Oklahoma City Brain Injury Lawyer Attorney

Brain injuries are among the most serious, life-changing injuries a person can sustain. If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you are likely facing a full range of challenges, from obtaining critical medical care to managing unexpected expenses to learning to live with significant and/or permanent impairments.

At Fulmer Sill, we understand how overwhelming a severe brain injury is, both for victims and their families. We also believe that if someone else was to blame, you deserve justice and fair financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages. Our Oklahoma City brain injury attorneys offer a highly personalized, caring, and collaborative approach that has helped us secure millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We are known for doing everything it takes to maximize the value of our client’s claims, including litigating and trying cases in court when necessary.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of acquired brain injury, meaning it occurs after a person is born. As the name implies, TBIs are associated with traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and even acts of criminal violence.

There are several types of TBIs, including:

• Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when an individual suffers a blow to the head but can also be caused by whiplash-type injuries/ being shaken about in a violent manner (such as in a rollover collision). Concussions are among the most common types of brain injury, affecting millions of people every year. Although some are classified as “less serious” than others, there is no such thing as a “minor” concussion.
• Contusions: A brain contusion is a bruise or collection of blood that forms on the brain. Typically, brain contusions co-occur with other TBIs, such as concussions. Although most will heal on their own, some brain contusions require surgical removal.
• Coup-Contrecoup: A coup-contrecoup brain injury occurs when a person suffers a blow to the head that is powerful enough to cause the brain to hit the opposite inside of the skull. This results in two injury points: one where the initial impact occurred and one on the opposite side.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury: A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) involves microscopic tears, known as “shearing,” along the connective tissues and fibers within the brain. Depending on the size of these tears, DAIs can lead to significant, permanent brain damage, coma, and death.
• Penetrating Injury: A penetrating brain injury involves an outside object (such as a bullet) breaking the skull and entering the head and/or brain. These types of TBIs are typically always catastrophic, and many penetrating brain injuries are fatal.
• Skull Fractures: A skull fracture refers to a fracture or break in the skull bone. Because the skull serves as the primary protective layer around the brain, skull fractures can lead to significant brain injuries, coma, and/or death.

It’s essential to recognize that the symptoms of TBIs can be subtle and might not appear until days or weeks following an injury. Symptoms vary widely between individuals and can affect cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and physical capabilities.

All brain injuries are serious, and all require immediate medical attention. Often, victims will need ongoing treatment and rehabilitative therapy to address resulting complications, cognitive impairment, and even permanent disability as a result of severe TBIs.

Three Degrees of TBI

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is categorized into different degrees based on the severity of the injury. The classification commonly used is mild, moderate, and severe TBI. These classifications help medical professionals and researchers better understand the extent of damage and plan appropriate treatment.

Here’s a brief overview of each degree:

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI):

• Often referred to as a concussion.
• Temporary loss of consciousness, if any.
• Symptoms may include confusion, headache, dizziness, memory problems, and mild cognitive impairments.
• Imaging studies (like CT scans or MRIs) may appear normal.
• Recovery is generally faster, but some symptoms may persist.

Understanding mTBI is crucial as victims might dismiss their symptoms due to their subtlety. These injuries require careful management and follow-up to ensure full recovery and to prevent long-term consequences.

Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury:

• Loss of consciousness lasting from a few minutes to a few hours.
• More significant cognitive and physical impairments compared to mTBI.
• Imaging studies may reveal structural damage or abnormalities.
• Rehabilitation is often necessary, and recovery may take longer than with mTBI.

Moderate TBIs require comprehensive treatment plans involving specialists who can address specific impairments and help recover cognitive and motor functions.

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury:

• Loss of consciousness for an extended period, potentially days or weeks.
• Pronounced cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments.
• Imaging studies usually show structural damage to the brain.
• Rehabilitation is extensive, and long-term care may be required.
• The prognosis can vary widely, and recovery may be incomplete.

Individuals with severe TBIs may face profound changes in their day-to-day life and require a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team to help regain as much independence as possible.

The effects of a traumatic brain injury can be complex and vary from person to person. Additionally, symptoms and severity may change over time, and individuals with TBI may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and rehabilitation. Seeking medical attention promptly after a head injury is crucial to assess the severity and initiate appropriate care.

TBI Recovery Process

The recovery process for traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies depending on the severity of the injury, individual factors, and the effectiveness of the medical interventions.

The following are the different stages involved in the recovery process:

Acute Medical Care:

• Emergency Treatment: In the immediate aftermath of a TBI, emergency medical care is provided to stabilize the patient. This may involve addressing life-threatening issues, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain.
• Diagnostic Tests: Imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRIs, are performed to assess the extent of brain damage and identify any structural abnormalities.

Early Post-Injury Period:

• ICU or Hospitalization: Depending on the severity of the TBI, the individual may be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) or a hospital for monitoring and further medical care.
• Medication: Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as pain, seizures, or anxiety.

Rehabilitation:

• Inpatient Rehabilitation: For moderate to severe TBIs, individuals may undergo inpatient rehabilitation, where a team of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and neuropsychologists, work together to address various aspects of recovery.
• Outpatient Rehabilitation: As the individual progresses, outpatient rehabilitation may be recommended to continue therapy and support.

Cognitive Rehabilitation:

• Cognitive Therapy: Individuals with TBI may undergo cognitive therapy to address memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
• Speech and Language Therapy: Speech and language therapy can be beneficial for those with communication difficulties.

Physical Rehabilitation:

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving strength, balance, coordination, and mobility.
• Occupational Therapy: Aims to enhance the ability to perform daily activities and regain independence.

Psychological Support:

• Counseling and Psychotherapy: Individuals and their families may benefit from counseling to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with TBI.
• Support Groups: Joining support groups can provide a sense of community and shared experiences.

Long-Term Management:

• Ongoing Medical Care: Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and address any ongoing medical issues.
• Adjustments and Accommodations: Depending on the residual effects of the TBI, individuals may need to make lifestyle adjustments or use assistive devices to facilitate daily activities.

The recovery process and the timeline for improvement are highly individualized. Some individuals may experience significant recovery, while others may face long-term challenges. The support of healthcare professionals, family, and a comprehensive rehabilitation team is crucial in maximizing recovery potential.

Common Causes of TBIs

While any traumatic event or serious accident can result in a TBI, statistically, some of these types of incidents more frequently lead to injuries than others.

In the U.S., the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Car, truck, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle accidents
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
• Falls, including slips and falls and falls from heights
• Recreational accidents, including boating, ATV, and RV accidents
• Violent crimes, including assault and assault with a deadly weapon
• Workplace accidents and job-related injuries

Our Oklahoma City brain injury attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, economists, and other specialists who provide expert testimony regarding the cause of our client’s injuries, the severity of those injuries, and how those injuries affect our clients’ lives. With this information, we can portray a clear and accurate picture of the impact traumatic brain injuries have on victims and their loved ones.

Most importantly, we are committed to holding negligent and reckless parties accountable. If someone else’s careless or wrongful conduct caused you or your loved one to suffer a life-altering brain injury, reach out to our team at Fulmer Sill to learn how we can help you fight for the justice you deserve.

You do not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket legal fees when you work with Fulmer Sill. Instead, we only collect attorney fees if/when we recover compensation for you. Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today to learn more.

Legal Aspects & Community Resources for TBI in Oklahoma City

In Oklahoma City, the legal landscape regarding traumatic brain injuries is intricately linked with understanding state-specific statutes and leveraging local resources to support recovery. Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation can be reduced if the injured party is found partly at fault. It’s essential to have a proficient legal team, like Fulmer Sill, to navigate these complexities and guide clients through the legal nuances effectively.

Moreover, Oklahoma City offers various community resources for TBI victims. Local support groups and organizations, such as the Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma, provide networking opportunities, emotional support, and information on the latest therapies and rehabilitation options. Engaging with such local entities can play a significant role in recovery, offering a communal support system and guidance on TBI sufferers’ daily challenges.

The Importance of Prompt Legal Action in TBI Cases

Engaging a brain injury attorney promptly is crucial for ensuring all legal avenues are explored within the deadlines stipulated by Oklahoma law. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including TBIs, generally provides a two-year window from the injury date to file a claim. Delays can jeopardize the ability to recover necessary funds for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, highlighting the urgency of seeking professional representation without delay.

By contacting Fulmer Sill early, clients can ensure that evidence is preserved and witness statements are captured. At the same time, memories are fresh, and a comprehensive case is built to advocate fiercely on their behalf. Our firm’s proactive approach aims to ease the burden of legal concerns, allowing clients to focus on healing and adapting to life post-injury with the assurance that their legal matters are diligently managed.

Why Hire a Brain Injury Attorney?

Like other catastrophic injury claims, brain injury cases are complex. You must work with an attorney who understands these injuries and has access to medical professionals and other resources that can be used to prove the nature, severity, and extent of your injury and how your injury has impacted your everyday life. To make matters worse, insurance companies aggressively defend TBI cases. Because brain injury claims often involve extensive damages, they tend to be higher in value than less severe injury claims. As a result, insurance adjusters will often use a variety of tactics to dispute, devalue, or even outright deny valid TBI claims. Litigation may be necessary to seek the full, fair compensation you are owed for your medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.

Our team has handled countless brain injury cases and secured numerous million- and multimillion-dollar results for our clients. We utilize a collaborative, intentional approach and draw on decades of combined litigation experience to develop robust, innovative, and personalized legal strategies for our clients. Throughout the process, we will remain accessible, providing consistent communication and answers to any questions.