Client: Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter
Copyright 2008 Colling, Gilbert, wright & Carter
Brain Injury Questions
In Orlando, Florida
1. How serious is a brain injury?
Approximately two million people a year sustain brain injuries. Between 500,000 and 750,000 of these injuries require hospitalization. Some injuries are mild and symptoms disappear in a short time with proper care. Severe injuries can cause permanent disability that will change your life forever. Traumatic brain injury can be caused by such factors as:
� Accident
� Tumor
� Stroke
2. What is acquired brain injury?
Acquired brain injury is the result of external physical force or internal causes that result in the impairment of cognitive, physical or emotional function. It may result in an altered or diminished state of consciousness which impairs the thought processes and physical abilities of an individual. Such impairments may be temporary or permanent and cause complete or partial physical and emotional disability.
3. What is a concussion?
A concussion is caused by a blow to the head that results in the brain being forced against the inside of the skull. It does not cause any structural damage to the brain but can cause temporary loss of function including headaches, memory loss and sleep disturbance.
4. What is a brain contusion?
A contusion is a more serious injury to the brain than a concussion. The result is bruising of the brain and a more pronounced loss of function. A higher level of medical care is required to treat a contusion.
5. What is a skull fracture?
A skull fracture is damage to the skin and bone of the skull as well as to the brain. Necessary medical treatment is determined by the location and severity of the injury. Symptoms of skull fracture include problems with daily functioning.
6. What is medical stabilization?
Brain injury patients often require time in the hospital for continued medical treatment and recovery from the injury and any surgeries and therapy that may be required. This period of hospitalization when the patient continues to undergo observation, treatments and beginning rehabilitation, is known as medical stabilization.
7. What suffering does the family of a brain injury patient go through?
When learning of a loved one's brain injury, most individuals will experience a combination of reactions:
� Shock
� Anger
� Hurt
� Denial
� Depression
The brain injury of a loved one can change a family forever, just as the death of a loved one can. Many of the same emotions are experienced when a loved one will never be the same again. An adult child may suddenly need the care of a parent for the rest of their life. A parent may need the constant care of an adult child. A brain injury can completely alter the family dynamic as the family members struggle to function and adapt to this detrimental event.
If you or someone you love has suffered from a brain injury, it is vital to the injured and to the family that you consult a skilled and caring lawyer who can assist in collecting the damages owed. Please contact The Florida Firm today for more information and a free initial evaluation of your case.