Charleston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

Car accidents can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A TBI is an injury that occurs when there is a sudden jolt of your head or body, causing your brain to impact the walls of your skull. TBIs can have temporary, minor effects or severe and long-lasting effects. TBIs are also considered to be more severe forms of concussion.

The Charleston traumatic brain injury lawyers of Murphy Crantford Meehan want to help you get justice for your injuries. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we pride ourselves on pursuing the compensation our clients deserve, and our track record speaks to our record of success. Contact us at [phone-number linked=true] or online for skilled and knowledgeable representation.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Crashes

A collision can cause a TBI because it forces the brain to slam back and forth in the skull. The brain will usually swell after this type of trauma, which can lead to severe injuries. Depending on the severity of the TBI, it can lead to death or disability. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that about 176 Americans died daily from TBI-related injuries in one recent year.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The type and severity of the TBI depend on the injury sustained. Here are some common types of TBIs:

  • Concussion: This type of TBI occurs when the brain bounces inside the skull. Concussions can occur when your head gets hit or shaken. Therefore, the impact of a crash can cause a concussion. You can often heal from a concussion, but repeated concussions can cause long-term issues. Concussion symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
  • Contusion: This is a bruise on the brain that happens when the head gets struck with force. Contusions usually accompany concussions and cause swelling and bleeding in the brain. If you are experiencing headaches, nausea, or confusion after a car crash, you may have a contusion.
  • Coup-contrecoup brain injury:  This type of TBI occurs when the brain violently jolts back and forth inside the skull, causing injury to both sides of the brain. Usually, this injury happens when the head slams against a stationary object like a steering wheel or door. If you have a coup-contrecoup injury, you may experience memory loss and seizures.
  • Penetrating injury: A penetrating injury occurs when an object enters the skull and, subsequently, the brain. This type of TBI may cause severe issues such as paralysis and cognitive impairment.
  • Diffuse axonal injury: This type of TBI occurs when the brain shakes with so much force that it causes nerve cell damage. This injury can cause widespread damage to your brain, leading to coma and death.
  • Anoxic brain injury: When the brain is compressed, or blood vessels are injured, oxygen deprivation can cause a TBI. An anoxic brain injury can lead to other medical conditions, such as cardiac arrest. You may have an anoxic brain injury if you experience cognitive impairment or motor deficits after a car crash.

Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Car Crashes

There are a range of effects that you may experience if you have a TBI. These effects depend on the person and the severity of the injury. People who get a TBI may experience the following physical and emotional impacts:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of sensation in your extremities
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Reduced interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Sudden changes in personality or behavior

The effects of a TBI can be long-lasting. If you are experiencing any of these, you should not ignore them. A TBI may result in permanent injuries or death without medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Legal Options for Car Crash Victims Who Get Traumatic Brain Injuries in Charleston

You may pursue compensation when another driver caused the collision resulting in your traumatic brain injury. For example, if you are injured in a South Carolina car crash, you may seek compensation through the following:

  • Insurance claims with at-fault driver’s insurance: South Carolina licensed drivers must carry liability insurance to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from a collision. As a result, you can file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover your losses.
  • Lawsuits: If the insurance company denies your claim or you cannot reach a settlement, you may file a lawsuit against the insurance company and at-fault driver.

Recoverable Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries in Car Accidents

If you have suffered a TBI in a collision caused by someone else, you can seek compensation for your injuries and losses. The following are common types of payment you might recover:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages, if your TBI prevents you from working
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Traumatic brain injuries can cause long-term side effects, leading to medical bills and other costs. You may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for future expenses. An experienced attorney may hire an expert witness who can determine the financial impact the TBI will have on your future.

Contact a Charleston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Being injured in a car crash can be a traumatizing experience, and TBIs can be confusing and upsetting. They can be unpredictable and affect your overall health and daily life. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you go after the compensation you deserve and provide the support you need by:

  • Investigating the accident
  • Providing legal guidance
  • Determining the value of your claim
  • Hiring expert witnesses to determine how the TBI will affect your future
  • Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
  • Representing you in court, if necessary

At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we have experience representing clients injured in car accidents that were not their fault. To discuss your legal options with one of our team of Charleston car accident attorneys during a free consultation, contact us today at (843) 960-3581 or online.

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