Skip to main content

Traumatic Brain & Head Injury Lawyers

head injuries

We have learned that head injuries are no laughing matter.  Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of death in North America.  Many survivors can live with significant disabilities resulting in significant economic burdens.  If you have sustained a head injury and/or traumatic brain injury, it is important to know your rights under the Minnesota workers’ compensation law as to what benefits are available to you.

Traumatic brain injuries can be categorized based on their severity, injury and the impact on prognosis and treatment.  TBIs can lead to skull fractures, hematomas, contusions, and focal or diffuse patterns of axonal injuries with cerebral edema.

If you have sustained a work-related head injury or traumatic brain injury, contact Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law for a free no obligation consultation.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused only by external factors. These factors can include direct force from an object, sudden jolting or shaking, and penetration to the skull. When the human brain encounters trauma of any form, its structure is damaged, thus preventing it from functioning normally. There are many side effects that those suffering from a traumatic brain injury may experience, from lack of emotional control and troubles thinking to a lack of communication skills and difficulties tasting or smelling. Many can recover from a traumatic brain injury, but there are instances where normal brain functioning is never reached, meaning ongoing care and assistance are a necessity.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

If you or a loved one suspect one has suffered from a head or traumatic brain injury, it’s encouraged to become familiar with the different types. There are many kinds of head and brain injuries, but the most common are explained below.

Contusion

A bruise on the brain or contusion usually occurs when a person’s head suffers a direct impact of some sort. When suffering from a contusion, swelling, or brain herniation can occur, which can be very dangerous to the individual’s well-being. A contusion may require surgery to release pressure and maintain adequate and safe oxygen flow to the brain.

Concussion

If a blow to the head occurs or the head moves back and forth with a lot of force, a concussion may occur. Concussions are considered a mild form of traumatic brain injury, but the victim is much more vulnerable to additional concussions once one occurs. A concussion may cause an individual to be unconscious for a period ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. Individuals that have had a concussion or multiple concussions may experience the following:

  • Painful headaches
  • Balance problems
  • Dizziness
  • Personality changes
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Dementia
  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Diffuse Axonal

Severe jolts, shaking, or a sudden and powerful rotation of the head can cause a diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury. Many experience widespread brain damage due to the brain suffering from damage in multiple places. In a diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury, the head moves faster than the brain, thus causing the brain to knock against the interior portion of the person’s skull.

Coup-Contrecoup

There are instances where both sides of the brain can sustain damage, which is called a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury. Forceful impact damages one side of the brain, thus causing the brain to be forced against the opposing side of the skull. Due to the brain being pushed against the skull, a contusion or brain bruise is likely to occur. Individuals that experience a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury are known to experience impairments in the following areas:

  • Memory
  • Coordination
  • Swallowing
  • Balance
  • Muscular abilities
  • Sensation

Penetration

At times, forms of impact can occur that break the skull or cause pieces of bone or foreign material to enter the skull cavity and damage brain tissue. Severe damage to brain tissue and nerves can lead to permanent impairment, such as a disability or death. Penetration injuries are the most severe forms of traumatic brain injuries and usually result in brain surgery to remove any foreign debris.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Unfortunately, incidents that have the potential to cause a traumatic brain injury can occur at any time and are commonly preventable. Many of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries are direct results of careless, reckless, and sometimes intentional actions.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Many experience traumatic brain injuries from motor vehicle accidents. A traumatic brain injury can occur during impact in a crash or if the individual is thrown from a motorized vehicle, causing them to hit the ground at extreme force. In the case that a pedestrian is struck with a motor vehicle, a traumatic brain injury is also likely.

Slip and Falls

Patrons, employees, and residents of commercial properties can slip and fall if property owners neglect to care for their establishments correctly. Many situations can cause someone to slip and fall, from ice and snow or uneven flooring to spilled liquids or broken railing.

Falls from Heights

Those who are completing work at substantial heights can become injured if a fall occurs from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, and other areas. Additionally, passersby are encouraged to be cautious around construction, and industrial job sites as getting struck by equipment or colliding with machinery can all cause a traumatic brain injury.

Potential Treatment and Costs of Head and Traumatic Brain Injury

If your own or a loved one’s life has been affected by a head or traumatic brain injury, there is a likelihood that medical treatment and rehabilitation care will occur. Concerning the seriousness of the head or brain injury, treatment may occur at a trauma hospital, specialized clinic, or both. Psychological counseling may also be a necessity depending on the cause of trauma. The services listed below can quickly reach high costs, especially when permanent damage is caused, which can be overwhelming for individuals and their families:

  • Emergency medical care
  • X-rays
  • MRIs
  • CT scans
  • Surgery
  • Intensive care
  • Medication
  • Rehabilitation
  • Assistive devices
  • Counseling or therapy
  • Ongoing care

How Can the Mottaz & Sisk Attorneys Help With Your Claim?

Our skilled attorneys will be by your side every step of the way before, during, and after your claim. After contacting us about your unique situation, you will speak directly with a knowledgeable, experienced brain injury attorney that is dedicated to pursuing the settlement that’s best for you. Our attorneys will listen closely, answer any questions, and explain your rights and options as the case progresses. When investigating your claim, our attorneys consider and account for the following:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and decreased earning capacity
  • Caretaking costs
  • Disability or loss of normal life
  • Physical and mental pain
  • Increased risk of future harm
  • Shortened life expectancy

The Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law Attorneys Are Here for You

Whether it’s yourself or a family member who has sustained a work-related head or traumatic brain injury, you have the right to seek compensation for all medical costs associated with your pain and suffering from the incident. Rest assured, the devoted and experienced attorneys at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law can help you with your traumatic brain injury lawsuit.

Contact the Mottaz & Sisk team for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

Free Case Evaluation