A negligent person causing brain injury must pay for it

New Haven residents may not be aware of dangers associated with head injury. People should realize that an injury to the head may cause damage to the brain, which can be very serious.

Traumatic brain injury is caused when an external force traumatically strikes the brain. It is the second most common injury in the United States. TBI results in more than 50,000 deaths every year. Reportedly, every 23 seconds, one person suffers from a TBI and every year, around 235,000 people face hospitalization for such injuries.

According to a brain injury specialist, falls are the primary cause of TBI and motor-vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of these injuries. Disease control centers say that this injury may result in several brain disorders that become more prevalent over time. Sometimes, a brain injury may go unnoticed as the symptoms don’t show up right away and it seems like everything is okay. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

TBI can cause paralysis or permanent disability. It may also result in several functional disorders relating to thinking and sensational function and emotional behavior. The impact of these injuries may last indefinitely or at least for a long time. Victims of brain injury may be required to go through prolonged, painful and costly treatment.

If brain injury is caused by the negligence of another person, the careless party may be liable for the damages. Victims of traumatic brain injury or their dependents can hold the negligent party liable for injury and loss. A person suffering from the injury can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation and damages. The court may direct the defendant to pay for medical expenses and to compensate the victim for disability, financial loss and pain and suffering.

Source: Minot Daily News, “Traumatic brain injury,” Jill Hambek, Feb. 04, 2013