Causes of Brain Injury
Brain injury can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including accidents and underlying diseases.
Trauma
Trauma can cause severe brain injury. The most common types of trauma are accidents (e.g., motor vehicle accidents), falls, and assaults.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Toxic chemicals are a significant cause of brain damage. They are found in pesticides, household chemicals, and industrial products that can enter the body through everyday activities or environmental exposure.
Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease is a general term that refers to conditions that affect the blood vessels that supply the brain. If these blood vessels are damaged, they may restrict blood flow or rupture, causing swelling, leakage, and inflammation. Damage to the brain can lead to symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, memory loss, and confusion. In some cases, cerebrovascular disease may result in complete paralysis or death.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when there is excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This can cause brain damage and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent disability or even death.
Hydrocephalus most commonly develops in infants and young children but can also occur in adults. In most cases, hydrocephalus results from a blockage in the ventricular system. This blockage causes fluid to build up in the brain, which causes pressure to increase inside the skull. Over time, this increased pressure can cause damage to the brain.
Intracranial Tumor or Tumor Vacuole
Intracranial tumors can cause severe brain injuries. They can compress the brain, causing damage to the space surrounding the brain. The pressure from the tumor can push against the brain’s blood vessels, leading to brain bleeding. This type of injury is called a hemorrhagic stroke or an intracranial hemorrhage.
Intracranial tumors can also cause swelling of the cerebral vessels, which is called venous sinus thrombosis. This type of injury is hazardous because it can compromise blood flow to other essential organs in the body, such as the heart and lungs.
What Are the Different Types of Brain Injuries?
There are several different types of brain injuries, but all require immediate medical treatment.
Aneurysm
Aneurysms are a type of brain injury that occurs when there is an abnormal widening of a blood vessel. An aneurysm is formed when there is an abnormal proliferation (growth) of blood vessels in the brain. Generally, the first signs of an aneurysm are sudden changes in behavior or memory loss caused by bleeding into the brain.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of head injury occurring when the brain is rattled or shaken inside the skull. It can happen when someone falls, hits their head, or has a blow to the head with something like a fist or elbow.
Anoxic Brain Injury
This is a condition in which there is insufficient oxygen in the blood. This lack of oxygen can occur as a result of a lack of blood flow to the brain or a disruption in blood flow. Brain cells can be damaged if the blood supply is cut off for too long, resulting in permanent damage and even death.
A primary cause of anoxic brain injuries is drowning, which results from being trapped underwater for an extended period. Another common cause is stroke, which occurs when part of the brain is suddenly deprived of blood supply due to a blockage or other problem in the vessels that supply the tissue with oxygen-rich blood. Other causes include severe head trauma, such as a car accident or other traumatic event.
Penetrating Trauma
This type of brain injury occurs when an object passes through the skull and enters the brain tissue.
Subdural Hematoma
This type of brain injury occurs when bleeding inside the brain’s protective covering.
Ischemic Stroke
This type of brain injury occurs when there’s reduced blood flow to part of the brain due to a blockage in an artery.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Brain Injury Case?
The compensation you will receive in a brain injury case will be based on the severity of your injuries, the length of time you have been fighting for compensation, and your medical history. With regard to the severity of your injuries, compensation can be divided into two categories: partial and complete.
If your injuries are considered partial, you may receive a percentage of your medical expenses. You may receive a lump sum or monthly payments if your injuries are complete.
In addition to compensation for medical expenses, you may also be eligible for certain other forms of compensation, including lost wages and rehabilitation benefits.
To determine how much compensation you can receive for your brain injury case, it is crucial to assess the value of your injury from several different perspectives. For example, you may have a case worth millions of dollars if you were injured while working at a job with a high salary. Also, if you have a long-term disability or require extensive medical care that impacts your ability to earn money, this could further increase your compensation.
Potential Damages for Brain Injury Victims in Kansas City
There are several types of compensation that you may be eligible for in a brain injury case.
Medical Expenses
If you suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you can file for compensation for your medical expenses. These medical bills could include medications, doctor’s visits, and therapy services. If your injuries are considered permanent, these expenses could continue for the rest of your life.
Pain and Suffering
This is non-economic damage that compensates victims of brain injuries for the pain and suffering that has occurred as a result of their injuries. This includes physical pain and emotional distress, such as depression and anxiety.
Loss of Ability
You can be compensated for the loss of ability that has occurred as a result of your injuries. This includes your ability to work or live independently at home due to physical limitations or cognitive impairments.
Wage Replacement
When you have an injury that impacts your ability to work, it can be challenging to earn money by going back to work. However, if it can be proven that you were unable to work because of your injuries, this factor may increase the amount of money you receive in compensation for your brain injury case.
Loss of Enjoyment
This includes things such as your hobbies and the joy derived from certain activities you once enjoyed but were forced to stop because of your injury.
What Factors Affect the Amount of Compensation Available to Brain Injury Victims in Kansas City?
In many cases, victims receive a settlement or judgment for their case depending on several factors, including the:
- Type of injury
- Age and physical condition of the person who was injured
- The economic impact of the injury
- Amount of time that the person needed to recover from the injury