Youngstown Brain Injury Lawyer

a patient on a wheelchair holding an x-ray of her brain injury

Severe accidents in Youngstown can cause head and brain injuries that can affect a person’s mental and physical health and financial well-being. People who suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often struggle to care for themselves, earn a living, and enjoy their favorite activities.

At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we believe no one should pay the price of an accident someone else caused. That’s why every Youngstown brain injury lawyer with our firm is dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation they need after devastating injuries.

Did you or a loved one suffer a brain injury in an accident that was someone else’s fault? If so, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us to find out how Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can help during a free consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Youngstown, Ohio.

Types of Brain Injuries

A TBI occurs when a violent blow or bump to the head damages the brain. It can also result from an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain.

TBIs can be classified as either mild, moderate, or severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of TBIs. Motor vehicle accidents and assault are also common causes.

Some of the most common types of TBIs our traumatic brain injury lawyers see in the cases we handle include the following:

Concussion – One of the most common types of TBI is a concussion, which can cause a brief alteration of consciousness, confusion, and memory or attention issues. Subsequent concussions can increase the risk of long-term cognitive effects.
Penetrating brain injury – A penetrating brain injury is an open head injury. It results from an external force causing an object to break through the skull and pierce the brain.
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) – A DAI happens when the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers tear as the brain rotates and shifts inside the skull. It damages multiple parts of the brain and can cause a coma.
Intracranial hematoma – An intracranial hematoma occurs when a blood clot forms in or around the brain. Different classifications depend on the location, such as a subdural hematoma, which happens outside the brain but under the skull.
Coup-contrecoup injury – A coup-contrecoup injury is one in which the brain bounces off one side of the skull before impacting the other, causing damage on opposite sides of the brain.

Short- and Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The effects of a TBI can be far-reaching, disrupting physical abilities and cognitive functioning. In the immediate aftermath of a TBI or days or weeks later, many symptoms can appear, such as:

Fatigue
Headaches
Sensitivity to light and sound
Loss of balance and dizziness
Vomiting and nausea
Mood changes
Trouble sleeping
Confusion and disorientation
Blurry vision
Concentration and memory issues

Someone with a moderate to severe TBI might experience additional symptoms, such as:

Convulsions and seizures
Profound confusion
Slurred speech
Persistent, worsening headaches
Inability to wake from sleep
Repeated nausea and vomiting
Agitation and other unusual behaviors
Coma and other consciousness disorders
Numbness and weakness in the toes and fingers

Many people suffer permanent or long-term consequences from TBIs. The location, type, and severity of the brain damage can affect the prognosis. For example, injuring the frontal lobe can affect impulse control, judgment, and problem-solving abilities. Damage to the right side of the brain can cause difficulty performing basic tasks or processing visual information.

Long-term issues associated with a TBI include the following:

Dizziness
Balance problems
Memory loss
Mood swings
Seizures
Frequent headaches
Paralysis
Vision problems
Reduced language skills
Fatigue

Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery

The type and severity of the brain injury will determine what treatment is necessary. Some mild TBIs don’t require emergency medical care. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and getting plenty of rest may be enough for symptoms to resolve within a few days or weeks. Still, it’s best to seek help from an experienced doctor, as the extent of a brain injury is often difficult to tell without running diagnostic tests.

Someone with a mild to moderate TBI will require immediate medical attention. Doctors must monitor the blood supply to the brain and oxygen levels to prevent further damage. They must also determine whether the injury caused brain bleeds, swelling, or other issues that must be addressed.

Lowering the risk of secondary damage to the brain is possible with certain medications, such as:

Coma-inducing drugs – Placing someone in a medically induced coma immediately after a TBI gives the brain time to heal. Because there is minimal brain activity during a coma, the body can concentrate on healing.
Anti-seizure medication – Seizures can occur during the first week after a person sustains a moderate to severe TBI. Anti-seizure drugs can prevent seizures, which could otherwise cause further damage.
Diuretics – Diuretics reduce pressure inside the brain and lower the amount of fluid in the tissues.

If there’s a fracture to the skull, blood clots, brain pressure, or bleeding, emergency surgery might be necessary.

Many TBI victims need physical or occupational therapy to relearn routine tasks.

Compensation Available for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

The costs of treating and recovering from a TBI can be considerable. But if someone else is to blame for your injury, they may be responsible for paying for the harm you suffered. Our experienced Youngstown TBI attorneys are ready to help you pursue compensation for your:

Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, imaging tests, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other treatments
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

Our traumatic brain injury attorneys can be critical allies in your fight for justice. We stand ready to calculate the full extent of your losses so we can aggressively seek the maximum compensation possible.

Statute of Limitations to File a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim in Ohio

The statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Ohio allows a two-year timeframe to sue someone for compensation. That means you have two years from the date you were injured to file a lawsuit.

While you might think you have enough time to prepare your case, two years can fly by quickly. Our TBI lawyers have the necessary skills, resources, and experience to work efficiently and file your claim before time runs out. That is why it is critical to hire an attorney right away.

Contact the Youngstown Brain Injury Lawyers at Amourgis for Help

A traumatic brain injury can be life-altering. At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we understand the importance of securing the money you need to heal. Contact one of our Youngstown personal injury lawyers now for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice you deserve.