Pittsburgh Brain Injury Lawyers

A brain injury is generally defined as any brain trauma that disrupts brain functioning and can be caused by various events, such as a fall or an automobile accident.

Depending on the nature of the case, a brain injury will be classified as either a closed brain injury or a penetrating brain injury. Closed-brain injury occurs when the brain is injured by blunt force trauma, such as a blow to the head or a fall. It is typically the result of a motor vehicle collision, a sports-related accident, or any other forceful impact. The brain can be damaged as it moves within the skull and collides with its interior walls. Closed brain injury can cause long-term impairment to brain functioning if not correctly treated. 

Some of the more common closed-brain injuries are:

• Concussions: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function.
• Contusions: A contusion is a type of injury caused by blunt force trauma, resulting in bruising and localized internal bleeding beneath the skin without an open wound.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: A Coup-contrecoup injury is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when an external force causes the brain to collide against the inside of the skull. It is a condition in which two separate areas of the brain are damaged due to the same injury. Usually, this involves the area of impact (coup) and its opposite side (contrecoup).
• Diffuse Axonal Injury: A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a traumatic brain injury caused by the violent shaking or rotational movement of the head. It typically occurs when a person experiences an external force, such as a car crash, fall, or physical assault. The power of the impact causes rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head, causing extensive damage to the brain tissue.

Penetrating brain injury occurs when an object penetrates the brain, such as a bullet or shrapnel from an explosion. In these cases, brain tissue is typically damaged beyond repair and can cause extensive brain damage or death.

Common penetrating brain injuries include: 

• Gunshot Wounds: A gunshot wound is a penetrating brain injury caused by a bullet fired from a gun penetrating the brain. These wounds are often fatal.
• Stab Wounds: A stab wound penetrating brain injury is when a sharp object pierces the skull and enters the brain, causing damage.
• Fragment Wounds: A fragment wound penetrating brain injury is when something sharp, like a piece of metal, goes into the brain. It can cause severe damage to the brain.

How Brain Injuries Are Caused

In the United States, car accidents are the leading cause of brain injuries that result in hospitalization. The most common reasons for cases that lead to death are violence and assault. 

Some other common causes of brain injury include:

• Being hit with an object
• Falls
• Hypoxia
• Infection
• Sports-related injuries
• Strokes
• Tumors that go undiagnosed or untreated

It is crucial to call us as soon as possible so that we can get started on your case. We evaluate all available evidence and examine whether your or your loved one’s injury is the result of another party’s negligence, violence, or malpractice.

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries can manifest in many ways, depending on the type and severity of the injury. 

Some common symptoms of a brain injury include:

• Physical Symptoms: Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in vision or hearing, changes in coordination or balance, and seizures
• Cognitive Symptoms: Confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with speech, disorientation, and attention deficits
• Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, impulsiveness, and aggression
• Sensory Symptoms: Sensitivity to light, noise, or touch, as well as tinnitus, vertigo, numbness, or tingling in the limbs.

People should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these symptoms. Pennsylvania allows people to file a personal injury lawsuit for two years following an injury, so we encourage you to act quickly, as the more time passes, the harder it can be to prove your case.