Nearly 2 million Americans suffer brain injuries each year. Almost 100,000 are left permanently disabled. The disabilities are physical, cognitive, behavioral, and/or emotional in nature. The fortunate victims who survive brain injury and are not permanently disabled often require five to ten years of rehabilitation before they can lead normal lives again.

After a brain injury, the brain can't properly function as it did before the injury. The nerves and neurons may not be able to deliver messages, leaving the speech, body movements, and mental processes not able to operate effectively. When this happens, it is referred to as a brain injury. There are two types of brain injury that can have permanent and devastating effects and can even lead to death: traumatic brain injury and acquired brain injury.

When there is an external blow to the head with some type of force, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result. A few of the common causes of TBI are auto accidents; firearm accidents; premises liability accidents; and accidents incurred playing active sports such as rollerblading, hockey, and basketball. TBI may also result from incidents where the head is violently shaken or there is a blow to the skull. Shaken baby syndrome and high-speed auto accidents are two very common causes of TBI.

There are three levels of TBI: mild, moderate, and severe. A mild traumatic brain injury is classified as a brief loss of consciousness. A moderate traumatic brain injury is characterized by loss of consciousness that lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, with the resulting impairment of motor skills ranging from several weeks to permanent. A severe traumatic brain injury involves an extended unconscious state or coma (this may range from days to years).

When there is a disruption in the oxygen flow to the brain, this is referred to as an acquired brain injury (ABI). ABIs often result from stroke, aneurysm, heart attack, tumors, infectious disease, airway obstruction, crushing injuries to the chest, drug abuse, infectious disease, and/or meningitis. Additionally, reckless conduct on the part of a second party, including medical malpractice and medical negligence, can cause ABI. ABIs can affect reasoning skills and cognitive thought patterns, and may cause lapses in memory and reduced physical and mental abilities, along with several other traits and impaired body functions.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic or acquired brain injury, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified Civil Justice Prosecutor.

Important Links regarding Brain Injuries

Brain Injury Association of America
BIAA provides information, education and support to assist the 5.3 million Americans currently living with traumatic brain injury and their families.

American Physical Therapy Association
This site provides information regarding physical therapy for persons coping with the physical effects of brain injuries.

Coma Recovery Association
This organization provides advocacy, information, referrals, and support for brain injury survivors, family members, and friends.

The TBI Help Desk for Caregivers
TBI Help provides information for people caring for persons with traumatic brain injuries.

The American Academy of Neurology
An international association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals who are dedicated to providing care for patients with neurological disorders.

Brain Injury Society
The Brain Injury Society provides information for people with brain injuries
and for people caring for persons with, brain injuries.

Disability Resources Monthly
An online resource focused on disability issues. Disseminates information
to help people with disabilities live independently.