Types of Brain Injuries
There are several types of brain injuries that can occur after an accident or medical error, including concussion, bleeding, and stroke. If the negligence of a trusted medical professional is to blame, the attorneys at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC can help. After seven years spent defending the hospitals in cases of medical malpractice, Norman Younker, of counsel, had a change of heart, and felt compelled to bring justice to the families affected by medical errors. If you are concerned that a doctor, nurse, or anesthesiologist made a mistake that caused a catastrophic injury for you or a loved one, or that another party is to blame following an accident, contact a brain injury attorney at our firm in Salt Lake City, UT.
Brain Injuries Take a Toll on Victims and Families
When you or your loved one is in need of a lawyer that specializes in brain injury cases, Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC can help. Brain injuries are complex, and it is important that we undertake a thorough evaluation of your case so we can best represent you.
Injuries Following an Accident
There are several types of brain injuries that a victim may sustain after an accident, including:
- Concussion: The most common type of brain injury, a concussion can be caused by impact, sudden momentum, or movement change. A brief loss of consciousness is not uncommon in concussed patients, and depending on the severity of the injury, it may take a few months to a few years to fully recover.
- Contusion: Characterized by bleeding in the brain, contusions can be caused by direct impact to the head, and may require surgery.
- Coup-contrecoup: These injuries are classified by damage to both sides of the head, including the side of impact and the area where the brain hits the skull.
- Diffuse Axonal: Often seen in cases of shaken baby syndrome, a diffuse axonal injury occurs when there is a tear in the brain structure and nerve tissue.
- Penetration: The force of a foreign object entering the brain results in penetration injuries.
Acquired brain injuries include:
- Anoxia: Injuries resulting from a complete lack of oxygen in the brain are considered anoxic.
- Hypoxia: Injuries resulting from a low amount of oxygen in the brain are considered hypoxic.
Because of the severity of these injuries, side effects can last a lifetime and require ongoing care and therapy.
Brain Injury and Malpractice
Although it is possible for medical malpractice to cause any type of brain injury, some are more common than others. A brain injury attorney will often be called upon in malpractice cases involving:
- Stroke: In many situations, we have seen stroke patients sent home after being diagnosed with a migraine headache. Major bleeding or clots that go undiagnosed cut off blood supply to the brain, causing significant impairment.
- Bleeds: Aneurysms and ruptured blood vessels can often cause headaches patients describe as the worst they have ever experienced. In these cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan or MRI is necessary to properly diagnose and treat bleeding before it causes severe brain damage.
- Labor and delivery: There are a number of mistakes that can be made before, during, and after the birth of a child, and each has the potential to result in serious brain injuries.
- Anesthesia: Improper or over-aggressive administration of anesthesia can result in brain damage.
- Medication: The incorrect prescription, dosage, or combination of medications can quickly lead to irreversible brain injury.
Coping with a brain injury can be incredibly difficult for victims and their families, resulting in high medical bills, traumatizing changes in the patient's ability to function normally, and the emotional and financial cost of lifelong care.
If one of your loved ones has suffered a brain injury after a trip to the doctor or ER, a brain injury attorney can help determine whether malpractice was a factor.
Trust Your Case to Our Team
If one of your loved ones has suffered a brain injury after a trip to the doctor or ER, a brain injury attorney from Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC can help determine whether malpractice was a factor. Contact us online or call us at (801) 335-6467 to schedule a free legal consultation.
