Georgia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers in Atlanta

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It is estimated that 8 million people sustain head and brain injuries each year in the United States and that at least 2 million of those will be permanently injured. Auto accidents are a leading cause of head and brain injuries. Falls, physical assault, industrial/occupational accidents and accidents in the home are also causes of head and brain injury.

Accidents are the leading cause of death and disability of men under 35, with over 70% of accidents involving head injuries and/or spinal cord injuries. Many brain injuries are the result of bleeding, twisting or tearing of the brain tissue. Brain injury can also occur when the head has been struck, usually by hitting an object like a windshield or by a sudden acceleration/deceleration movement such as in whiplash where there is no direct external trauma to the head. Brain injuries can occur at the time of the accident or develop over time as a result of tissues bleeding and swelling within the head.

The brain is enclosed in the cranium or skull and is an approximately three-pound mass of gray matter. It coordinates and controls bodily functioning, interprets sensory impulses, and is the center of emotion and thought. The brain has three main areas: the cerebrum , the cerebellum and the brain stem. The cerebrum is where most of the thinking takes place. It has four lobes and two hemispheres: the right and the left. The right hemisphere controls visual memory, copying, drawing and rhythm. The left hemisphere is often the dominant one and controls speaking, writing, calculating and reading. The frontal lobe, which is located near the front of the cranium, is sometimes damaged in accidents. The frontal lobe is considered to be the area for the emotional and personality traits. The cerebellum controls balance and coordination. The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord. It controls breathing, heart rate, alertness and consciousness. Although the skull protects the brain, its inner surface contains ribbing and bony structures. If the brain moves inside the skull, it can be pushed into these bony structures causing injury.

There are many kinds of brain or head injuries. Some examples are:

1. Contusions or concussions - When the brain is bruised by hitting the cranium, a contusion or concussion occurs. This injury can lead to vomiting, dizziness, headaches and problems remembering or concentrating. It can have long term effects
2. Anoxic brain injury - An anoxic brain injury occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. It is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain usually by swelling and bleeding of the brain tissue.
3. Contrecoup - When the brain is thrust against both sides of the skull, a contrecoup injury occurs. The brain hits one side of the skull, rebounds and hits the other side of the skull.
4. Skull fracture - A skull fracture is a break in the bone that surrounds the brain. Many times this type of injury will heal by itself, but if tissue damage has occurred below the fracture, surgery may be required.
5. Epidural hematoma - An epidural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and the top lining of the brain, known as the dura. The clot causes pressure changes in the brain, which can require surgery.
6. Subdural hematoma - A subdural hematoma is when blood accumulates between the brain tissue and the dura. It can be referred to as a chronic subdural hematoma when it occurs slowly over several weeks. An acute subdural hematoma is a more severe version but both may require surgery.
7. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) - DAI is a type of brain injury that occurs with the rotation and disruption of the brain inside the skull, which severs or shears the brain's long connecting nerve fibers or axons. These types of injuries can be hard to detect. Studies seem to indicate that the damage to the axons occurs within the first 12 to 24 hours after the injury. The effects of this brain injury may not be long term, but if severe could also result in permanent disability and coma.

After a brain or head injury, things that were once easy and familiar can become difficult and strange. Something that once took little effort now requires a great deal of effort. Victims of brain and head injuries often become less efficient, unreliable, unpredictable and sometimes violent. They may develop behavior problems at home and school, which can cause personal relationships to suffer. Often brain and head injuries cannot be detected by diagnostic tests such as EEGs, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs or PET Scans. Neuropsychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and friends and family are often helpful in diagnosing head and brain injuries.

There is so much at stake and so many legal issues involved in getting someone properly compensated for their injuries. That is why it is important that victims of head and brain injuries hire an attorney that can tackle the complex legal tasks involved in a brain and head injury claim and protect the rights of the victim.

Montlick and Associates, Attorneys has the knowledge and experience you need. We have an experienced qualified staff that is ready to fight for your rights. We tell our clients- we want you to concentrate on the important things: getting healthy and returning to your day-to-day life, while our attorneys take care of the complicated legal issues and deal with the insurance company. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys will work hard to protect your interests and get you the compensation you deserve.

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