Brain Injury Lawyer In Denver, Colorado
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex injury to the most important organ in your body. TBIs can range from minor, lasting a few days, to major, leading to lifelong complications. Any time a person suffers a direct blow to the head, there is a risk of a TBI, and that’s when they should turn to a traumatic brain injury attorney.
At Beem & Isley, P.C., our attorneys work for people with a variety of personal injury issues across Denver. We have the experience and reputation that help us take on even the most complex of cases. We know that as a TBI victim or the family of a TBI victim, you are in a dire financial situation. We want to help you secure the compensation you need.
Startling Statistics About Brain Injuries In Colorado
Sustaining a brain injury is an often overlooked but significant health risk. Understanding the prevalence and potential impact of brain injuries is crucial for obtaining proper medical care and improving quality of life.
According to the state Department of Human Services, more than half a million Coloradans are living with head trauma, and over 250,000 have sustained a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In 2019 alone, nearly 20,000 emergency department visits and almost 5,000 hospitalizations occurred due to brain injuries. Unfortunately, Colorado ranks ninth in the nation for fatalities caused by TBIs.
Other U.S. brain injury statistics of note include:
- Over 2.8 million people sustain a TBI annually in the United States
- Approximately 50,000 people die from TBIs each year
- Around 282,000 individuals are hospitalized due to TBIs
- TBI is a contributing factor to 30% of all injury-related deaths in the United States
- Falls (slips, trips, etc.) are the leading cause of severe brain injuries
- Youths aged 15-24 have the highest rate of TBI-related emergency visits
- Adults aged 65-plus have the highest rate of TBI-related hospitalizations
- The highest TBI rates in Colorado are in Denver, and El Paso, Arapahoe, Adams and Jefferson counties
If you or a loved one suspects a brain injury, seek a medical diagnosis and treatment promptly. Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing further damage and improving recovery outcomes through prompt treatment.
Obtaining an early diagnosis is also crucial for legal reasons, such as:
- Establishing liability: Negligent drivers, property owners, product manufacturers and others
- Filing claims: Helps ensure compensation claims are filed within time limits
- Gathering evidence: Provides crucial medical evidence to support legal claims
- Negotiating settlements: Strengthens your position in negotiating fair settlements
For those affected by a brain injury due to an event like a car accident, reaching out to an injury lawyer can be a crucial step. On your behalf, our injury attorneys can manage the complexities of your case by:
- Assessing the merits and potential value of the claim
- Collecting medical records, witness statements and expert testimony
- Negotiating with insurers for fair injury compensation
We can also represent you in court if necessary, advocating for your rights and working to maximize compensation. You can trust our legal team to help ensure all damages are accounted for in your Colorado brain injury claim.
Common Causes Of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from external forces acting on the head or body, causing significant harm to the brain. The severity of these injuries depends on various factors, such as the type of trauma, the force involved and the circumstances of the accident. Below are some of the most common causes of TBIs:
- Vehicle-related accidents: Motor vehicle collisions, whether involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles, are a frequent cause of TBIs. Pedestrians involved in traffic accidents are especially vulnerable. The sudden impact during a collision can result in direct trauma to the brain, leading to both cognitive and physical impairments.
- Falls: Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, particularly in young children and elderly adults. Accidents such as slipping in the bathroom, falling off ladders or tumbling downstairs can result in serious head injuries, often in settings that may seem low risk.
- Sports injuries: High-impact sports like football, soccer, boxing and hockey are common sources of TBIs, particularly among young athletes. Concussions and other head injuries are increasingly recognized for their long-term health risks, and there is a growing focus on protecting players from repetitive trauma.
- Workplace accidents: Accidents in high-risk work environments, such as construction sites, factories and warehouses, often result in TBIs. Workers may suffer head injuries from falling objects, equipment malfunctions or slip-and-fall incidents, highlighting the importance of safety protocols.
- Violence: Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds, domestic violence and child abuse, can also cause severe brain injuries. Shaken baby syndrome is a devastating form of TBI seen in infants due to violent shaking. Domestic violence and physical assaults in adults also lead to traumatic brain damage.
- Explosive blasts and combat injuries: Military personnel face unique risks for TBIs due to exposure to explosive blasts. Researchers believe the shock waves from explosions significantly disrupt brain function. Additional injuries may result from shrapnel, debris or collisions with objects during combat.
- Recreational accidents: TBIs can also occur during recreational activities such as diving, skiing or horseback riding. Accidents in these activities can lead to head trauma due to falls, collisions or high-impact landings, making protective gear essential for preventing brain injuries.
Understanding these common causes highlights the importance of prevention and prompt medical treatment when a head injury occurs. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to negligence or an accident, seeking legal guidance can help you pursue compensation for medical care and ongoing support.
What Side Effects Should Be Monitored If You Suspect A TBI?
The brain is one of the most mysterious areas of the body, even after all the exhaustive research we’ve done. There are some brains that can withstand significant damage without an apparent impact on cognition, and other brains can suffer what seems like superficial damage with major cognitive impacts.
No two people are alike. No two accidents are alike. The symptoms you experience yourself or witness in someone you love after a trauma to the head are what set things apart. You must watch closely for:
- Dizziness
- Change in cognition
- Memory problems
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Uneven, nonreactive pupils
Brain injuries can be hard to detect; even serious ones may take some time to become apparent.
What Steps Must Be Taken After Sustaining A Brain Injury?
Post-accident monitoring and early treatment are proven effective methods to save the life of someone suffering from a major traumatic brain injury. This means watching for the signs and symptoms listed above. It may also mean getting to a hospital as soon as possible for an assessment.
Even if you feel like there is nothing wrong with yourself, you cannot be the judge of that. Only a trained medical professional can diagnose a brain injury. It may take testing and considerable time.
What Are The Possible Damages That Someone Can Sue For?
If a traumatic brain injury is the result of negligence on someone else’s part, you can sue for damages. Those damages will be related to the economic damages, which are:
- Initial treatment: Hospital care, stabilization, ambulance rides.
- Ongoing long-term care: Monitoring equipment for at-home treatment and hospice care for long-term in-patient treatment.
- Transportation to and from appointments: Ambulance or wheelchair van rides for individuals who can no longer transport themselves.
- Rehabilitation: Occupational therapy and physical therapy are often key aspects of recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
- Complications from treatment: Bed sores, medication difficulties and infections are part of long-term care for incapacitated people.
You may also pursue compensation for the pain, suffering and emotional difficulty you’ve had during this time.
How Does An Attorney Go About Proving Liability?
As your traumatic brain injury attorneys, we will be your voice and advocate throughout your case. For proving liability, we will make your case based on the facts and the realities of your situation. We routinely work with forensic experts to make your case and provide a thoughtful, compelling legal argument.
It is the thorough, experienced presentation of facts and the case that will make the difference before the judge and in the negotiation room. Our firm’s commitment to providing the insight and strategic perspective your case needs helps secure the compensation that you require.
Why You Should Call Us
We work to get you the results you need so you can have the care you deserve. We care about our clients and work as hard for them as we would for family. Call us today at 303-894-8100 or send an email to learn more and get a free consultation.