Open vs. Closed TBI

What is the Difference Between Open Traumatic Brain Injury and Closed Traumatic Brain Injury?

We have all heard stories of freak accidents that result in lasting physical and emotional trauma. Among the most common are accidents resulting in brain injuries. Doctors liken brain injuries to other catastrophic injuries such as amputations or paralysis. An estimated 5.3 million people live with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) related disability just in the United States. Brain injuries are often accompanied not only by physical obstacles, but often emotional ones as well. Victims may see issues with their thoughts, emotions, communication skills, and even their sense of self. For many people, these issues resolve, but about 15% of brain injury victims struggle with these lingering symptoms for the rest of their lives.

There are two types of TBIs. An Open TBI results when a foreign object breaks a person’s skull and enters their brain. A Closed TBI is similar, but the object does not break the person’s skull. Both injuries can radically debilitate a person, with high rates of brain damage whether it breaks the skull or not.

A TBI can be caused by any number of events. Falls, car accidents, violence, sports, and combat are among some of the most common. Anyone can suffer from TBI, but children under the age of 4 are especially susceptible. The effects of these can be quite severe, so if you believe you or a loved one has suffered from a TBI do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Consequences include brain bruising, brain bleeding, the brain shaking and the brain hitting the skull. Symptoms for severe TBI include loss of consciousness, headaches, nausea and vomiting, convulsions or seizures, inability to awaken from sleep, confusion, slurred speech and more.

No matter how you suffered a TBI, we can help you if you believe someone else was at fault. If the negligence of someone else led to your injury, you deserve compensation. Damages will likely amount to the cost of incurred medical expenses, future medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages during your recovery. You may also receive damages for future lost wages if the injury resulted in a condition that diminished your future earning capacity. Damages for pain and suffering are also common. Loss of life enjoyment may be awarded if the injury has notable long-term effects. Punitive damages, although rare, may be applicable in cases of extreme negligence. Proving damages is often difficult, but we have a panel of experts well versed in these calculations.

We have an experienced team of brain injury lawyers that are ready and willing to help. While no amount of money can take away your pain, we hope compensation can ease some of your stress. For further information about a Traumatic Brain Injury case, please call us toll free 800.481.6199. We look forward to helping you.