Brain injuries are a serious issue that affects well over 1 million people a year all across the country, including some here in New Mexico. Traumatic brain injuries are responsible for multiple deaths, hospitalizations, and even permanent damages that may result in disability. As this issue is so widespread, it is important to understand what qualifies as a brain injury and how to get medical, legal, and financial help when needed.
So, what qualifies as a brain injury? In the most basic terms, any trauma experienced to the neck or head area that causes bruising, bleeding, tearing, swelling, or worse to the brain will qualify as a brain injury. After experiencing any form of head trauma, there are several warning signs that could indicate a serious injury, some of which include:
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Weakness on one side of the body
There are numerous causes of serious brain injuries including car accidents, falls, sports-related accidents, and work-related accidents. In any of these or other incidents, the force of impact can have traumatic consequences to the brain, which can be life-threatening or lead to impairment. In some cases, the severity of the injury may not be immediately felt and result in delayed treatment and further injury.
Brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment, which may or may not be effective. Those who have suffered permanent damages as a result of a brain injury, or those who have lost a loved one due to the same, may be entitled to seek monetary compensation for the losses endured. If the injury is believed to have been the result of someone else’s negligence, a legal claim can be filed in a New Mexico civil court. If liability is affirmed, financial compensation may be granted to the victim or their surviving family members to assist with the current and future monetary losses associated with the injury.
Source: FindLaw, “Brain Injury Overview“, Aug. 28, 2014
