San Francisco Traumatic Brain
Injury Attorney (TBI)

There are certain areas of the body that medical professionals seem to have a handle on; hip replacements, for instance, are performed with much ease these days. Some formerly debilitating diseases have been knocked out or can be treated with simple pill regimens. But there’s one organ in the body that defies most investigation. From San Francisco to Stockholm, researchers have devoted massive amounts of resources and time into understanding the brain. But as Christof Koch — the Chief Scientist at the Allen Institute for Brain Science — has said, “We don’t even understand the brain of a worm.”

The Stats on TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries)

What makes Koch’s statement so alarming is the fact that our brains are intricately involved in the workings of the rest of our bodies. Many of the calories we consume, after all, go towards powering our brains. And it’s startlingly common for people to experience TBIs. Every year, almost three million Americans suffer from a traumatic brain injury. The vast majority of these injuries tend to be mild, with most people seeking care from an emergency room and being released pretty quickly. However, serious TBIs can be life-altering in every way. On a daily basis, over 150 Americans die from injuries that include a traumatic brain injury. With 50,000 deaths and 282,000 hospitalizations attributed to TBIs on a yearly basis — in the United States alone — it is easy to see how these types of injuries can impact families, friends, and even the economy at large. Perhaps it should not be surprising that the loss of American productivity due to TBIs was estimated to run at around $60 billion in 2000. Now, almost two decades later, this number has undoubtedly skyrocketed. For many people who experience a TBI, though, it’s not just about the numbers. The effects of these injuries can be incapacitating, affecting families for generations. This is something that cuts across all socioeconomic groups. Whether you’re from a wealthy family in San Francisco or you’re struggling to get by in Santa Fe, the chances are that you will know someone with a TBI at some point in your life.

What Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Tell Me about This Topic?

When you consult with a traumatic brain injury lawyer, they may share with you all of the ways in which a TBI can affect a person. The impact may be immediate and dramatic; you may suffer from memory impairment or even lose some of your sight or hearing. However, a TBI can often be subtle and insidious in its devastating manifestation. After a TBI, you may notice that a family member or friend has developed mood-related issues. Those who have suffered these injuries have often reported feeling that their personalities have changed or that they are dealing with depression as a result of their accident.

Why Is It So Important to Talk to a Brain Injury Lawyer as Soon as I Can?

As previously mentioned, TBIs can often manifest themselves in ways that are sneaky or not immediately apparent to an onlooker. If you or a family member have sustained a TBI, it is crucial that you immediately start collecting documentation and information on the incident. Keep in mind that small or even seemingly insignificant details may end up making a significant impact down the line. When you speak to a traumatic brain injury lawyer, you’ll want to provide as much information as you possibly can. For example, car accidents are responsible for about one-fifth of all TBIs. You’ll want to collect as much data as you can on the person who caused the motor vehicle accident that resulted in your TBI. When in doubt about the extent of your injuries, proceed directly to the emergency room after an accident.

Talking to a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Provide a Sense of Relief

It’s not unusual to feel powerless after a TBI has affected you or your family. After all, these events are traumatic by their very nature. However, there are some ways in which you can control your destiny going forward. Did you know, for instance, that initially consulting with an attorney about your TBI is usually free? Most lawyers are willing to go over the specifics of your case and will let you know whether or not you have the right kind of case to be considered for a lawsuit. If you’ve been on the fence about reaching out for legal assistance, this should help you to make up your mind once and for all.

A Dangerous Combination of Factors

Again, traumatic brain injuries are frighteningly common in the United States. And if recent statistics are any indication, their numbers will only continue to rise. The fact that we know so little about the brain makes these stats even more troubling. You may find that what initially seemed like a minor medical situation has become a condition that continues to affect your life for years to come, so it’s imperative that you immediately seek treatment and reach out to a lawyer who can help. TBIs can be overwhelming, devastating events, but there are actions you can take to improve your situation. Attorneys can be skilled at looking at these cases and evaluating what kind of compensation may be appropriate for your care in the years to come. The quicker you are about reaching out for legal assistance, the more likely it will be that you can receive timely advice. In a world in which companies and powerful individuals are often not held accountable for their actions, you must become your own most passionate advocate. And when you discuss your TBI case with an attorney that can shed light upon the situation, you may find later on that this was the first step towards a better life for you and your family.