Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer

Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in Atlanta, GA?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have life-altering consequences, affecting not only the injured individual but also their families and loved ones. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Atlanta, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Cunningham Bounds is here to help you navigate the complexities of a TBI case and advocate for your best interests.

Call (404) 609-1081or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta brain injury attorneys.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant injury to the brain that is typically caused by a forceful blow, jolt, or penetrating wound to the head. TBIs can range from mild to severe and can have various short-term and long-term effects on an individual's physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. These injuries are often classified based on their severity, and they can result from a wide range of accidents or incidents.

Common Types of Brain Injury

Concussion: Concussions are the mildest form of TBI. They usually result from a sudden impact or a blow to the head, causing a temporary disruption in brain function. Symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems. Most people recover from concussions with rest and medical monitoring.
Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on the brain's surface, often caused by a direct impact to the head. Depending on its location and size, a brain contusion can lead to various symptoms, including cognitive deficits, motor impairments, and sensory disturbances.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): DAI is a severe TBI that occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull due to acceleration or deceleration forces. This movement can cause damage to the brain's axons, which are responsible for transmitting signals between neurons. DAI can result in a coma, profound cognitive impairment, and a long and challenging recovery process.
Penetrating Injury: Penetrating injuries occur when a foreign object, such as a bullet or a sharp object, penetrates the skull and damages brain tissue. These injuries can be highly severe and often require immediate surgical intervention.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury: This type of TBI involves two points of impact on the brain. The first impact occurs when the head is struck, causing damage at the site of impact (coup). The brain can then rebound and strike the opposite side of the skull, causing a secondary injury (contrecoup). This type of injury can result in widespread brain damage.
Hematoma: Hematomas are blood clots that form within the brain or between the brain and the skull. There are several types of hematomas, including epidural, subdural, and intracerebral hematomas. Depending on their location and size, hematomas can exert pressure on the brain, leading to symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and neurological deficits.
Skull Fracture: A skull fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the skull. While the fracture itself may not directly damage the brain, it can increase the risk of other brain injuries, such as contusions or intracranial bleeding. Different types of skull fractures include linear, depressed, and basilar fractures.
Anoxic Brain Injury: Anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period. This can result from events like drowning, choking, or cardiac arrest. Anoxic brain injuries can lead to severe and irreversible brain damage, affecting various aspects of a person's functioning.
Hypoxic Brain Injury: Similar to anoxic injuries, hypoxic brain injuries result from reduced oxygen supply to the brain. These injuries are typically less severe than anoxic injuries but can still cause significant impairments in cognitive and motor functions.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can result from various accidents and incidents, including:

Car Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of TBIs. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to severe head injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls, particularly among the elderly, can result in serious head injuries.
Sports Injuries: Athletes are at risk of suffering TBIs, especially in high-contact sports like football and soccer.
Workplace Accidents: Construction workers, industrial employees, and others in hazardous professions can be exposed to TBI risks.
Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, anesthesia complications, and other medical mistakes can lead to brain injuries.
Defective Products: Defective products, such as faulty helmets or safety equipment, can contribute to TBIs.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Symptoms

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the area of the brain that was affected, and the individual's age.

Mild TBI Symptoms

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or drowsiness
Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
Dizziness or balance problems
Sensitivity to light or sound
Sleep problems
Changes in mood or behavior
Brief loss of consciousness (in some cases)

Moderate to Severe TBI Symptoms

In addition to the symptoms of mild TBI, moderate to severe TBI can also cause:

Loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours
Persistent or worsening headache
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Convulsions or seizures
Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
Inability to awaken from sleep
Weakness or numbness in arms, legs, or face
Loss of coordination
Difficulty speaking
Changes in personality or behavior

Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries

TBIs can have profound and long-lasting effects on individuals and their families. Some of the consequences of traumatic brain injuries include:

Physical Impairments: TBIs can result in physical disabilities, such as loss of motor function, paralysis, and chronic pain.
Physical problems: Brain injury can cause a variety of physical problems, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and sleep problems. People with physical problems may have difficulty with balance, coordination, and mobility.
Cognitive Challenges: Individuals with TBIs may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired reasoning skills. Memory problems are a common symptom of brain injury. People with memory problems may have difficulty remembering new information, forgetting important events, or having trouble recalling long-term memories.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and personality changes are common among TBI victims. People with emotional problems may have difficulty coping with stress, managing their emotions, and maintaining relationships.
Communication problems: Brain injury can affect a person's ability to communicate. People with communication problems may have difficulty speaking, understanding language, or writing.
Financial Burden: The cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care can be overwhelming for TBI survivors and their families.
Loss of Independence: Many TBI survivors require ongoing care and assistance with daily activities, impacting their independence and quality of life.
Social problems: Brain injury can make it difficult to participate in social activities and maintain relationships. People with brain injury may withdraw from social activities, have difficulty interacting with others, or experience difficulty forming new relationships.

Who Can File A Traumatic Brain Injury Claim in GA?

In Georgia, the person who can file a traumatic brain injury (TBI) claim is the injured party themselves, or someone legally authorized to act on their behalf.

The Injured Party: If the person with the TBI is mentally competent (able to understand the situation and make decisions for themselves), they have the legal right to file a claim themselves.
Guardian or Conservator: For someone who is not mentally competent, a legal guardian or conservator can file a claim on their behalf. A guardian is appointed by the court to make personal decisions for someone who is incapacitated, while a conservator is appointed by the court to manage someone's finances.
Family Member: In some cases, a close family member of the injured person may be authorized to file a claim on their behalf. This might be necessary if the injured party is unconscious or otherwise unable to appoint a legal representative.

Process For Filing A TBI Claim in Georgia

1. Seek Medical Attention: The absolute priority after a TBI is to get medical attention. A doctor can diagnose your injury, recommend treatment, and document your condition. This medical documentation will be crucial evidence in your claim.

2. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney specializing in TBI cases can review your situation, advise you on the legal merits of your claim, and guide you through the following steps.

3. Gather Evidence: Your attorney will help you gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence may include:

Medical records: Documentation of your TBI diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Accident reports: Police reports or other official reports of the incident that caused your TBI.
Witness statements: Testimonies from people who witnessed the accident or your injury.
Employment records: Documentation of lost wages due to your TBI.
Other evidence: This might include photos of the accident scene, damage to property, or your injuries.

4. Identify the Liable Party: This is the person or entity whose negligence caused your TBI. It could be another driver in a car accident, a property owner in a slip and fall case, or a manufacturer of a defective product.

5. File an Insurance Claim: If the liable party has insurance, your attorney will likely file a claim with their insurance company. This is typically the first step in seeking compensation for your damages.

6. Negotiate a Settlement: In many cases, TBI claims are settled out of court through negotiation with the liable party's insurance company. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to obtain a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

7. File a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to reach a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit in court. This is a more complex and time-consuming process, but it may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations for Brain Injuries in GA

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including brain injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that an individual has two years from the time the injury occurred to file a lawsuit.

How Our TBI Lawyers in Atlanta Can Help

At Cunningham Bounds, we understand the devastating impact that brain injuries can have on victims and their families. Our experienced Atlanta traumatic brain injury attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate the cause of your injury and hold the responsible parties accountable. We will help you understand your legal options and fight to get you the justice you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of others, contact Cunningham Bounds today for a free consultation.

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