs of treatment. Over the five years following a TBI accident, 30% of people became worse, and 22% stayed the same. Damages for future medical costs can be challenging to determine, but including this expense is a crucial part of your claim. Your accident attorney can help you identify and calculate all of the relevant damages you may be entitled to.
How Frequently Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Occur?
Around 2.5 million people suffer a TBI every year. Of those, more than 80,000 will experience permanent damage from their injuries. Every day, about 190 people die from TBIs across the country.
Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of suffering fatal or severe TBIs, including:
- Homeless populations
- Veterans
- Racial and ethnic minorities
The leading causes of traumatic brain injuries include falls and motor vehicle accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 50% of TBI hospitalizations are caused by falls, while car accidents contribute to around 17% of TBI-related deaths.
What Are the Key Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The symptoms listed above include a wide range of immediate and long-term changes that often occur with mild, moderate, and severe TBIs. Depending on the location of the injury and the severity, physical and cognitive changes can vary widely. While understanding the long-term symptoms TBI victims may face is important, being able to identify signs of a traumatic brain injury shortly after an accident can help victims and their families know when to seek medical care.
It’s not uncommon for people who have suffered a TBI to be unaware of the symptomatic challenges they’re experiencing. Dangerous signs of TBI include:
- Worsening or persistent headache
- Weakness or coordination problems
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Unusual behavior
- Confusion or inability to recognize people
- Dilation of one pupil
- Loss of consciousness
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after a head injury should seek immediate medical attention.
How Long Does Recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury Take, and Can It Improve?
The length of recovery time after a TBI varies widely depending on the severity of the injury and the part of the brain affected. Some mild TBIs may improve within a few days or several months. Moderate to severe TBIs can last much longer and may cause lifelong issues.
How Can I Determine If I Have a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI caused by an accident, you should contact an accident attorney in New York City to determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Injury-causing accidents that are a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness often lead to lawsuits and insurance claims. Each accident case must be considered individually, and the TBI lawyers at Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices are happy to discuss the details of your case to determine if you have a traumatic brain injury lawsuit.
Is It Necessary to Hire a Lawyer If I Have Suffered a TBI?
Even mild TBIs can require months of medical treatment and rehabilitation, and some severe injuries lead to a lifetime of healthcare needs and accommodations. An inability to work and the need for adjustments in daily life are also common for people facing long-term TBI symptoms. Financial compensation helps ensure that injured accident victims have the resources they need to navigate this new landscape. A TBI lawyer will provide the support and advocacy you need, improving your chances of achieving a positive outcome and maximum compensation.
Contact Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our NYC accident attorneys.