Brain Injury – Finding a Brain Injury Lawyer Houston, TX Respects

Those who are dealing with the impacts of a brain injury caused by someone else might benefit from the services of a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates. We offer victims of accidents a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. If we represent you against the responsible party, we will fight for your right to compensation. We can speak for you throughout the litigation process with the aim of negotiating the maximum amount possible for a settlement.

Our knowledgeable lawyers at John K. Zaid & Associates are familiar with brain injury and personal injury claims and how important it is for the victim to get the compensation they need to pay for medical treatment. A brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX from our firm will fight aggressively for your rights.

Accidents That Commonly Result in Traumatic Brain Injuries

Regardless of how you sustained your brain injury due to someone else’s actions or inactions, we may be able to help you. What follows is a list of common incidents that can result in a traumatic brain injury:

• High-speed motor accident
• Bicycle accident
• Gunshot wound
• Whiplash
• Diffuse axonal injury (connective tissue/nerves tearing)
• Falling or collapse
• Concussion during sports
• Birth-related injury
• Skull fracture
• Boating accident
• Construction accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Side effects of using dangerous drugs

Types of Injuries You Can Receive From Gun Wound Trauma

Gunshot wounds to the head have become the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in many urban areas of the United States of America. Suicide-related gunshot wounds to the head are also associated with a very high mortality rate or severe disability and those who survive. There is a greater chance of death and poor outcome for victims of TBIs caused by self-inflicted gunshot wounds compared to victims who are injured by shooters who deliver a gunshot wound accidentally or delivered intentionally by another person.

In fact of all TBIs, 12% of TBI’s are attributed to being caused by firearms. And people aged 25 to 34 firearms are actually the leading cause of the TBI. Gunshot wounds to the header because of an estimated 35% of Jeff’s are attributed to TBIs. Gunshot wounds the header fatal roughly 90% of the time and oftentimes victims say prior to reaching the hospital, and for victims who survived the initial trauma 50% will die in the emergency room, and those who survive will suffer from seizures and require anti-seizure medications.

In which a projectile enters the cranium but does not exist is referred to as a penetrating wound. If the projectile enters and exits the cleaning it is gonna be referred to as a perforating wound. In fact, when the project itself goes to the brain there is injury from both direct penetration of the brain and from the trajectory of the pressure with the high-velocity projectile which is traveling through brain tissue. Both bleeding and damage from this pressure wave results in brain swelling which can also cause death.

Oftentimes gunshot wounds to the head require surgical treatment. These patients are often aggressively resuscitated upon initial arrival at the hospital. In fact, there is a lot of focus goes into the decision to proceed with surgical treatment of a gunshot wound to the head. The Glasgow coma scale or GCS go which is a score of one through 15 will be taken into account. And if there is any score less than a seven and eight you’re considered to be in a coma and it may not be worthwhile attempting surgery. The degree of brainstem neurological function and CT findings will also be taken into account.

If patients are deeply comatose and they have minimal evidence of bringing some function and they are without evidence of an intracranial hematoma that might be causing the coma, the outcome is nearly fatal. If the hematoma is confirmed by a CT scan in emergent craniotomy clot evaluation and removal of debris may be performed. Cranial ectopy which is where you release pressure within the skull by removing a large piece of the skull is also often performed for gunshot wounds where pressure is an issue.

When it comes to outcomes the outcome is good to be poor for those that have extensive bullet tracks. If your bullet tracks cross the midline structures of the brain where the brainstem is, the outcome is to be extremely poor. A bullet that damages the right side of the patient’s brain may leave them with motor and sensory impairments on the left side and vice versa, and this will be taken into account when people are considering the quality of life the patient may have.

What Are the Most Common Causes of a Brain Injury?

There are a lot of injuries that someone may suffer in a serious accident. One of the most worrisome is a brain injury. Unlike other parts of the body, the central nervous system rarely regenerates following a major accident. Therefore, these injuries have the potential to lead to severe complications. If you have suffered a brain injury, it is important for you to rely on a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX, such as a member of John K. Zaid & Associates. What are the most common situations where someone may suffer a brain injury?

Slip and Fall Accident

One of the most common situations where someone may suffer a brain injury is in a slip and fall accident. Even though there are lots of falls that do not result in a head injury, it is possible for someone to hit their head on the ground in such an accident. For example, if you walk into a business and slip on a wet floor, you can fall backward. As a result, you could strike your head on the ground. This may lead to a concussion or a cerebral contusion. Some of these injuries are serious. A brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX can take a look at your case and see if you are entitled to compensation.

A Major Car or Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a car or motorcycle collision, you might suffer a serious brain injury. For example, you could strike your head on the steering wheel or dashboard. Or, you can be ejected from the vehicle entirely, striking your head on the pavement. You may suffer a particularly serious brain injury such as a skull fracture or a cerebral hemorrhage. Some of these injuries could even require emergency surgery. That is why you need to see a doctor as quickly as possible following a motor vehicle accident.

Rely on a Personal Injury Lawyer

These are just a few of the many situations where someone may suffer a brain injury. If you have been involved in a serious accident, it is important for you to seek medical care as quickly as possible. Then, make sure you rely on an experienced brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX, such as a member of John K. Zaid & Associates, who can review your case. You could be entitled to compensation that can help you cover the cost of your medical bills.

Insurance Companies

When such a traumatic event occurs, it is normal to want to rely on your insurance company to take care of you during the personal injury claim process. Unfortunately, it is not always a straight path as insurance companies might handle hundreds of claims a day. In addition, they may try to minimize or elongate your claim process with the hope of not having to pay you a settlement. A brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX at John K. Zaid & Associates can help you with any difficulties you have when talking with your insurance. We are on your side and want the best possible outcome for you while you experience minimal stress as you recover.

In cases where an injury may have been the result of misguided prescription medication or improper treatment while in a hospital, we will make every effort to prove who was responsible for your injury. We can investigate with the doctors or staff that handled your treatments to confirm there was not an inadequately trained personnel working with you, or another issue. If needed, your brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates can call on medical experts to provide testimony about your case.

If you have suffered a personal injury due to being a victim of another person’s negligence or intentional assault, one of the first steps you are likely to take is finding a lawyer to represent your case. Not only do you want to find a knowledgeable brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX, but one you can trust during a turbulent time. Your lawyer at John K. Zaid & Associates can assist with the communication process and can represent you during the trial as well as in any other legal proceedings. We are here to protect you and can assist with any emotional challenges.

A Brain Injury Lawyer Houston, TX Counts On

Please contact us for a consultation. We can schedule a meeting between you and a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates to review your situation and offer our legal support.

Help Filing a Claim After a Brain Injury

Accidents or even intentional torts that result in a brain injury can leave the victim devastated and in a great deal of pain. Not only can a brain injury leave you with a great deal of physical pain, but it can also mean a temporary or life-long road to recovery. It can damage your ability to work, form and sustain relationships, and even perform activities you previously found enjoyable.

Each brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates knows from experience how complicated personal injury cases can be related to brain injuries and we are here to take you through the steps of determining if you have a valid claim, filing for the right claim, and fighting on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. You should not have to suffer from the mistake of another person. To find out how we can help you, call us to speak with one of our caring Texas brain injury lawyers.

Determining If You Have a Basis to Make a Claim for Your Brain Injury

To bring a case against someone else for your brain injury, a Houston, TX brain injury lawyer must act in a way that we normally would for a personal injury case. If something you did cause your brain injury — you were driving drunk and ran into a pole or you tripped over your own feet and hit your head — it would be hard to bring a claim against someone else. However, if someone else’s malicious actions and negligence caused a dangerous situation that directly impacted you getting a brain injury, you likely have a basis for a claim.

Should You Sue the Offender?

When determining if you should sue the offending party, you must prove that you sustained a brain injury due to the accident. If there is no brain injury, there is no need to sue. Seeking help for your brain injury after the accident can be a huge asset both to your healing and as evidence that you needed to go to the hospital for your brain injury. A brain injury lawyer can help determine if you have a case to pursue.

What Can I Sue For?

There are many damages you can sue for after a brain injury. Some of these are:

• Medical bills after the accident
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Psychological or physical therapy costs
• Short-term or long-term care expenses

What Evidence Will I Need to Provide?

After the accident that resulted in your brain injury, it is imperative that you document everything. You will need medical documents providing proof that you sought medical help and do have a brain injury, evidence that shows your lost wages, and, if available, a police report from the scene of the accident. A brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX will explain what other types of evidence can be used to prove your case.

Car Crashes and Brain Injuries

Vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of brain injuries, responsible for more than 25 percent of all brain injury fatalities and almost 15 percent of the non-fatal concussions. Although those percentages may appear low, keep in mind that there are more than two million new cases of brain injuries each year in this country.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a car accident, contact a brain injury attorney from John K. Zaid & Associates to find out what type of financial compensation you may be entitled to under the law. Call our office for a free and confidential case evaluation. In the meantime, the following is an overview of brain injuries caused by car crashes.

Brain Injuries

As mentioned above, there are approximately 2.5 million victims suffering from brain injury who are admitted to hospital emergency rooms each year. More than 50,000 of those victims do not survive those injuries. For those who do survive, it can take months, sometimes years, for victims to recover. Tragically, many victims never fully recover and suffer some degree of permanent brain damage or other disability from the original injury. Some of the more common permanent effects include:

• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Issues with cognitive abilities
• Issues with memory
• Inability to read for long periods of time
• Inability to watch television or a computer screen for more than several minutes at a time

A brain injury can have a major impact on conditions a victim can develop later on. Multiple studies have shown that victims of brain injuries have a higher risk of developing depression, mood disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. Children who have suffered brain injuries have a higher risk of developing emotional, psychological, and social issues.

This all means that even when it appears a victim has fully recovered from a brain injury, the truth is that there is no way to know what type of permanent injury and risks they have in the long term. This is why it is critical for anyone who has suffered a brain injury in a car accident caused by another party to contact a brain injury attorney as soon as possible in order to find out just what type of legal options they have, as well as how much financial compensation they may be entitled to.

Pursuing a Brain Injury Claim

According to State law, when a person is injured in a crash caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a driver, they have the right to pursue compensation from that driver, usually through the driver’s insurance company. If the other driver did not have insurance or they did not carry enough insurance to cover the victim’s damages, the victim can also seek financial compensation through their own vehicle insurance policy.

Although pursuing a claim may seem like a fairly easy process, especially given the obvious injury, the truth is that insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize the amount of money the victim receives or even deny the claim completely.

Having a brain injury attorney fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve also allows you to focus on your recovery, while your attorney takes care of all the negotiating and all the other legal issues that will need to be addressed.

How Can Someone from John K. Zaid & Associates Help?

We work hard to ensure our clients get the proper compensation for accidents resulting in brain injuries. Not only is a brain injury life-altering, but it can also cause permanent and irreparable damage. You should not have to live with this mistake. John K. Zaid & Associates cares about your future, so don’t hesitate any longer in calling. Contact our office today to set up a free and confidential consultation with a brain injury lawyer Houston, TX clients recommend.

What Kind of Legal Resources Are Available To Victims of Brain Injuries?

Brain injury lawyers in Houston, TX know that a traumatic brain injury can occur for many reasons. Most commonly, they happen during car accidents that cause the head to be violently whipped around. Another common cause is on-the-job injuries, especially on construction sites. Regardless of how you or a loved one received a TBI, legal action may be necessary. Talking to an experienced brain injury like our lawyers at John K. Zaid & Associates can help you navigate the best course of action in your specific situation.

Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Initially, symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, a loss of coordination, or losing consciousness. Some TBIs are considered silent, though, in that they have no initial symptoms. In these cases, you may notice small changes over time. The injured person may begin to experience mental clarity issues, have problems with his or her memory, become restless easily, have trouble sleeping, or even exhibit personality changes.

Traumatic Brain Injury Legislation

In addition to the severe changes in quality of life that many TBI victims experience, TBIs also create an economic burden for the country. This is because various federal and state programs, such as Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services in most states, help TBI patients to the tune of nearly $76.5 billion. 

For this reason, all 50 states and Washington, D.C. passed legislation regarding traumatic brain injuries between 2009 and 2015. Most of these laws target concussions in youth sports, as they affect more than 2 million young athletes every year. Other legislation addresses TBIs in veterans, provides funds for prevention programs, and requires hospitals and insurance agencies to cover TBI survivors. Consult a brain injury lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates in Houston, Texas for more information on local legislation.

Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries

A brain injury is classified as any type of injury to the head which results in altered brain function. They can range from mild concussions to severe life-altering traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury at the fault of another person, you should understand that you may have grounds for a lawsuit. The legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates can help. Keep reading to learn more about the long-term effects of brain injuries. 

Depression and Anxiety 

Although not often associated with brain injuries, in recent years research has uncovered a distinct connection between brain injuries and depression and anxiety. It is not fully understood how the two are connected, but the connection is significant. If you have experienced depression or anxiety following your brain injury, these are important details to discuss with a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX. 

Difficulty Concentrating 

Even a mild brain injury can result in difficulty with concentration and task execution. Over time this can have a detrimental effect on your ability to work and function normally. In some cases, this long-term effect can result in job loss and lost income. All of these issues should be discussed with a lawyer if you plan to pursue a brain injury lawsuit. 

Memory Loss

Traumatic brain injuries often result in a short period of memory loss, especially memories directly surrounding the injury event. Some individuals, however, may suffer more severe memory loss issues. Loss of memory can have a catastrophic effect on your life, relationships, and ability to work and function. If you decide to meet with a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX these are all topics you will want to discuss. 

If you are suffering memory loss issues, it is a good idea to keep notes of things so that you have them to reference later when meeting with your lawyer. 

Changes in Heartbeat or Blood Pressure 

Because the brain controls all of our involuntary functions, those can also be affected following a brain injury. One of the most common symptoms of this nature is an irregular heartbeat or increased blood pressure. These issues can lead to long-term health problems. If your brain injury has resulted in these types of health issues, you may be able to claim medical expenses resulting from these as damages in a lawsuit. 

If you would like to speak with a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX, the team at John K. Zaid & Associates can help. 

How You Can Seek Legal Help

Despite legislation, battling a TBI can still be quite burdensome, especially if you or your loved one do not have a strong insurance plan or were injured through no fault of your own. In these cases, you may be entitled to compensation. TBI compensation can help alleviate the financial stress related to medical care, long-term live-in care if necessary, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to a change in the quality of life. However, to receive such compensation, there must be proof that the injury was due to someone else’s action or inaction and not the fault of the patient. Keep in mind that many states have a statute of limitations regarding when you can file a lawsuit.

Because the process is complicated, it is important to seek the help of an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney if you decide to seek compensation. He or she can determine whether you have a case, help you gather evidence to prove your case, and walk you through the entire legal process, including going to court if the defendant decides not to settle outside of it. Contact a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX for help. 

Traumatic brain injury otherwise known as TBI contributes to approximately 30% of all injury deaths in the United States. Statistics state that approximately 138 people die every day from TBIs. Survivors are often going to face a lifetime disability, and have effects such as personality changes, depression, impaired memory, and cognitive function, impaired movement, and impaired sensation.

If you are hit in the head, bonked, struck, jolted or penetrated in the head by an object, the resulting head injury is considered a traumatic brain injury, especially if the injury is impeding upon the operating functions of the brain. Some traumatic brain injury cases are going to be more severe than others, as traumatic brain injuries can range from mild traumatic brain injuries such as brief changes in a mental state or consciousness to severe traumatic brain injuries such as unconsciousness or amnesia for an extended period of time.

Temporary dysfunction of brain cells occurs with mild TBI, whereas a severe TBI can involve bruising, tearing, and bleeding of the brain that may result in long-term complications. If you or your loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you should reach out to a qualified brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX such as the ones available at Zaid Law. 

Traumatic brain injury can occur in a number of circumstances from an accidental or intentional blower wound to the head, but listed below is not an exhaustive list but it is a list of the most common leading causes of traumatic brain injuries:

• Falls are the No. 1 cause of TBI in the U.S., accounting for 35.2 percent of all cases. Falling out of bed; slip-and-fall injuries; falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding in construction accidents; tripping on stairs; and in many other ways, falls can cause serious head injuries and TBI.
• Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of TBI. Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians cause a large number of TBIs in the U.S.
• Unintentional blunt trauma (being struck by or against an object) is the third most common way to receive a traumatic brain injury. This often occurs with injuries from sports, such as football, baseball, soccer, boxing, skateboarding, hockey, and any extreme or high-impact sports.
• Assaults (acts of violence) are the fourth cause of traumatic brain injuries. Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, and child abuse can result in TBI. The shaken baby syndrome is a TBI caused by the violent shaking of an infant.
• Other or unknown causes account for the remaining traumatic brain injury cases.

Treatment for traumatic brain injuries can be extensive and long-lasting and it may involve things such as medications, surgery, and rehabilitation. Medications such as diuretics to help reduce the fluid in the tissue and relieve the pressure inside the brain, antiseizure drugs to avoid additional brain damage from seizures, and coma-inducing drugs so that the brain will use less oxygen are the most often forms of treatment after a long and serious brain injury. Surgery that is designed to prevent or reduce additional damage would be performed to remove blood clots, repair fractures in the skull, and much more.

Reach out to a brain injury lawyer in Houston, TX, after you have been the victim of a traumatic brain injury, to receive help in obtaining the compensation and answers that you deserve.