Whenever you hear the word “brain injury,” you may typically associate it with a blow to the head or immense trauma to the brain. However, not all brain injuries are caused by a strong external physical force. We invite you to read on as we discuss non-traumatic brain injuries and how negligence could produce them.
If you or a loved one suffered a non-traumatic brain injury due to a third party’s fault, call Miami non-traumatic brain injury lawyer Prosper Shaked today. Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA offer free consultations to help with your potential case. Call us at (305) 694-2676 today.
What is a Non-Traumatic Brain Injury?
A non-traumatic brain injury or acquired brain injury (ABI) is the result of different conditions within the body that affect the brain. ABI should not be confused with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Usually, TBI happens due to a massive blow to the head, whereas ABI occurs internally due to changes or conditions you experience. Ultimately, both TBI and ABI can be dangerous and life-threatening.
Common Causes of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Oxygen is one of the most important elements used by the brain. Without it the brain could not work correctly, creating dangerous and sometimes life-threatening consequences such as brain injury. Common causes of non-traumatic brain injuries include the following:
Anoxia
Lack of oxygen is one of the main reasons why ABI occurs. This is extremely dangerous for one main reason. If left without oxygen, nerve tissue could be damaged and die. This process is known as “apoptosis.” Apoptosis is a natural, continuous process where brain cells die and regenerate. However, sudden deprivation of oxygen for an extended period can kill billions of brain cells at once. Anoxic brain injuries can lead to diminished brain function and, in severe cases, death.
Hypoxia
Hypoxic brain injuries happen when the brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen. Similar to anoxic brain injuries, victims can experience diminished brain function due to lack of air. Common causes of hypoxia include low blood pressure (hypotension), drowning, and other medical conditions.
Some of the common symptoms of both anoxic and hypoxic brain injuries include:
- Short-term loss of consciousness
- Long-term loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Disorientation
- Confusion
Surgery
Brain surgery is a complicated procedure involving cutting and removing things like tumors, aneurysms, and damaged brain tissue. Unfortunately, not all brain surgeries go as planned, and damage to other parts of the brain can happen. If a brain hemorrhage occurs, the brain could be deprived of oxygen, leading to severe, permanent, and often deadly consequences.
Chemical Exposure
Another cause of ABI is exposure to chemicals. Many chemicals, vapors, and gases are found in construction sites, chemical factories, and other facilities. Inhaling dangerous chemicals can lead to a catastrophic, non-traumatic brain injury. When these chemicals enter your bloodstream, they can cause direct damage to brain tissue or prevent your blood cells from carrying oxygen to the brain, creating injuries similar to those discussed above. A significant number of toxic exposure accidents happen due to negligence from manufacturers, chemical product distributors, construction site supervisors, or negligent coworkers.
Stroke
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. The CDC reports almost 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke on a yearly basis. One of the most common types of strokes is the ischemic stroke. This cardiac condition happens because of a blockage in the main artery supplying oxygen to the brain. There are cases where medical malpractice can lead to a stroke and other conditions associated with it – including acquired brain injuries.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Non-Traumatic Brain Injury?
Many ABI cases can be prevented by making a correct assessment of an illness, performing a successful surgical procedure, making sure a product is safe to use, implementing safety features in the workplace, and more. However, the negligent behavior of third parties may be responsible for your ABI. Like traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic brain injuries can lead to severe damage capable of changing your life forever. Regardless of your type of brain injury, your life could be in danger.
Additionally, the medical expenses associated with ABI can pile up quickly. The already tough situation could worsen if you have to miss a long time away from work.
However, there are ways you could obtain compensation from the at-fault parties for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. You should contact a Miami non-traumatic brain injury attorney who can guide you through your personal injury claim process.
Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Handling Non-Traumatic Brain Injury Cases in Florida
At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we understand how difficult, stressful, and overwhelming dealing with an injury can be. That is why we dedicate ourselves to relentlessly pursuing justice for all our clients. Miami non-traumatic brain injury lawyer Prosper Shaked will tirelessly fight against the at-fault parties to obtain the compensation you are entitled to. To learn more about filing your case in a complimentary consultation, call our law offices today at (305) 694-2676.