Brain Injury after Assault
When an external force strikes the head, it can cause traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are typically associated with automobile accidents or sports injuries, but they can also result from a purposeful attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that around 2.8 million people were treated for traumatic brain injury in 2013, and of those, more than 255,000 were the result of assault.
Any personal injury can result in physical, emotional, and financial hardships, but brain injuries are known to be especially damaging. The results of a traumatic brain injury can impact a person for the rest of his or her life.
Individuals who suffer a brain injury after an assault in the Daytona Beach, FL area should work with the experienced attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau to seek compensation for damages. Our attorneys work to hold liable parties accountable so that our clients can be justly compensated for the full extent of their losses.
Side Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The consequences of a traumatic brain injury can range in severity, based on the extent of damage that the brain endures. When an object or force hits or penetrates the brain, it can cause bruising, bleeding, or tears in the brain tissues.
Since the brain controls personality and emotions, and acts as a control system for the entire body, the consequences of a brain injury can range from cognitive, to behavioral, to physical.
Some of the symptoms that a person may experience in the days, weeks, months, or years following a traumatic brain injury include:
- Memory loss
- Difficult speaking or understanding language
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Frequent headaches
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to lights or sounds
Common Brain Injury Damages
Considering the long list of potential side effects, it is not surprising that traumatic brain injury victims require a lot of medical care. Following a brain injury, patients need physical treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological care. In many cases, injury victims require long-term or lifelong treatment.
Unfortunately, just as medical expenses are mounting, most brain injury victims require time off of work. Aside from needing time to address their injuries, many are unable to complete work functions due to the side effects of the injury. While some are able to return to work after a rehabilitation period, others can no longer perform work duties and must find a new line of work or medically retire.
In addition to the significant financial damages associated with a brain injury, there are the non-economic damages to consider. Brain injuries can cause extreme physical and emotional stress. Many brain injury victims deal with depression as they adjust to a new way of life. The emotional stress of a brain injury extends to the family of injury victims as well.
What Are My Legal Rights?
When a brain injury is the result of an assault, there may be criminal charges. Victims also have a right to seek civil justice as well.
Brain injury victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to hold their attacker accountable for the financial, physical, and emotional damages they caused. Potential avenues of compensation include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of wage-earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Learn More
The attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau have worked numerous cases involving brain injuries and assault. Our legal team is ready to help victims fight to receive the financial compensation they are due after an attack. To learn more about your legal options, contact us online at your earliest convenience, or set up a personal consultation by calling (386) 258-7313.