Houston Brain Injury Lawyer

Experienced Houston Attorneys Fighting for Brain Damage Victims

Did you know over 380,000 Texans, or 2% of our population, live with traumatic brain injuries currently, and there are 144,000 new brain injuries every year in Texas? Sadly, Texas has the second most traumatic brain injuries across the United States, according to research conducted by Texas Health and Human Services. Over million Americans live with brain injury-related disabilities. Moreover, brain injuries are among the most likely to cause permanent disability and death, and they are the #1 cause of death and disability around the globe.

For all of these reasons and more, we at Armstrong , Lee & Baker LLP are passionate about advocating for brain injury survivors. The lifetime cost of the average brain injury is between $85,000 and $3,000,000. On top of medical expenses, 60% of brain injury survivors remain unable to work two years after their injuries occur. As dedicated, fierce, and savvy Houston brain injury lawyers, we can help you and your family recover financially and learn to live with the devastation of a brain injury.

Head Injuries & Brain Damage

Head injuries can be the most life changing injuries because they affect almost all aspects of the victim’s life. There are a variety of head injuries ranging from those that have physical manifestations (such as cuts or wounds) to those that cannot be seen, including behavioral changes, memory loss, and emotional or mental impairments.

Head injuries can be mild (like a short loss of consciousness) or severe (such as a longer period of consciousness or memory loss) depending on the severity of outside impact. Head injuries typically fall into two categories: traumatic brain injuries and acquired brain injuries.

What are Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries are usually caused by an outside force, such as your head hitting an object or an object penetrating your skull. The leading causes of brain injuries are falls and car accidents.

Traumatic brain injuries can be in the form of penetration, concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries.

Penetration injuries are caused by an object entering the skull and piercing the brain. These types of traumatic brain injuries are usually the most severe because as the object penetrates the brain, tissue is lost when the object exits the skull.

Additionally, the tissue that remains in the brain is disturbed. Penetration injuries can be fatal at worst and if the victim survives, these injuries cause a long-term impact on cognitive function.

Concussions are caused by a direct impact on the head, such as falling and hitting your head, or whiplash in a car accident. Those who suffer concussions usually lose consciousness at the point of impact. Sometimes a concussion can occur, and the victim remains fully conscious but suffers from dizziness or confusion.

Contusions are also caused by a direct impact on the head. Contusions, unlike concussions, create bleeding in the brain, which can be removed through surgery. Sometimes, if the impact is severe, the brain can hit the other side of the skull and cause a second contusion.

Diffuse Axonal Injuries are caused by forces that shake or cause your head to spin, which in turn tears the brain. The tearing disrupts the brain and results in brain damage, comas, and even death.

We’ll explore these specific types of brain injuries more in depth below.

What Are Acquired Brain Injuries?

Acquired brain injuries have an internal (rather than external) cause, such as injuries resulting from a lack of oxygen due to near-drowning incidents, toxic substances, strokes, or negative reactions to medication.

Acquired brain injuries may also be caused by a medical provider who did not diagnose a condition accurately or who worsened a condition and caused further injury, such as allowing a patient to suffer from a lack of oxygen (or no oxygen at all), which in turn created permanent brain damage.

In addition to medical attention, anyone suffering from a head injury should consult a lawyer to determine whether they are entitled to recover for the damages they’ve suffered. The majority of victims with head injuries are diagnosed with mild to moderate injury.

However, it is not uncommon for those suffering from head injuries to experience loss of muscle function, movement, or memory. Suffering can impact your mental abilities, and cause physical pain and/or embarrassment or loss of consortium/friendship.

Common Types of Brain Injuries

There were roughly 225,000 traumatic brain injury hospitalizations in the US in 2019 with 64,362 TBI-related fatalities—these injuries are far too common. In this section, we will explore 15 of the most common types of injuries we see as Houston brain injury lawyers:

Concussions

Concussions are one of the most common types of brain injuries and can occur as a result of various accidents or trauma. They are often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) because they are generally not life-threatening, but they can still have significant health repercussions.

Symptoms: Concussions can cause headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and memory problems. Some people may also experience sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating, or changes in mood or behavior. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be immediately apparent.
Causes: Concussions are typically caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body, such as those experienced in car accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries. The slamming of the brain within the skull can result in damage to brain cells and chemical changes that affect brain function.
Treatment: The first and most important step in treating a concussion is rest. This allows the brain to heal and reduces the risk of further injury. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding activities that could worsen symptoms, such as physical exertion or screen time. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms like headaches or sleep disturbances.
Health Repercussions: Some individuals may experience persistent symptoms, known as Post-Concussion Syndrome, which can last for weeks or even months. In rare cases, repeated concussions or a severe initial concussion can lead to a condition known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is associated with cognitive decline and other neurological symptoms.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) is one of the most severe types of brain injuries that can occur as a result of a traumatic event. It is characterized by widespread damage to the brain’s white matter, which comprises the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting information throughout the brain. DAI often leads to significant neurological impairments and can have life-long consequences.

Symptoms: The symptoms of DAI can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the areas of the brain affected. Common symptoms include loss of consciousness, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, persistent headache, dizziness, and weakness or numbness in the limbs.
Causes: DAI is frequently caused by high-impact accidents, such as car crashes, falls, or sports-related injuries. The rapid deceleration or rotational forces involved in these events can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to tearing of the delicate nerve fibers.
Treatments: Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for DAI. The focus of medical care is on stabilizing the patient and preventing further damage. This may involve surgery to control bleeding or remove blood clots, as well as medications to reduce swelling and manage symptoms.
Health Repercussions: DAI can have significant long-term consequences on a person’s physical and cognitive functioning. Individuals with DAI generally experience difficulties with mobility, coordination, memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, can play a crucial role in helping individuals regain lost abilities and improve their quality of life.

Brain Bruise

A brain bruise, also known as a contusion, is a common type of brain injury that can occur due to various causes.

Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, changes in behavior or mood, and even seizures are common with a brain contusion. Get medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms after a head injury.
Causes: Brain bruises are caused by a direct blow to the head, a sudden jolt, or a whiplash motion. Motor vehicle accidents and physical assaults are also common culprits.
Treatments: The treatment for a brain contusion may vary depending on the severity of the injury. In some cases, rest and observation may be sufficient, while in more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove any blood clots or relieve pressure on the brain. Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical therapy or speech therapy, may also be necessary.
Health Repercussions: Some individuals may experience ongoing neurological symptoms, such as persistent headaches, difficulty with memory and concentration, or changes in mood and behavior. In more severe cases, long-term complications, such as cognitive impairments or disability, may occur.

Skull Fractures

A skull fracture is a serious brain injury that occurs when a forceful blow or impact to the head causes a break in one or more of the bones that make up our skull. This type of injury can have severe and life-altering consequences. It’s important to understand the symptoms, likely causes, treatments, and long-lasting health repercussions associated with skull fractures.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include intense and persistent headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or loss of balance, clear or bloody fluid draining from the nose or ears, bruising or swelling around the eyes or ears, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, as well as seizures or convulsions.
Causes: Skull fractures can be caused by falls, car accidents, physical assaults or violence, sports injuries, or work accidents.
Treatments: When it comes to treatments for skull fractures, medical intervention is necessary. Depending on the severity of the fracture and associated brain injury, treatment options may include observation and monitoring for mild or non-displaced fractures, medications to reduce pain and prevent infection, surgical intervention to repair and stabilize the fractured bones, and rehabilitation therapy to improve cognitive and physical function.
Health Repercussions: Some of the long-lasting health repercussions of a skull fracture include chronic pain, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, vision problems, memory and cognitive deficits, emotional and behavioral changes, and sadly increased risk of seizures.

Hematoma

Hematomas occur when blood vessels rupture and localized collections of blood form within the brain. This can result in increased pressure on the brain tissue and, as you might imagine, lead to long-lasting health issues.

Symptoms: Depending on the location and size of the hematoma, symptoms can vary. However, some common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, weakness in limbs, and changes in vision or coordination.
Causes: Hematomas are often a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a blow to the head or a fall. They can also occur spontaneously, particularly in individuals taking anticoagulant medications or those with certain medical conditions that affect blood clotting.
Treatments: The treatment for a hematoma will, again, depend on its size and location. In some cases, a small hematoma may resolve on its own without intervention. However, larger hematomas or those causing significant symptoms usually require surgical removal.
Health Repercussions: If left untreated or not managed properly, hematomas can lead to cognitive impairment, motor function issues, seizures, and permanent disability.

Brain Hemorrhage

When it comes to brain injuries, one of the most life-threatening is a hemorrhage. This occurs when there is bleeding within the brain, leading to the accumulation of blood in the surrounding tissues.

Symptoms: The symptoms of a brain hemorrhage can vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding. They can range from mild to severe and may include intense headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion or disorientation, weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and seizures.
Causes: Brain hemorrhages occur due to a traumatic injury, like a severe blow to the head, or from an underlying medical condition, like high blood pressure or an aneurysm. In some cases, a brain hemorrhage may be spontaneous, without any apparent cause.
Treatments: Brain hemorrhages require prompt medical attention. The goal is to stop the bleeding, alleviate pressure on the brain, and prevent further damage. Treatment can involve surgical intervention to repair the ruptured blood vessel or remove the accumulated blood. Medications may also be administered to control blood pressure and prevent complications.
Health Repercussions: Unfortunately, a brain hemorrhage can have serious consequences. Depending on various factors, individuals can suffer from cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, or changes in behavior and mood.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain suffers a sudden and severe impact or jolt. This type of brain injury can have a significant impact on a person’s life, both physically and mentally.

Symptoms: Individuals with a TBI may experience persistent and severe headaches, difficulty focusing, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, anxiety, changes in vision, hearing, and balance, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
Causes: A variety of things can cause TBIs, such as: falls, car or motorcycle accidents, sports injuries, and physical assault.
Treatments: Immediate medical attention is critical in treating traumatic brain injuries. Stabilizing the individual, controlling bleeding, and managing symptoms are key. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help individuals regain lost functions. Certain medications may be prescribed to manage pain, seizures, and mood changes. Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals may require assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers.
Health Repercussions: Many individuals with a traumatic brain injury experience long-term cognitive impairments, including memory problems, attention deficits, and difficulty with problem-solving. TBIs also lead to depression, anxiety, agitation, and impulsivity. There is an increased risk of developing neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia. Headaches and other chronic pain is common.

Penetrating Trauma

Penetrating trauma or an open head injury occurs when an object, such as a bullet or a piece of shattered glass, penetrates the skull and directly damages the brain tissue. This brain injury is serious and can have lasting effects on physical, cognitive, and emotional functions.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include a loss of consciousness, severe headaches, bleeding from the head or ears, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, dizziness, seizures, and changes in behavior or mood.
Likely Causes: Penetrating brain injuries are usually caused by accidents, gunshot wounds, stabbings, industrial accidents with sharp objects, combat situations, or acts of violence.
Treatments: Prompt medical attention is critical here. The primary focus is to stabilize the patient and control bleeding. Surgery may be necessary to remove any foreign objects, repair damaged blood vessels, and relieve pressure on the brain. Depending on the extent of the injury, rehabilitation therapies may also be required to regain lost functions.
Health Repercussions: Penetrating brain trauma can lead to physical disabilities, paralysis, difficulty with coordination and balance, cognitive impairments affecting memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, as well as on-going depression, anxiety, and personality alterations.

Intracranial Hematomas

Intracranial hematomas are another common type of injury we see as Houston brain injury lawyers.

Symptoms: Intracranial hematomas often present with severe headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients also experience changes in vision, speech difficulties, and loss of balance.
Causes: The most common cause of intracranial hematomas is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head. Hematomas can also occur spontaneously without any external trauma, known as non-traumatic hematomas, which are often linked to underlying medical conditions or the use of blood-thinners.
Treatments: Again, treatment for intracranial hematomas depends on the severity and location of the injury. In mild cases, rest may be sufficient. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention, like a craniotomy. Rehabilitation therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies, are often recommended to help individuals regain function. Close monitoring and follow-up care are necessary.
Health Repercussions: Intracranial hematomas can cause cognitive impairments, memory problems, mood changes, or difficulties with motor skills.

Intracranial Aneurysms

Intracranial aneurysms are weak spots in the blood vessels of the brain causing ruptures, a hemorrhage, and potentially permanent brain damage.

Symptoms: Intracranial aneurysms usually don’t present symptoms until they rupture. Common signs include severe headaches, blurred vision, sudden changes in mental status, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Causes: Although the exact causes of intracranial aneurysms are not fully understood, certain factors increase the risk. These factors include high blood pressure, smoking, family history of aneurysms, and medical conditions like polycystic kidney disease and connective tissue disorders.
Treatments: When an intracranial aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, treatment options include monitoring with regular imaging scans or preventive procedures like an endovascular coiling or surgical clipping. If a rupture occurs, emergency measures are taken to stop the bleeding and relieve pressure on the skull. Rehabilitation is often needed to improve quality of life.
Health Repercussions: Surviving an intracranial aneurysm can lead to long-lasting medical problems like cognitive and memory problems, physical disabilities, changes in mood and behavior, and difficulties with speech and language.

Cerebral Hypoxia

Cerebral Hypoxia occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. It can lead to severe and life-long medical impairments.

Symptoms: When someone experiences Cerebral Hypoxia, they may exhibit confusion, memory problems, difficulty speaking or understanding language, lack of coordination, seizures, and loss of consciousness. It’s crucial to recognize these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any of these issues.
Causes: Cerebral Hypoxia can be caused by a variety of factors, including cardiac arrest, choking, drug overdose, drowning, or exposure to carbon monoxide.
Treatments: Prompt medical intervention is truly life or death when it comes to Cerebral Hypoxia. The primary goal is to restore oxygen to the brain as quickly as possible. This is done by administering supplemental oxygen, performing CPR, or using a ventilator to assist with breathing. Once oxygen is restored, rehabilitation therapy may be needed to help individuals regain cognitive and physical abilities.
Health Repercussions: Unfortunately, Cerebral Hypoxia does cause permanent brain damage far too often. Cognitive impairments, difficulty with motor skills, and emotional and behavioral changes are also common. These repercussions can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making it essential to pursue legal assistance to ensure proper compensation.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a devastating injury that occurs when a baby or toddler is forcefully shaken. The violent shaking results in severe head trauma and can have life-altering consequences, including death. Babies’ skulls are not hard and fully-formed yet, which makes this injury like whiplash on steroids. Additionally, their neck muscles are not fully developed, and, with their heads proportionally larger and heavier compared to the rest of their bodies, it’s a recipe for disaster. Many babies do not survive being shaken.

Symptoms: A shaken baby may exhibit difficulty breathing, respiratory problems, seizures, convulsions, loss of consciousness, poor feeding, spitting up excessively, inability to focus or maintain eye contact, developmental delays or regression, irritability, extreme fussiness, pale or bluish skin tone, excessive sleepiness.
Causes: As the name suggests, Shaken Baby Syndrome is the forceful shaking of an infant by a caregiver generally when he or she gets frustrated by the baby’s crying, illness, or other behavior. The shaking motion can cause the brain to move back and forth within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
Treatments: Options include hospitalization, surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, medication to control seizures or other symptoms, and rehabilitation therapies to address developmental delays or physical impairments.
Health Repercussions: Shaken Baby Syndrome is child abuse, and children who survive generally live with lifelong disabilities, cognitive impairment, motor skill deficits, vision or hearing problems, and behavioral or emotional dysregulation.

Second-Impact Syndrome

Second-Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a particularly alarming condition that every individual should be aware of. SIS is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur when an individual experiences a second head injury before the first one has fully healed.

Symptoms: Symptoms of SIS range from mild to severe and include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and coma.
Causes: As the name suggests, SIS is caused by sustaining a second head injury while the brain is still recovering from the previous injury. This particularly affects athletes who have experienced a concussion but continue to participate in their sport without sufficient recovery time. Prioritize safety and allow adequate healing time after a head injury.
Treatments: Medical intervention to manage symptoms, provide supportive care, and prevent further complications is key. In severe cases, surgery may be required to alleviate intracranial pressure. Cognitive and physical therapies are also crucial.
Health Repercussions: SIS can be devastating. Individuals with SIS face permanent cognitive impairments, memory problems, motor skill deficits, and emotional changes.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) occurs when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissue covering the brain. This area is called the subarachnoid space.

Symptoms: Sudden and severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, a stiff neck, loss of consciousness, seizures, sensitivity to light or sound, blurred vision, and confusion or disorientation are common symptoms of SAH.
Causes: SAH is caused by numerous things like a ruptured brain aneurysm, a traumatic brain injury, severe head trauma, an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can rupture and lead to bleeding, and certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, or infections.
Treatments: SAH requires immediate treatment to stop the bleeding, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage. This may involve surgical intervention, medication, and rehabilitation to aid in recovery.
Health Repercussions: of SAH may vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. Some individuals may experience cognitive issues, emotional changes, physical disabilities, or seizures, requiring ongoing medical care and support.

What kind of compensation can I recover for my traumatic brain injury case in Houston?

Several factors come into play, like the extent of your injury, the impact it has had on your life, and the negligence or fault of the responsible parties. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. For the most accurate estimate of what compensation you might expect, reach out to one of the reputable, hard-working Houston brain injury lawyers at Armstrong , Lee & Baker LLP. We can evaluate your case’s specific circumstances at no charge and get you some answers quickly.

How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed?

Diagnosing a brain injury of any kind involves a comprehensive evaluation by your doctor. They will use imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to identify any structural damage to the brain. Additionally, cognitive and neurological tests are common to measure the impact of the injury on memory, speech, motor skills, and other brain functions.

How much compensation can I recover after a brain injury in Houston?

The amount of compensation you may be able to recover after a brain injury depends on various factors. Based on our own case results, our Houston brain injury law firm sees averages ranging between $500,000 to $1+ million. Not all cases are typical, of course. Factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and the negligence of the responsible parties all play a role in determining the compensation amount. In severe cases where significant impairment and disability has occurred, the compensation awarded is usually higher to cover ongoing medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and long-term care needs.

When should I contact a lawyer after sustaining a brain injury?

If you have sustained a brain injury, the sooner you talk to a brain injury lawyer in Houston, the better. Protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and help your legal team build a strong case by calling as soon as possible. Additionally, personal injury cases have limited time frames within which you can file a lawsuit.

Get in Touch with a Brain Injury Attorney at Houston

Depending on the seriousness of your condition, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses or lost wages. Call the Houston brain injury lawyer at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP for a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your injuries.