Chattanooga Brain Injury Attorneys

We Specialize in Brain Injuries Caused by Car & Truck Accidents

Brain injuries often happen due to motor vehicle collisions. When an accident results in a brain injury, the head or body may experience a sudden jolt or blow. That force makes the brain move inside the skull and hit its hard inner surface. The trauma can bruise or swell the brain and disrupt normal neural functioning.

Different types of collisions can result in various types of brain injuries. For example:

• Rear-end collisions may cause whiplash injuries, leading to concussions or other traumatic brain injuries due to rapid acceleration and deceleration forces.
• Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents) can result in occupants' heads striking against the vehicle's interior, leading to contusions or hemorrhages in the brain.
• Rollover accidents can cause occupants to be thrown about inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of head injuries as they collide with the roof, doors, or other occupants.

Common Types of Brain Injuries

Below are common brain injuries from motor vehicle accidents:

• Traumatic brain injury: This broad category includes many injuries from outside trauma. TBIs may be mild, such as concussions, or severe, such as diffuse axonal injury, contusions, or intracranial hemorrhages, and can cause a wide range of symptoms—cognitive, physical, sensory, and emotional.
• Penetrating injury: This occurs when a foreign object, like shattered glass, penetrates the skull and damages brain tissue. Such injuries may require surgery and cause focal damage.
• Concussion: Concussions result from a blow or violent shaking of the head and body. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and sometimes temporary loss of consciousness.
• Contusion: A contusion is a bruise or bleeding in brain tissue, often caused by the brain hitting the inner skull. Severe cases may need medical intervention.
• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): DAI happens when the brain's nerve fibers stretch or tear due to rapid acceleration or deceleration forces, leading to widespread and lasting impairments.
• Skull fracture: A skull fracture breaks the skull bones and may damage the brain or increase other injury risks. Severity depends on location and extent.
• Intracranial hemorrhage: Intracranial hemorrhage is bleeding in the skull. This may take several forms, such as subdural hematoma or epidural hematoma, and always requires prompt medical attention.

Seek legal guidance if you or a loved one has suffered any type of brain injury due to another party’s negligence. Our Chattanooga brain injury attorneys will review your situation and help you understand your rights and legal options.

Consequences of Brain Injuries

Injuries to the brain can result in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional effects that may require lifelong medical attention or even a complete lifestyle change. Brain injury survivors also often face great financial hardship due to medical expenses as well as lost productivity related to their condition.

Short-term consequences of brain injuries may include:

• Blood clots
• Coma
• Nerve damage
• Seizures
• Stroke

Long-term impacts of injuries to the brain may include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Behavioral changes
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• Cognitive problems
• Communication difficulties
• Mental health problems
• Parkinson’s disease
• Sensory issues

These injuries may range from mild and temporary to severe and permanent. In some cases, brain injuries can even lead to death.

What to Do After a Brain Injury

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if symptoms seem small, visit the emergency room or a doctor right away. Brain injuries could worsen over time, and early treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
• Follow Medical Advice: Carefully adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding rest, medications, follow-up visits, and any activity restrictions. Skipping or delaying treatment could slow recovery or cause further complications.
• Watch for Symptoms: Keep track of warning signs such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, difficulty speaking, or changes in mood or behavior. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Document the Injury: Write down how the injury occurred, collect medical records, and take note of symptoms over time. This documentation can be very useful for both medical and legal purposes.
• Limit Physical and Cognitive Strain: Avoid strenuous activity, driving, or tasks that require intense concentration until you have been cleared by a doctor. Rest is critical for recovery.
• Seek Support Services: Brain injuries can significantly impact emotions, memory, and daily functioning. Consider participating in rehabilitation programs, therapy, or support groups to aid in your recovery.
• Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: If the brain injury was caused by an accident, negligence, or someone else’s wrongful actions, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.