Brain Injury Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Brain Injury Victims

A brain injury sustained in a traumatic accident can upend a person’s life without warning. When the delicate neural pathways of the brain are damaged, it can lead to a cascade of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. The immediate aftermath might involve a turbulent period of emergency treatment and critical care, but this is just the beginning. Brain injury victims may face a long and arduous journey of rehabilitation as they work to relearn basic functions and skills that were once second nature. Even routine activities like speaking, walking, or even forming memories can become major hurdles.

If you suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you likely have the right to seek compensation for your losses. At Bishop & Hayes, we can help you understand your rights and provide personalized, compassionate, and results-driven representation during this challenging time. Our brain injury lawyers are skilled advocates who will work to secure every dollar you deserve, and with millions already recovered for our clients across Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, our track record speaks for itself. 

When you suffer brain injuries due to negligence, you need experienced legal professionals in your corner. Contact us online or call (417) 304-3228 to schedule a free initial consultation today.

Types of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can be classified into several types based on various factors like the cause, location, and severity of the injury. Each type of brain injury has unique challenges and requires specific treatment approaches. 

One of the most catastrophic and serious categories is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI is caused by an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head, that disrupts the normal function of the brain.

Types of TBIs include:

• Concussions. Often resulting from a direct impact or a sudden momentum or movement change, concussions can cause a temporary loss of normal brain function. Symptoms typically include headaches, confusion, and amnesia around the event, although more severe cases can have longer-lasting effects.
• Contusions. This is essentially a bruise on the brain caused by a direct impact, leading to bleeding and swelling in the brain tissue. Large contusions may require surgical intervention to alleviate pressure.
• Diffuse axonal injury (DAIs). Caused by severe rotation or shaking, a DAI involves tearing of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers (axons), which can lead to widespread brain damage and disability.
• Penetrating injuries. As the name implies, these injuries occur when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue, often leading to severe outcomes due to the physical disruption of the brain’s structure.

Another common type of brain injury is an anoxic brain injury, which occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. Cells in the brain need oxygen to survive and function, and when the oxygen supply is cut off – even for a short period – brain cells can begin to die. This can happen due to a variety of events, such as drowning, cardiac arrest, or complications from medical procedures. Anoxic brain injuries can result in disabilities that range from mild and reversible to severe and permanent. 

Consequences of Brain Injuries

The practical consequences of a severe brain injury can affect nearly every aspect of an individual’s life. Our brain injury attorneys are here to help ensure you are fairly compensated for these impacts.

Cognitively, victims may endure deficits in memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities, which can pose substantial obstacles to completing educational objectives or maintaining employment. The loss of vocational capability frequently translates into financial instability, as individuals may find themselves unable to return to their previous jobs or pursue any form of meaningful employment.

Physically, the repercussions can range from persistent headaches and fatigue to permanent paralysis or loss of bodily functions, necessitating modifications to living spaces and lifestyles. This often includes the need for assistive devices such as wheelchairs or speech-generating technologies. Severe brain injuries can also introduce the need for ongoing medical care, including surgeries, medications, therapies, or full-time caregiving, thus further escalating medical expenditures.

Emotionally and behaviorally, the consequences tend to be just as complex. Survivors may display marked personality changes, demonstrate increased irritability or aggression, or suffer from depression and anxiety due to the sudden and drastic alterations in their way of life. These changes not only affect the individuals with the injury but also place a tremendous strain on family dynamics, friendships, and other social relationships.