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Traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs, are injuries that affect how the brain works. They might result from a blow to the head or penetration (such as a gunshot or surgery malpractice). There are three main types of traumatic brain injuries:
- Mild TBI or concussion. The most common form of TBIs. Usually caused by a hit or jolt that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.
- Moderate TBI. Typically caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head.
- Severe TBI. Usually stems from a gunshot to the head. If the injured person survives, there is an increased risk of long-term effects.
Common Medical Malpractice Brain Injuries
Medical malpractice occurs when the medical professional fails to act in accordance with the recognized standard of care to the patient. It may also occur when a medical professional fails to foresee the consequences of their actions, which should never happen with the required skills and education. Common medical malpractice TBI injuries can be caused by any of the following:
- Giving the patient the wrong dosage or type of medication
- Failing to properly intubate the patient during surgery
- Failing to diagnose or treat a patient’s pulmonary embolism properly
- Causing decreased oxygenation due to excessive bleeding
- Failing to diagnose and/or treat a patient's stroke or heart attack in a timely fashion
- Neglecting the monitoring of a patient under anesthesia
- Improperly using a birth-aiding tool (e.g., vacuum extractor or forceps) during childbirth
- Failing to timely diagnose and treat aneurysm or brain bleed
Effects of Medical Malpractice-Caused Brain Injuries
Brain damage can have a major impact on someone's life. It can cause a variety of manifestations that could have an impact on the activities of a person's daily living habits in many ways. These effects usually depend on the nature of the injury and to what extent damage occurs in the patient's brain. The CDC recognizes the four main areas of a person's life where the effects of a brain injury can be observed to be:
- Sensation. A TBI may cause a person to struggle with balance, hearing, vision, and other sensory abilities.
- Thinking. TBIs can cause a person to struggle with memory and reasoning
- Emotions. TBI victims could suffer from depression and/or behavioral issues, including acting aggressively or engaging inappropriately with others.
- Communication. TBI injuries may cause the inability to talk to others and/or process language.
In 2019, there were a reported 61,000 TBI-related deaths for the year. This is equivalent to approximately 166 deaths a day. Older adults are more likely to be hospitalized or face death from a TBI. These injuries are oftentimes missed when experienced by the older demographic because symptoms of TBI overlap with other medical conditions that are associated with older age, such as dementia. Healthcare providers should always check for TBI if an older adult has been in a car crash or has a fall-related injury such as a hip or leg fracture.
We Are Here to Help
Depending on the severity of your injury, you could be faced with substantial financial hardships. Let us help you. You may face a wide range of problems that can result in suffering from an overwhelming amount of medical bills and emotional damage. If you or someone you know has suffered from a traumatic brain injury caused by medical malpractice, our skilled attorneys at James Wood Law have the experience to help fight your case.
Call (505) 906-6774 to speak with our award-winning attorneys and review the details of your case today with a free initial consultation.