Anoxic brain damage is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. The brain needs oxygen for its cells to stay alive. When oxygen levels significantly drop for four minutes or more, brain cells within the brain start to die. Permanent brain damage can occur within five minutes. An anoxic brain injury is serious and life threatening, sometimes resulting in significant cognitive problems and disability.

At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers understand the devastating nature of brain injuries. The brain is the control center for the body, governing bodily functions by sending and receiving messages. It is the seat of higher thought, memory, emotions, and much more. Damage to this area of the body can affect a person’s personality, abilities, memories, and their entire being. Our law firm has assisted a number of clients with debilitating brain injuries, and we fight to see that our injured clients obtain the compensation they deserve.

Causes of Anoxic Brain Injuries

There are many causes of anoxic brain injuries. Some causes are purely physical, such as heart attacks, heart arrhythmia, brain tumors, and respiratory conditions. Other causes can potentially be attributed to the negligence or intentional actions of another person or company:

  • Drowning
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Ventilator failure
  • Suffocation
  • Medical malpractice
  • Drug overdose, including prescription drug malpractice
  • Poisoning
  • Electrical shock

The ventilator is a major cause of anoxic brain injuries. Such machines are used to provide oxygen for those who cannot breathe on their own for a variety of reasons. When these machines are used improperly or malfunction, brain injury or death can occur in mere minutes. Improper training of hospital staff, communication issues, and equipment issues are some of the main causes of ventilator failure and, in turn, anoxic brain injuries.

Drowning is another main accidental cause of anoxic brain injuries, especially among children. A drowning person can quickly become deprived of oxygen as they sink into the water. If not pulled out and revived soon enough, brain injury may result. Thousands drown in pools annually, and at times, these deaths could have been preventable with adequate supervision, proper pool security, and more.

Signs of an Anoxic Brain Injury

An anoxic brain injury will usually begin with loss of consciousness. The victim may rapidly sink into a coma and, worse, could fall into a persistent vegetative state. If the victim does regain consciousness, he or she could experience an array of symptoms that indicate brain damage. The extent of the damage and the resulting symptoms will depend on the part of the brain affected by oxygen deprivation. Anyone who has suffered an anoxic brain injury as a result of negligence should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can examine the facts and circumstances of your case and take the necessary steps to obtaining you a monetary recovery.

Put Our Law Firm’s Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!

Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Source:
http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/anoxic-brain-damage