Brain Injury / Concussion

In the United States, traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death for persons under age 45. Car accidents are the most common causes of such brain injuries. However, brain injuries may also occur anytime the head is subject to severe trauma. Wilhite & Lea, P.C. personal injury attorneys have over 40 years of experience. George Wilhite who is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization effectual assists clients throughout Harris County including Houston, Northwest Houston, Champions, Spring, Tomball, Klein, FM 1960 area, as well as The Woodlands and Conroe in Montgomery County for brain injury cases.

Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries occur when some external force traumatizes the brain. Injuries to the brain where the skull is not penetrated or fractured are often referred to as “closed head injuries.” When a moving person comes to a quick stop, the brain continues in its movement, and strikes the skull. When the brain is bruised, it is called a “contusion.” When the trauma causes the brain to bleed, it is called a “hemorrhage.” Typically, the brain is injured at the point of impact. In cases of severe blunt force trauma, the brain may also be damaged directly opposite of the point of impact. This is caused when the brain is pushed toward the impact and the opposite side of the brain is pulled away from the skull. This injury is known as “contrecoup.”

Car Accidents

The most common brain injury that occurs in motor vehicle accidents is a concussion. Concussions can occur during a car accident when a person’s head violently impacts a part of the vehicle or some other object during a collision. Even at moderate rates of speed, traumatic brain injuries can and do occur. Brain injuries typically occur more often in side impact car accidents than in rearend accidents. The injury is often caused by the sudden deceleration of the brain, injuring the brain at the point of impact and the opposite side or contrecoup.

Injuries to the brain may occur without any contact at all. Severe whiplash may create enough force that may shake or rotate the brain enough to cause permanent brain damage.

Concussions from car accidents are often difficult to diagnose because there may not be any visible injury that would indicate brain trauma. However, some symptoms, such as temporary loss of consciousness, may present themselves.

Slip and Fall

Direct trauma to the brain can occur when the head strikes the floor in a fall accident. The sudden blunt force to the head can cause as much damage to the brain as the force of a car accident.

Lasting Effects

Brain damage from any type of accident can have physical, cognitive, and psychological repercussions. The symptoms of a closed head injury may present themselves immediately following the initial accident or can worsen in the period following the accident. Physical symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include: headaches, paralysis, coordination difficulty, weakness, sensory problems, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.

Concussions may result in permanent brain damage that can affect the victim’s cognitive abilities. This can seriously affect one's ability to concentrate, resulting in difficulties returning to work or school following the accident. Such brain damage may also affect short and long term memory functions, the victim’s logical reasoning and problem solving.

The lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries are not limited to physical disabilities. These injuries may also cause changes in a victim’s personality, and affect personal relationships and psychological well being. Victims may suffer increased irritability, nervousness, and anxiety.

Rights of Recovery

Victims who have suffered traumatic brain injuries may be eligible to seek compensation for their damages if the accident was the result of the negligence of another person or entity. People suffering from traumatic brain injuries may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income or earning potential, property damage, pain and suffering, and permanent disability.

Wilhite & Lea, P.C | Houston Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have suffered brain injury, let the catastrophic injury attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. represent you. Contact us immediately by calling (281) 537-2171 or provide us with your brain injury case details in our online form. Wilhite & Lea, P.C. handles Brain Injury cases in Houston or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Washington County, Grimes County, Fort Bend County and Waller County.