Medical Malpractice Lawyers Discuss the Importance of Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. It is important to be aware of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) because it a common injury among many Americans. About 1.7 million people per year suffer traumatic brain injuries and more than three million children and adults live with a permanent disability as a result of a TBI. Medical malpractice attorneys fight many cases for those that suffer from traumatic brain injuries.
Traumatic brain injury is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. Traumatic brain injuries are most often caused by falls. Other known causes include motor vehicle accidents, assault, blows to the head, and assault.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, some of the common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include
- spinal fluid leakage from the ears or nose;
- loss of consciousness,
- dilated pupils,
- change of vision,
- respiratory failure,
- dizziness/vomiting/headaches/confusion,
- difficulty speaking, and
- body numbness or tingling.
A Delay in Diagnosis Can be Life Threatening
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury as early as possible is extremely important so that treatment may be given immediately. A delay in diagnosis or failure to diagnose a TBI due to medical malpractice can introduce lifelong challenges to victims and their families. In many cases, early diagnosis and treatment could be the difference in saving the victim’s life or their ability to recover.
Victims of traumatic brain injury often suffer difficulties with
- memory,
- concentration or attention,
- slowed learning,
- depression,
- anxiety, and
- aggression.
There also physical challenges of traumatic brain injuries including fatigue, headaches, sensory losses and seizures which can lead to respiratory, circulatory, digestive and neurological diseases.
No two brain injuries are exactly alike. Therefore, each injury should be assessed and treated by a medical professional on a case-by-case basis. Brain injuries can be the start of a lifelong disease process that requires access to a variety of different medical treatment and support provided by a team of qualified medical professionals.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases resulting from the delay or failure in diagnosing brain injuries. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts are dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries as a result of a failure to diagnose or treat a traumatic brain injury, or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
