Cleveland Brain Injury Lawyers

Cleveland Brain Injuries

According to the CDC, Each year, approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer TBIs, with Ohio seeing thousands of these cases. Cleveland is no exception, with TBIs resulting from incidents at home, on the road, in workplaces, and during recreational activities.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries occur from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This motion can damage brain cells, tissues, and nerves, leading to temporary or permanent dysfunction. TBIs vary in severity from mild (concussions) to severe (prolonged loss of consciousness, cognitive impairment, or death).

Types of Brain Injuries in Cleveland

Several types of brain injuries are commonly treated by Cleveland personal injury lawyers:

• Concussions: The most common form of mild TBI, often resulting in temporary loss of brain function.
• Contusions: Bruising or bleeding on the brain, often caused by direct impact.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Severe shaking or rotational forces lead to widespread brain damage.
• Penetrating Brain Injury: Caused when an object, like a bullet, pierces the skull and damages brain tissue.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: Damage occurs at the site of impact and on the opposite side due to force.
• Anoxic Brain Injury: Oxygen deprivation due to drowning, suffocation, or medical errors.
• Hemorrhage: Uncontrolled bleeding in the brain, causing pressure and damage.

Cleveland Brain Injuries: Common Causes

To pursue compensation after a brain injury, your attorney will need to determine the cause of your brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from various circumstances.

Some of the more common causes of brain injuries in Cleveland include:

• Car accidents: High-speed collisions often cause head trauma from impacts with a vehicle’s interior or other objects.
• Motorcycle accidents: Riders and cyclists are especially vulnerable to head injuries in crashes.
• Truck accidents: The size and weight of trucks can lead to severe head injuries, especially in high-speed or multi-vehicle collisions. Even vehicles with advanced safety features may not fully protect occupants.
• Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians hit by vehicles are highly susceptible to head injuries from the impact or hitting the ground, often leading to serious TBIs.
• Slip-and-falls: Falls, particularly among older adults, are a leading cause of brain injuries.
• Premises liability accidents: Unsafe property conditions, such as poorly maintained areas or hazards like loose flooring, can cause falls resulting in brain injuries. Property owners may be held responsible for injuries caused by negligence.
• Medical malpractice: Surgical or diagnostic errors can cause brain damage, often due to oxygen deprivation.
• Nursing home abuse: Elderly residents may suffer brain injuries from neglect or abuse, including falls or physical mistreatment.
• Work accidents: Construction and industrial job sites frequently lead to severe head injuries.
• Defective products: Faulty safety gear like helmets or airbags can fail, causing head injuries. In such cases, the manufacturer may be held liable.

Multiple parties may share responsibility for these accidents. Your Cleveland brain injury lawyer will analyze your case’s details to identify who should compensate you for your suffering.

Signs of a Brain Injury

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of brain trauma include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Pupil dilation
• Confusion or memory loss

Seek Medical Care for Any TBI

Mild concussions and other brain injuries can sometimes go undetected initially, creating a higher medical risk and potential for lasting effects. If you or someone else experiences head trauma, seeking immediate medical advice is crucial. Loss of consciousness after a head injury may indicate swelling or bleeding, both with serious consequences.

Long-Term Brain Injury Effects

Brain injuries can have lasting impacts that vary with injury severity, including:

• Fine motor skills impairment
• Vision loss
• Paralysis
• Memory loss
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty with basic tasks

In severe cases, TBIs can lead to fatal outcomes. Recovery and legal recourse may differ depending on the incident that caused the injury, such as a car accident versus a gunshot wound.

Contact a TBI Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, KNR is here to help. With multiple locations across Ohio, we proudly serve Cleveland and offer free, no-obligation consultations. Call (216) 658-1330 today to schedule a free consultation.

Financial Impact & Brain Injury Treatment Costs in Cleveland

The costs associated with treating and managing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Cleveland can be staggering. Immediate treatment may include emergency care, hospitalization, and potentially surgery. However, the long-term financial implications can be even greater for TBI victims and their families:

Rehab: Cleveland TBI victims may need extended physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to restore functionality and regain independence.

Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, communication aids, and necessary home modifications often help improve quality of life but add significant expenses.

In-Home Care: Some TBI victims may require around-the-clock care, relying on in-home nurses or healthcare aides to assist with daily tasks and medical needs.

Lost Income: TBIs frequently limit the victim’s ability to work, whether temporarily or permanently, resulting in lost wages.

Loss of Earning Capacity: Even if TBI victims can return to work, they may be unable to perform their previous job, leading to reduced earning potential.

According to the CDC, the lifetime costs for treating a severe TBI can exceed $3 million, varying based on the victim’s age, injury severity, and the need for extended care. This underscores the importance of obtaining compensation to cover ongoing medical bills, lost wages, and future financial needs.

Brain Injury Damages & Compensation in Cleveland

Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help recover damages to support a victim’s medical and financial needs. We can help you pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disability
• Physical limitations

The Role of TBI Expert Witnesses

In Cleveland brain injury cases, expert witnesses are critical in establishing the severity of your injury and its impact. These professionals may include:

• Medical Experts: Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists who explain the nature of the brain injury and its potential long-term effects.
• Economic Experts: Specialists who assess the financial impact of the injury, including lost income and future medical costs.
• Life Care Planners: Experts who estimate the victim’s future medical and personal care needs, ensuring all expenses are considered.
• Vocational Experts: Professionals who evaluate the victim’s ability to return to work and whether they can perform their previous occupation.

These experts offer essential testimony that provides the court with a full understanding of the injury’s scope and the need for comprehensive compensation.

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How KNR Helps After a Brain Injury in Cleveland

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Cleveland brain injury lawyers have years of experience managing complex TBI cases. We understand how deeply a brain injury can impact all areas of your life, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Our brain injury legal team will:

• Investigate the Cause of Your Injury: We meticulously gather evidence to establish liability and determine which parties should be held accountable for your injuries.
• Handle All Legal Aspects: From filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies, we manage the legal process, allowing you to focus on recovery.
• Work with Medical Experts: We consult with neurologists, surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists to fully document your injuries and future medical needs.
• Fight for Maximum Compensation: We aggressively pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, pain, suffering, and more.
• Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.

Cleveland Brain Injury FAQs