Seattle Head & Brain Injuries

WHAT IS A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY?

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an organic injury to the brain, caused by a violent physical force, resulting in a diminished or altered state of consciousness. When a forceful impact causes the brain to move within the skull, bruising, tearing and swelling can occur from the rotation of the brain against the skull. Since the brain controls our thought processes, voluntary movements and emotional well-being, injury to the brain can result in permanent disability, seizures, memory loss, headaches, behavioral problems or depression. Memory impairment is a key early sign of a traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury is documented through a series of neuro-psychological tests that measure the relative function of various aspects of memory and executive function, and are performed by a trained neuropsychologist. If you have had an impact to your head, have lost consciousness (even for a short period of time), and are experiencing memory difficulties, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately and arrange for a series of neuro-psychological tests to determine whether you have suffered a traumatic brain injury or head injury.

To help understand head and brain injuries, we offer a few key terms:

• A Diffuse Axonal Injuries is caused by the shaking or strong rotation of the head.

• A Concussion occurs when the brain receives trauma from an impact or violent change in momentum or movement.

• A Coup-Contrecoup bruise occurs both on the side of an impact and on the side of the brain directly opposite the impact, when the brain is slammed into the one side of the skull, and the brain bounces against the opposite side.

• A Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury occurs prior to the healing of a previous traumatic brain injury.

• A Penetration Injury results from a bullet, knife or other sharp object forcing hair, skin and bone into the brain.

• A Coma is a prolonged period of unconsciousness where there is no awareness of self or the environment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 5.3 million Americans living with disabilities associated with traumatic brain injuries.

At Brett Murphy – Washington’s Injury Lawyers in Seattle, our head injury attorneys give focused attention to the needs of each traumatic brain injury client. We help by coordinating medical payments, organizing documentation and supporting each client through the difficult claims process. Since insurance companies know our firm’s determination to litigate cases when a settlement offer is inadequate, we are usually able to resolve personal injury claims through negotiation.  We practice in the greater Seattle metropolitan area and throughout Washington State.

Call the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Brett Murphy – Washington’s Injury Lawyers today at 888-870-8654, or contact us via our online form.