Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Injuries
At The Malpractice Law Firm Jack H. Olender & Associates, PC, we offer brain injury victims in Metropolitan Washington, D.C. solid representation and excellent resources. Please see our answers to frequently asked questions and feel free to contact us for additional information.
Please see our answer within the Frequently Asked Questions about medical malpractice (How long do I have to bring suit?) for the general time limits commencing legal action which can be complicated and technical. The best way to determine the time limits for your unique case is to consult promptly with experienced malpractice counsel--one size does not fit all.
- What are the most common types of brain injury?
- What causes a brain injury?
- Are some injuries milder than others?
- Am I entitled to compensation for my brain injury or one suffered by a family member?
- Additional frequently asked questions
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What are the most common types of brain injury?
Brain injuries fall into two categories—traumatic brain injuries and acquired brain injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain is damaged by an external force, such as an accident or a blow to the head. Acquired brain injuries occur at a cellular level, such as by oxygen deprivation.
A force or blow can cause traumatic brain injury by causing the brain to move inside the skull or by damaging the skull to the extent that it then damages the brain. Many traumatic brain injuries stem from motor vehicle accidents, a direct blow to the head with a heavy instrument, sports injuries, slip and fall accidents, and physical violence.
Some causes of acquired brain injury include starvation of oxygen to the brain and lack of blood flow to the brain. Other circumstances under which one might suffer an acquired brain injury include near drowning, choking, stroke, disease, and toxic exposure. Hypoxia or anoxia (deprivation of oxygen) to a fetus around the time of birth is often seen in birth injury or cerebral palsy cases.
Are some injuries milder than others?
The level of brain damage can vary with traumatic and acquired brain injuries. A person may suffer a mild brain injury, which impacts the person for a short period and with minor symptoms.
Symptoms of a moderate brain injury can last longer, and the effects can be more profound.
A serious brain injury can lead to life-changing and debilitating problems and can result in such conditions as coma, vegetative state, minimally responsive state, locked-in syndrome, brain death, and many other conditions.
When the brain injury is hypoxic or anoxic in nature it can cause developmental delay in the baby and profound lifelong disability.
Am I entitled to compensation for my brain injury or one suffered by a family member?
A qualified brain injury lawyer can best evaluate your case for possible compensation. He or she must thoroughly review the facts of your case with experts and advise you regarding all options.
