Brain Injury Attorneys in Indianapolis
Every year, thousands of Americans face the daunting reality of severe brain injuries, incidents that ripple through their lives with profound, often irreversible changes. The effects of these injuries can range from minor impairments to major life-altering conditions, impacting not only the victims but their families as well. In the wake of such tragedies, the path to justice and rehabilitation is fraught with challenges. This is where the role of a skilled and compassionate Indianapolis brain injury lawyer becomes crucial.
If you or someone close to you has suffered from a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, seeking legal assistance is not just an option; it’s a necessity. The law firm of Doehrman Buba Ring stands out as a beacon of hope for brain injury victims, offering relentless advocacy and personalized legal support. Our dedication stems from a deep-seated commitment to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve, alongside the necessary resources for rehabilitation and recovery. Contact our team for a free consultation today.
What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an unexpected force or impact causes damage to the brain. This damage can be localized to one specific area or spread across multiple regions.
According to the CDC, approximately 3.8 million TBIs happen annually in the U.S. during sports and recreational activities, with nearly half going unrecorded.
TBIs are categorized into three levels of severity: mild, moderate, and severe, with mild cases often referred to as concussions. Contrary to common belief, direct, blunt-force trauma to the head isn’t always necessary for a brain injury to occur.
Despite clear symptoms, proving a TBI to insurance companies or in court can be exceptionally challenging due to the complex nature of the brain and the diverse ways brain injuries can manifest. That’s precisely why you need a traumatic brain injury lawyer who is adept at navigating the intricacies of brain injury cases.
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we’re committed to collecting the crucial evidence required to secure the compensation you rightly deserve if you’ve been affected by a TBI due to someone else’s negligence. You deserve the help of an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney.
What Causes A Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen in various situations, often when least expected. Common causes include motor vehicle collisions, falls, sports injuries, and assaults, as well as accidental impacts from objects like tools or sports equipment. These injuries occur when the brain is subjected to sudden force or movement, causing damage to the brain within the skull. Such incidents can lead to serious complications, including internal bleeding and increased pressure around the brain, which can exacerbate the injury.
Falls are notably the leading cause of TBIs, posing a significant risk, especially to children and the elderly. Other prevalent causes include car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, workplace incidents, acts of violence, and even medical malpractice.
How Are Brain Injuries Classified?
There are multiple ways in which brain injuries are classified, including the following:
Open vs Closed Head Injury
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) predominantly present as closed-head injuries, where the brain is harmed without any penetration through the skull. However, some TBIs result from penetrating injuries, leading to the skull being fractured or punctured. This severe form of injury may cause pieces of bone to press into the brain tissue, creating additional damage.
Primary vs. Secondary Brain Injuries
Primary brain injuries happen directly from an external force, like getting hit in the head or the brain moving rapidly inside the skull due to sudden movements. Secondary brain injuries, on the other hand, develop over time after the initial injury, often due to problems with blood flow or oxygen to the brain.
Focal Versus Diffuse Injuries
Focal brain injuries are the result of direct hits to the head, leading to damage in specific brain regions. These injuries often show up on medical scans like MRIs, PET scans, or CT scans and can include conditions like skull fractures, brain bruises, or internal bleeding.
On the other hand, diffuse brain injuries result from sudden head movements, like in whiplash. This can lead to concussions or, in severe cases, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), causing widespread damage to the brain’s nerve fibers. Such injuries affect brain communication and are difficult to detect with standard scans, making treatment and recovery challenging.
Traumatic vs Non-Traumatic
Traumatic brain injuries stem from external forces causing harm to the brain, such as impacts or violent shakes. Conversely, non-traumatic brain injuries are internal complications like strokes, aneurysms, infections, or the effects of drug overdoses that lead to brain damage without an external blow to the head.
Mild/Moderate/Severe
The severity of a traumatic brain injury is classified using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which assesses brain function after an injury. This scale evaluates a patient based on their consciousness level, ability to obey commands, and communication capability, categorizing injuries into mild, moderate, or severe to provide a quick understanding of the injury’s impact.
Classification of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): 13 to 15
Key Features:
- Often labeled as concussions.
- May involve a loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes.
- Possible symptoms include headaches, vision changes, nausea, and “brain fog”.
- A period of post-traumatic amnesia is common.
- CT scans may appear normal, leading to a lack of therapy for many.
Moderate Traumatic Brain Injuries
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): 9 to 12
Key Features:
- Causes loss of consciousness from 30 minutes up to 24 hours.
- Patients may experience confusion and agitation upon regaining consciousness.
- Memory loss regarding events before or after the accident is common.
- Hospital stays for several days, and some form of therapy is typical.
- Possible long-term physical and/or cognitive disabilities.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): 3 to 8
Key Features:
- Involves more than 24 hours of unconsciousness.
- Difficulty in waking, following commands, walking, talking, and eating.
- Significant cognitive and behavioral challenges.
- Requires extensive therapy and, often, long-term care planning for those unable to live independently post-injury.
Common Types Of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries vary greatly depending on the cause of the injury, the force of impact, and the area of the brain affected. Understanding the most common types of brain injuries can help identify, treat, and manage these conditions effectively. Here are several widely recognized forms of brain injuries:
The Most Common Types Of Brain Injuries
Concussions: Often resulting from direct blows to the head, violent shakes, or the rapid back-and-forth movement of the brain, concussions are considered mild brain injuries. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and temporary loss of consciousness.
Contusions: These are bruises on the brain tissue, commonly occurring with severe head injuries. Large contusions may require surgical removal to alleviate pressure on the brain.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries: These injuries involve both the site of impact and the opposite side of the brain. They occur when the force of the blow is strong enough to cause damage at the site of impact and to also move the brain to hit the opposite side of the skull.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI): A DAI involves widespread damage to the brain’s white matter. It’s most common in car accidents and falls, where rapid shifts of the skull can cause the tearing of nerve tissue. This can lead to a coma or long-term impairments.
Penetrating Injuries: Caused by objects breaking the skull and entering the brain tissue, penetrating injuries can lead to severe complications, including infection, and often require surgical intervention.
Anoxic Brain Injury: This type of injury occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Causes include heart attacks, chokeholds, and suffocation. Anoxic brain injuries can result in widespread cell death and cognitive impairments.
Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels, commonly occurring in the brain after a head injury. Depending on the location and severity, hematomas can lead to serious complications and require medical treatment.
Edema: Edema is the swelling of brain tissue, usually caused by a traumatic brain injury or stroke. This can lead to increased pressure inside the skull, resulting in further damage to the brain.
Hemorrhage: A hemorrhage is internal bleeding within the skull, which can result from head trauma or other medical conditions. If left untreated, a severe hemorrhage can be fatal.
Understanding these common brain injuries is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and management, highlighting the importance of specialized medical care and rehabilitation for recovery.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Traumatic Brain Injury?
Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Despite being classified as “mild,” the symptoms of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury can significantly impact daily life. It’s important for both the patients and their support networks to be aware of these symptoms for prompt recognition and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Mild TBI include:
- Headaches that persist and sometimes intensify over time.
- Memory problems or difficulties concentrating, often making it hard to remember recent conversations or daily tasks.
- Mood swings or changes, which may include irritability, anxiety, or depression, affecting personal relationships.
- Sleep disturbances, either sleeping more than usual or experiencing insomnia.
- Sensitivity to light and noise, leading to discomfort in environments that were previously tolerable.
- Dizziness or loss of balance which can interfere with the ability to perform everyday activities.
Mild traumatic brain injury symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms early can significantly improve outcomes, making awareness and supportive care crucial to recovery.
Symptoms of Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Moderate traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have more severe symptoms compared to mild TBI. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for providing the appropriate care and support.
Common Symptoms of Moderate TBI include:
- Prolonged loss of consciousness, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, indicating a more serious injury.
- Significant confusion and agitation upon regaining consciousness; patients often have little to no memory of events before or after their injury.
- Persistent headaches that can be more severe than those experienced with mild TBI.
- Neurological deficits, which might manifest as weakness, poor coordination, or changes in speech.
- Cognitive impairments including difficulties with attention, memory, and executive functions.
- Behavioral and emotional changes, such as increased irritability, depression, or anxiety.
Early recognition and treatment of these symptoms can drastically improve recovery outcomes for moderate TBI patients.
Symptoms of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) present with profound and sometimes life-altering symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for immediate and effective intervention, potentially reducing the long-term impact. Here is a structured overview of the symptoms associated with severe TBI:
Physical Symptoms of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Extended unconsciousness or coma, often lasting more than 24 hours and, in some cases, weeks or months.
- Decerebrate or decorticate posturing, indicating severe brain damage.
- Respiratory complications requiring support for breathing.
- Motor dysfunction, including paralysis or weakness in limbs.
- Seizures, which may become a chronic condition.
- Difficulties in swallowing or speech impacting the ability to eat or communicate effectively.
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision and partial or total loss of sight.
Cognitive Symptoms of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Profound confusion, often struggling to understand basic information.
- Amnesia, notably post-traumatic and retrograde, affecting both long-term and short-term memory.
- Impaired executive functions, such as problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills.
- Attention deficits, making it hard to focus on tasks or conversations.
- Disorientation regarding time, place, or person.
- Difficulties with speech and language, including aphasia, which affects the ability to comprehend and produce language.
Understanding these symptoms equips caregivers and healthcare professionals with the knowledge to provide nuanced and compassionate care that addresses both the physical and cognitive needs of those with severe TBI.
Long-Term Complications Of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can have lasting effects that extend far beyond the initial recovery period. The severity of the injury often dictates the nature and extent of long-term complications, which can impact nearly every aspect of a survivor’s life. These complications can be physical, cognitive, emotional, and social, ranging from mild impairments to debilitating conditions. Understanding these potential long-term outcomes is essential for both patients and caregivers to prepare for and manage the challenges that may arise. Below is a detailed list of some common long-term complications associated with TBI:
Physical Complications
Chronic Pain: Persistent headaches and musculoskeletal pain are common, significantly affecting quality of life.
Seizures: Post-TBI seizures can develop, sometimes years after the injury, requiring ongoing treatment.
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and lack of energy can hinder daily activities and recovery processes.
Cognitive Complications
Memory Impairments: Difficulty remembering new information or events, which affects learning and everyday functioning.
Concentration Problems: Challenges with focusing on tasks for extended periods.
Executive Dysfunction: Issues with planning, organizing, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Emotional and Behavioral Complications
Mood Swings and Irritability: Sudden changes in mood and increased frustration over minor issues.
Depression and Anxiety: High rates of depression and anxiety disorders impacting mental health and recovery.
Personality Changes: Shifts in personality traits, often leading to social withdrawal or altered relationships.
Social Complications:
Social Isolation: Difficulties in maintaining old friendships or forming new ones due to changes in personality or cognitive challenges.
Employment Challenges: Difficulty returning to work or maintaining employment due to cognitive or physical impairments.
Dependency: Increased reliance on family or caregivers for daily activities and personal care.
Recognizing and addressing these long-term complications is a critical component of comprehensive care for individuals with TBI, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to manage and mitigate the impact on the survivor’s life.
Dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be overwhelming, as it often impairs basic and complex daily functions – from personal care to handling finances. These difficulties can make returning to work, school, or even driving quite challenging, affecting independence and quality of life. In such situations, seeking legal assistance is crucial. Our experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys understand the profound impact of TBI and are equipped to fight for the compensation needed to address these life-changing complications.
Rehabilitation From A Traumatic Brain Injury
Rehabilitation from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a crucial step in the recovery process, aimed at helping individuals regain as much independence as possible. The nature and extent of rehabilitation depend on the severity of the injury and the specific areas of impairment. A comprehensive rehabilitation program typically involves a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and social workers. Each professional plays a unique role in addressing the various physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges faced by TBI survivors.
Physical Rehabilitation
Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility, strength, and coordination. This may include exercises to regain muscle control and balance, as well as strategies to manage chronic pain and fatigue.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive therapy aims to enhance memory, attention, and executive functions. Activities and exercises are designed to improve cognitive skills, while compensatory strategies may be introduced to help manage cognitive deficits.
Speech and Language Therapy
For those facing difficulties with speech or swallowing, speech and language therapy provides techniques to improve communication abilities and ensure safe eating and drinking.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists assist individuals in relearning daily living skills, such as dressing, cooking, and personal hygiene, while also suggesting modifications to the home and work environments to accommodate any disabilities.
Psychological Support
Rehabilitation must also address the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery. Counseling and support groups can help individuals and their families cope with the changes and challenges post-TBI.
Social Reintegration
Social workers and vocational therapists work with individuals to facilitate their return to community living, whether this involves going back to work, school, or engaging in social activities.
The goal of rehabilitation is to enhance the quality of life for TBI survivors and their families by maximizing recovery and assisting in the adaptation to any remaining disabilities. The duration and intensity of rehabilitation vary, with some individuals requiring ongoing support to continue making improvements over time.
How Do You Prove Brain Damage?
Proving brain damage, especially in the context of legal claims or medical treatment, requires a comprehensive approach combining clinical assessment and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Initially, neurologists and other medical professionals may assess symptoms and conduct a physical examination, looking for indicators of neurological impairment. Key to this process are imaging technologies such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans, which can provide detailed images of the brain’s structure, highlighting areas of injury or abnormality. Functional tests like EEG (Electroencephalogram), which measures electrical activity in the brain, can also be pivotal, especially in cases where seizures are a concern.
Neuropsychological testing plays a crucial role as well, offering in-depth assessment of cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, which may be affected by brain damage. This involves a series of standardized tests that quantify cognitive deficits, assisting in mapping the extent and specific areas of impairment. Finally, patient history, including accounts from family members and the individual’s medical records, can provide additional evidence of changes in behavior or abilities resulting from the injury. In legal settings, expert testimonies from medical professionals are often required to correlate the evidence with the claimed brain damage, making the process of proving brain damage a multidisciplinary effort that relies on both medical expertise and technological support.
Our legal team will start working on your case as soon as possible to gather witness testimony and physical evidence as soon as possible. Our experienced team will help you obtain the necessary medical records and work with experts to prove your brain damage so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Getting Your Head Injury Diagnosed Is Vital
In the aftermath of an accident involving head trauma, seeking prompt medical attention is imperative. Timely diagnosis of a head injury is critical for multiple reasons.
Head injuries can be severe, manifesting a wide range of symptoms that could significantly impact your daily life. Early diagnosis allows for the immediate commencement of treatment, reducing the risk of complications and further injuries.
Establishing an official medical record of your injury is a crucial step in pursuing compensation. A well-documented case strengthens your claim, highlighting the direct consequences of the accident on your health.
Our team emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis not just for your health but as a key component in your legal strategy to secure the compensation you deserve.
Can You Pursue Compensation For a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Pursuing compensation for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is both a legal right and a vital step towards securing the necessary resources for recovery and adaptation to new life circumstances. When a TBI is caused by another party’s negligence or intentional harm, the afflicted individual may have grounds to claim compensation. This legal avenue seeks to cover the numerous and often extensive costs associated with TBI, providing financial relief and support to survivors and their families. To successfully claim compensation, it is essential to prove that the injury resulted from someone else’s negligence and to accurately quantify the financial and emotional impacts of the injury.
The types of compensation you might receive for a TBI include:
- Medical Bills and Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical care, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapies, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income and future earning capacity if the injury impedes your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment in life activities.
- Long-term Care Costs: For severe TBIs, compensation may cover the costs of home health care or residential care facilities.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Including physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological services.
- Legal Fees: In some cases, compensation may cover the costs associated with pursuing the claim, including attorney fees.
Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on the individual’s life. Working with our experienced legal professionals can help ensure that all potential areas of compensation are considered and that the compensation sought reflects the full extent of the injury’s impact.
How Can Our Lawyers Help?
Our legal team specializes in traumatic brain injury cases and offers comprehensive support to those affected by such life-altering injuries. Here are some ways our brain injury lawyers can assist:
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
During the initial consultation, our Indianapolis brain injury attorneys will listen to your story, evaluate the circumstances surrounding your injury, and provide an honest assessment of your case’s viability. This step is crucial in understanding your legal options and the potential path forward.
Gathering and Analyzing Evidence
Our team will meticulously gather and analyze all available evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. We utilize expert testimonies and cutting-edge technology to build a strong case substantiating the extent of your brain injury and its impact on your life.
Fighting for Fair Compensation
We are committed to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible. This includes calculating all current and future expenses related to your injury—medical treatments, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and, if necessary, will take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve. Your brain injury lawsuit is not just a legal case to us; it is an opportunity to fight for your future.
Dedicated Support
Navigating the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury can be overwhelming for victims and their families. Beyond legal representation, our team provides support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you never feel alone in your recovery journey.
Advocacy and Awareness
We also dedicate ourselves to raising awareness about the risks and consequences of traumatic brain injuries. Our goal is to advocate for safer policies and practices that can prevent such injuries from occurring in the first place.
By choosing our experienced legal team, you’re not just getting legal experts; you’re gaining allies committed to fighting for your rights and well-being every step of the way. An experienced Indianapolis brain injury attorney at Doehrman Buba Ring is ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Case Results
Confidential Settlement (Sought $10 Million) – Medical Malpractice (Brain Injury): Achieved a confidential settlement during a trial for a child who sustained major brain injuries due to the negligence of a home health nurse, with $10 million sought from a Florida health care company.
$10,000,000 Jury Verdict – Drunk Driving Accident (Brain Injury): Obtained a $10 million jury verdict in Indiana for a boy severely injured by a drunk-driving bartender, marking one of the state’s largest jury verdicts.
$4,850,000 Recovery – Birth Trauma (Brain Injury): Secured a recovery due to a health care provider’s negligence causing serious brain injury during birth.
$3,200,000 Recovery – Birth Trauma (Brain Injury): Obtained a recovery for a child injured during labor and delivery due to medical negligence.
$2,500,000 Jury Verdict – Explosion (Brain Injury): Achieved a jury award for a boy who suffered a severe brain injury in an explosion.
$2,000,000 Settlement – Truck Accident (Brain Injury): Secured a settlement for a victim who sustained a traumatic brain injury when a truck driver failed to yield the right of way on an interstate.
And More.
Our Expertise in Brain Injury Law
Our legal team specializes in brain injury law, with extensive experience and a track record of significant achievements highlighting our expertise. Daniel Buba, a key member, has served as Vice President and Treasurer at the Brain Injury Association of Indiana since 2015 and has been on the Board of Directors since 2014.
Kyle Ring holds memberships in the American Association for Justice’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, once again reflecting our firm’s commitment to staying at the forefront of legal practices and advocacy related to traumatic brain injuries.
Thomas Doehrman’s significant contributions to the field include a longstanding tenure on the American Association for Justice, Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group Executive Board since 1989. His leadership spans roles in the Brain Injury Association of Indiana as Board Chairman and a continuous member of the Board of Directors for two decades, as well as involvement in the International Brain Injury Association since 2002, demonstrating unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of brain injury survivors.
These accomplishments reflect not just our lawyers’ deep legal acumen but also their passionate advocacy and commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries.
Contact Dohrman Buba Ring Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support and representation. Our team at Dohrman Buba Ring is dedicated to helping you through this challenging time and ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us put our expertise to work for you. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help every step of the way.
