Chester County Brain Injury Attorney
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Nearly thirty percent of all injury deaths have a traumatic brain injury as either the primary factor or a contributing factor. Those who survive a traumatic brain injury may face changes in their lives which can be difficult to deal with, and could last for a very long time—or forever. Traumatic brain injuries can result in significant personality changes, the impaired ability to think, reason, remember and move, severe levels of depression and loss of sensation. Both the person who receives a traumatic brain injury as well as his or her family and friends, can be deeply affected by the aftermath of this type of injury.
Brain Injuries from Automobile Accidents in Chester County
Brain injuries across the United States are responsible for as many as 50,000 deaths and 2.5 million visits to emergency rooms annually. Motor vehicle accidents account for about 15 percent of all traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries from a motor vehicle accident can be either closed or penetrating. When a sharp object enters the brain forcefully, a penetrating or open head injury has occurred. A forceful blow to the head which does not break the skin, or a sudden shaking of the brain inside the skull can cause a closed head injury.
Many people make the mistake of thinking they are fine following a closed brain injury when the brain is forcefully slammed into the bones of the skull. An automobile accident floods the body with adrenaline, which can often mask serious medical symptoms associated with the accident. Later, a traumatic brain injury may be diagnosed, but it can be difficult to convince an insurance company the injury was the result of the car accident if no medical treatment was received immediately following the accident.
Because a traumatic brain injury from an automobile accident can have long-lasting effects and can result in significant medical expenses, it can be extremely helpful to have a Chester County traumatic brain injury attorney by your side from start to finish. Having a zealous legal advocate in your corner following your automobile accident can truly make all the difference in the outcome of your Pennsylvania personal injury case.
Falls as the Primary Cause of Traumatic Brain Injury
The primary cause of brain injuries are falls, at a staggering 40 percent. The elderly and children are the most susceptible to falls, however a fall can affect people of any age, and are often seen in those who work in the construction industry. While the construction industry sees a large number of traumatic brain injuries, those in the transportation, emergency medical services, fishing, forestry and agriculture industries also see a fair number of traumatic brain injuries. Even those who work in an office can suffer a slip and fall on a hard surface, resulting in a mild to severe brain injury.
In fact, about 20 percent of all on-the-job traumatic brain injuries occur from a fall on a wet or uneven surface. In the construction industry, falls are the most common cause of injury; the average age of a worker who suffers a traumatic brain injury while working construction is 35.8 years. Despite the fact that construction workers are supposed to wear hard hats, in some cases a hard hat may not be worn, or the hard hat could be damaged or of inferior construction. If you have received a traumatic brain injury at work, and workers’ compensation is simply not sufficient to cover your medical expenses, it could be time to speak to a Chester County traumatic brain injury attorney to explore further options.
Traumatic Brain Injury Resulting from Medical Malpractice
In some instances traumatic brain injuries can result from medical errors by Chester County care providers. These errors could include:
- Surgical infection;
- Lack of oxygen to a baby during birth due to mismanagement of labor and delivery;
- Anesthesia overdoses;
- Medication errors, including overdoses;
- Surgical errors during a brain procedure, or
- Failure to diagnose an aneurysm or stroke.
There are additional medical errors, which could result in a traumatic brain injury for Chester County residents who have entrusted their life to a medical professional. If that medical professional failed to act in a manner which was consistent with normal standards of healthcare, and a traumatic brain injury resulted, you may be entitled to equitable compensation for your losses. An experienced Pennsylvania brain injury attorney can guide you through the legal process if medical malpractice caused your traumatic brain injury.
Physical and Cognitive Deficits from a Traumatic Brain Injury
The physical effects of a brain injury are, perhaps, the easiest to treat, through exercise, physical therapy prescription medications or surgery. Physical symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include chronic headaches, extreme fatigue, weak muscles, partial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, seizures, and disturbed sleep. Cognitive impairments tend to be more disabling, including difficulty comprehending or communicating, memory impairment, concentration difficulties, an inability to make decisions, judgment deficits, difficulties processing information and an inability to learn new material.
Whether your traumatic brain injury was a result of a slip and fall in a public place, a fall at work, an automobile accident or medical malpractice, you need a Chester County personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights and for your future. You should not leave your future to chance—a traumatic brain injury can cause lifetime problems, and you deserve a strong advocate in your corner.
Contact Our Chester County Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you love has sustained a serious brain injury in an accident in Chester County, Philadelphia, Lancaster, or anywhere in the State of Pennsylvania, it is crucial you speak to an experienced West Chester personal injury attorney immediately. Your West Chester brain injury attorney will be able to establish who is at fault for your accident.
The Chester county brain injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.