Melbourne Brain Injury Attorneys

Neuropsychiatrist Eric R. Kandel described the human brain as “a complex biological organ of great computational capability that constructs our sensory experiences, regulates our thoughts and emotions, and control our actions.” When the brain is injured, the victim’s ability to sense, think, emote and act as they did before can be changed forever. The victim may be left with permanent physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. These disabilities can be overwhelming, not only for the victim, but for the victim’s family and other loved ones. Our Melbourne brain injury lawyers understand this, and strive to help you recover fair compensation from those responsible.

Types of traumatic injuries

Brain Injuries may be roughly divided into two categories: Anoxic or Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). ABI typically occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Without oxygen, brain cells die. Near drowning, electric shock or the ingestion of toxins can all result in ABI. TBI, on the other hand, is the result of an external force damaging the brain. A car accident, for example, could cause the victim’s skull to be severely jostled. A victim could also sustain a concussion while playing sports or slipping and falling while going about their daily activities. Bruised brain tissue and intracerebral hemorrhage may cause brain swelling and then severe and irreversible brain damage.

Effects of trauma

Every brain is unique and every brain injury is different. Effects will vary dramatically depending on the level of severity of the injury, the location of the injury in the brain, and the length of time that elapses prior to diagnosis and treatment. According to the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, some of the disabilities that victims may experience include “problems with cognition (thinking, memory, and reasoning), sensory processing (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), communication (expression and understanding), and behavior or mental health (depression, anxiety, personality changes, aggression, acting out, and social inappropriateness).” A brain-injured person may possibly also have to contend with physical issues affecting their mobility and energy levels.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic imaging and neuropsychological evaluation are two major tools used to assess the residual effects of brain injury in Florida. Comprehensive testing of the victim’s physical, cognitive and emotional skill sets may occur to determine where the patient’s deficits lie. Depending on the level of injury, a treatment plan for brain injury survivors could involve inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and vocational retraining.

Easing the devastating effects

Victims of brain injuries may struggle long after the initial injury. Some brain injury survivors are unable to hold down steady employment due to issues with memory loss and fatigue. Personality changes may cause the loss of friends and romantic partners, as well as damaging family relationships. Learning to live with limitations can lead to frustration, anger, and depression. For some brain-injured persons, their former quality of life never returns.

On the other hand, despite the severe and debilitating nature of certain traumatic brain injuries, many survivors are ultimately able to live rewarding, satisfying lives. In order to achieve this outcome, victims must have access to effective, ongoing medical treatment, modern rehabilitative therapies, and consistent emotional support. The best chance of procuring this type of treatment begins with a call to a Titusville or Melbourne brain injury lawyer immediately following your accident.

In Melbourne, Florida: Call Couture Law P.A. today to schedule a FREE consultation.