Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

understanding traumatic brain injuries

Every year in the U.S., traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to significant numbers of deaths and permanent disabilities. Approximately 1.7 million new cases of TBI are sustained annually.  Many are caused by falls and car accidents. Regardless of how the injury happened, the road to recovery is extremely difficult.  Damages may include major medical expenses, loss of income, emotional difficulties, and more.
If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury because of the negligence of another person, speak to a Georgia traumatic brain injury attorney like Attorney Joel Williams. They can help you understand how to best claim damages for the injury.

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries are typically the result of a violent blow or other sudden trauma to the head or body. They may also be caused by an object penetrating the skull. While mild traumatic brain injury may lead to only to temporary dysfunction of the brain cells, more severe instances could lead to torn tissues, bruising, bleeding, or physical damage to the brain.  Severe brain injuries can lead to long-term complications or death.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

A majority of traumatic brain injuries are caused by falls, motor vehicle collisions, or violence, such as gunshot wounds and domestic violence. While symptoms of a traumatic brain injury often appear immediately after the trauma, it may take days or even weeks for any signs to manifest themselves. Signs of traumatic brain injury may be physical, sensory, or cognitive and include:

  • Loss of consciousness or being disoriented, confused, or dazed;
  • Problems sleeping or sleeping more than normal;
  • Headache;
  • Nausea or vomiting;
  • Dizziness or difficulty balancing;
  • Sensitivity to sound or light;
  • Sensory problems, including blurred vision, ears ringing, a bad taste in the mouth;
  • Sudden mood changes or mood swings;
  • Problems with memory or concentration; and
  • Depression or anxiousness.

If you or a loved one demonstrates any of these symptoms after a violent blow or trauma to the head, it is extremely important to seek medical attention.

Treatment Plans And Living With Traumatic Brain Injury

Treatment of traumatic brain injury depends on the severity of the injury. Mild cases of TBI should be monitored closely, but will typically heal on their own with rest and over-the-counter medication. Moderate and severe cases of TBI require immediate emergency medical attention. Treatment may involve surgery, medications, and extensive rehabilitation.
Recovery from more serious traumatic injuries includes individual treatment programs that will likely consist of physical and occupational therapy, physiatry (physical medicine), speech/language therapy, psychiatry, and social support. In many cases, the injured victim never fully heals.  This is devastating for the victim and the family.

Need Legal Help?

If you or a loved one sustains a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, there is help available. The path to recovery is full of struggles and it’s one you should not have to make alone. Call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter to enlist the help of an attorney who will fight for justice on your behalf. We handle cases in Atlanta, Marietta, Cobb County, and all of Georgia. Contact us today to talk about the specifics of your case and get the compensation you deserve.

Am I Liable for Boating Injuries?

Two kids on a yellow tube being pulled by a boat on a lake.
The tragic passing of country music star and lead singer for the band Backroad Anthem, Craig Strickland, is a reminder of just how dangerous boating can be.   http://www.eonline.com/news/751489/craig-strickland-s-cause-of-death-revealed-medical-examiner-says-country-singer-died-of-hypothermia   Details concerning why Craig Strickland’s boat capsized are largely unknown but there are many things that all boaters should do to keep themselves and others safe while on the water.

DO NOT DRINK AND OPERATE A WATERCRAFT

The State of Georgia considers boaters who are under the influence of alcohol, toxic vapors, or drugs to be a direct and immediate threat to the welfare and safety of the general public. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12(e). It is illegal to operate, navigate, steer, or drive any moving vessel while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapors. O.C.G.A. § 52-5-12(a)(1)-(3). The fact that you are legally entitled to use the drug is not a defense against any charge for boating under the influence. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12(b). In Georgia, if your alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more grams within three hours of being in control of a moving vessel from alcohol consumed before operating the vessel, you are presumed to have committed a crime and this presumption is admissible in any civil or criminal proceeding against you. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12(d). Evidence of the amount of alcohol or drug in a person’s blood, urine, breath, or other bodily substance is also admissible in any civil lawsuit or criminal action. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12(c). Just recently, on May 21, 2016, a tragic boating accident on Lake Lanier forever changed the lives of two teenagers. One of the teenagers had his right foot completely amputated and the other has been charged with boating under the influence of alcohol, reckless operation of a vessel, having insufficient personal flotation devices and littering. It is suspected that alcohol was involved in this horrible incident. You can find more information online at the Forsyth County News website.

BOATING CRIMES

Irresponsible boaters can find themselves facing significant criminal and civil liability. For example, a jet ski operator who causes the death of another person by traveling more than idle speed within 100 feet of a shoreline adjacent to a residence is guilty of a felony and shall be imprisoned for not less than 3 years! O.C.G.A § 52-7-12.2(a). The same penalty applies to those who operate any vessel in a reckless manner in violation of O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12.1. One may be guilty of the felony “Serious Injury by Vessel” if he causes serious bodily harm to another by violating any of the following laws: O.C.G.A. §§ 52-7-8.2(j) (speed of personal watercraft), 52-7-12 (prohibited operations of vessels), 52-7-12.1 (reckless operation of vessel or other water device), 52-7-13(b) (boating safety zones), 52-7-14 (duty to render assistance), 52-7-25(c) (stopping for law enforcement). All boats and jet skis must be operated at speeds that are reasonable and prudent under the conditions and hazards existing at the time of operation. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-17(d). Vessels should never be occupied by more people than the manufacturer’s recommended capacity. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-17(b). Many other important tips for boating safety can be found at the following websites: http://www.uscgboating.org/ https://www.boat-ed.com/georgia/handbook/

IMPORTANT GEORGIA LAWS FOR JET SKI OPERATIONS

• No person under the age of 16 years may operate a jet ski in Georgia; provided, however, that a person 12 through 15 years of age may operate a jet ski if accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-8.2(l) • All persons operating a jet ski must wear a United State Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-8.2 (b) • No person shall operate a jet ski after sunset or before sunrise. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-8.2(d) • No person shall operate a jet ski faster than idle speed within 100 feet of any other anchored vessel, vessel adrift, dock, pier, bridge, person, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, etc. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-8.2(j)

HAVE YOU BEEN IN A BOATING ACCIDENT?

If you have been in a boating collision or accident, you have a duty to provide all practicable and necessary assistance to others to save them from or minimize any danger caused by the collision. You must also give your name, address, and identification of your vessel in writing to any person injured. O.C.G.A. § 52-7-14(a). It is a good idea to immediately notify your insurance company in order to ensure coverage if a lawsuit is brought against you. If you do not notify your liability insurance carrier, the insurance company may void coverage based on your failure to promptly notify them of the incident. If you are the victim that has been injured due to the negligence of a boater, you may have a valid claim.  Williams Elleby Howard & Easter offers free consultations and can help you better understand your rights. Call today!  833-LEGALGA