Houston Brain Injury Attorneys

Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in Texas

Brain injuries are some of the most common catastrophic injuries in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer brain injuries each year, many of which lead to permanent disability, lifelong impairment, and even death. The good news is that, while not everyone will make a full recovery, most people with brain injuries survive and many go on to lead meaningful and relatively normal lives.

At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the devastating impact brain injuries have on victims and their families. We also recognize how challenging it can be to move forward after such a serious injury. The physical, emotional, and financial hardships you are facing can feel overwhelming—but help is available.

If someone else was responsible for the incident that caused your or your loved one’s injury, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Our Houston brain injury attorneys can review the details of your case during a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Contact us online or call (713) 999-6855 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a type of acquired brain injury (meaning it occurs sometime after a person is born). TBIs are generally associated with catastrophic bodily injuries; they result from trauma to the brain caused by all types of accidents and injury-causing events.

There are two main types of TBI:

• Closed-Head: A closed-head TBI occurs when there is a brain injury without physical damage to the skull, scalp, or head.
• Open-Head: An open-head TBI occurs when there is physical damage to the skull, scalp, or head, as well as damage to the brain.

Closed-head and open-head TBIs are both very serious and generally constitute medical emergencies. However, closed-head brain injuries can be more difficult to detect, meaning victims are less likely to receive prompt medical attention.

If you have reason to believe that you or anyone else has suffered a traumatic brain injury, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. In many cases, the sooner a brain injury is treated, the greater the chance of recovery.

Types of Brain Injuries

There are many different types of closed-head and open-head brain injuries, all of which require medical attention.

Some examples of relatively common brain injuries include:

• Concussions: A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or blow to the head causes the brain to move within the skull. Although they are considered relatively mild, concussions can lead to significant damage. This is especially true of moderate to severe concussions, as well as when someone has sustained multiple concussions throughout their lifetime.
• Coup-Contrecoup: A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain hits the opposing side of the skull due to a blow to the head or sudden impact. This results in two injury points: one where the initial impact occurred and one where the brain slams into the inside of the skull. Depending on the force of the impact, among other factors, this can be a devastating or deadly injury.
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries: A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) occurs when microscopic connective tissues within the brain tear (known as “shearing”). Depending on the size and location of these tears, the effects of a DAI can be devastating, leading to permanent and irreversible brain damage, significant cognitive impairment, and death.
• Oxygen Deprivation: Oxygen deprivation—including anoxia and hypoxia—can lead to serious brain damage. This is a common TBI associated with drownings and near-drownings, swimming pool accidents, boating accidents, birth injuries, and acts of violence, such as assault or attempted murder.
• Penetrating Injuries: A penetrating brain injury occurs when a foreign object—such as a bullet, shrapnel, or piece of debris from a motor vehicle accident—damages the skull and enters the head, causing physical injury to the brain. Penetrating injuries are among the most serious and deadly of all traumatic brain injuries.
• Skull Fractures: Technically, a skull fracture is a separate injury, but it often accompanies a TBI. Skull fractures involve cracks, or fractures, to the skull bone that houses the brain. Often, this leads to hemorrhaging, penetrating brain injuries, and other damage to the brain itself, which can have serious consequences, including death.

If you or someone you care about has suffered any type of brain injury, seek immediate medical attention. Then, reach out to our team at The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you fight for fair compensation.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

In the United States, the leading causes of brain injuries include:

• Car, motorcycle, truck, and other vehicle accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents involving drunk/intoxicated drivers
• Falls, including falls from heights and slip and falls
• Sports and recreation accidents, including boating accidents
• Acts of violence, such as assault, sexual assault, and other criminal acts
• Workplace accidents, including construction accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles
• Military combat and service

If someone else directly or indirectly caused the accident or event that led to your or your loved one’s brain injury, you could be entitled to financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, our Houston traumatic brain injury lawyers work tirelessly to maximize our clients’ recoveries. Our goal is to recover the full amount you are owed for current and future medical expenses, current and future pain and suffering, lost income and future earnings, lost quality of life, and more.

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

The symptoms of a brain injury can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. Here are some common symptoms:

• Physical Symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
  • Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)

• Cognitive Symptoms:

  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering new information
  • Slowed thinking or difficulty with problem-solving
  • Difficulty with speech or understanding language
  • Impaired judgment

• Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Changes in personality
  • Increased impulsivity or risk-taking behavior

• Sensory Symptoms:

  • Blurred vision or double vision
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste
  • Changes in hearing

• Motor Symptoms:

  • Weakness or paralysis in limbs
  • Coordination problems
  • Tremors or seizures

Long-Term Effects of a Brain Injury

Here are some common long-term effects:

• Cognitive Impairments:

  • Memory problems: Difficulty recalling information or forming new memories.
  • Attention and concentration difficulties: Trouble focusing on tasks or maintaining attention for extended periods.
  • Executive functioning deficits: Challenges with planning, organizing, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  • Reduced processing speed: Slowed thinking and information processing.

• Emotional and Behavioral Changes:

  • Mood disorders: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
  • Impulsivity and disinhibition: Difficulty controlling impulses and engaging in risky behaviors.
  • Social difficulties: Strained relationships, social isolation, and difficulty interpreting social cues.
  • Aggression: Heightened irritability and outbursts of anger or aggression.

• Physical Impairments:

  • Motor deficits: Weakness, paralysis, or coordination problems affecting movement and mobility.
  • Sensory disturbances: Changes in vision, hearing, taste, or smell.
  • Chronic pain: Persistent headaches, muscle aches, or nerve pain.
  • Seizures: Increased risk of developing epilepsy and experiencing recurrent seizures.

• Communication Challenges:

  • Speech and language difficulties: Impaired expression or comprehension of language.
  • Social communication deficits: Difficulty engaging in conversation, expressing thoughts, or understanding social cues.

• Psychosocial Impact:

  • Reduced independence: Difficulty with daily living activities and increased reliance on caregivers or support services.
  • Financial strain: Medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning potential due to disability.
  • Decreased quality of life: Challenges in participating in leisure activities, pursuing hobbies, or maintaining relationships.

Contact Our Houston Brain Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Healing from a brain injury can be incredibly difficult. Even if you or your loved one does make a full or partial recovery, you could be left struggling with considerable physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, we are here to help you secure the justice and fair compensation you are owed.

We encourage you to reach out to our team right away, as you generally only have two years from the date of the injury (or the date on which the injury was discovered/became discoverable) to file a brain injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue the liable party for damages.

Call (713) 999-6855 or contact us online right away to learn how our attorneys can help you seek fair compensation after a serious brain injury. There are no legal fees for you unless we win your case!