Law Offices Of Michael Pines

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Representation for Traumatic Brain Injuries

The Law Offices of Michael Pines represents people with traumatic brain injuries throughout Southern California.  Due to the unique challenges faced by those with brain injuries, auto accident attorney Michael Pines and his firm fight to receive the maximum compensation for injured people and their families.  With adequate preparation, most cases settle.  Serious auto accidents can lead to catastrophic head injuries for drivers and passengers.  During a collision, vehicle occupants can strike their heads against the steering wheel, doors, windows, seats or dashboard.  Brain injuries may also occur if passengers are ejected from the vehicle or if there is a rollover automobile accident.  The experienced auto accident lawyers at our firm have a thorough understanding of traumatic brain injuries and their impact on injured people’s lives, including long periods of therapy and rehabilitation and the inability to return to work or school in some cases.  If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in a car accident, call our Southern California offices at 1-800-655-6585 or click here for immediate help with your automobile accident insurance claim.

About Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are often caused by physical force, often in a car, bike, sporting or other type of accident. The force causes varying degrees of trauma and impairment to an individual. In a car accident, a common pattern of brain injury is called “coup-contra-coup,” where the impact of the vehicles causes the head to thrust forward and hit the steering wheel, and the counter force thrusts the head directly back, potentially causing bruising and bleeding on the front and back of the brain.  Following an auto accident, it is often necessary to go to the hospital to undergo tests (such as a CT Scan or MRI) because it is not always obvious when there is a serious brain injury.  It may take a few hours for bleeding in the skull to have an effect.

The most common type of brain injury is a concussion (violent shaking of the brain) which can be mild, moderate or severe.

Contusions refer to bleeding of the brain.  Bleeding in the brain is dangerous because there is nowhere for the blood to go, and pressure can build up and damage surrounding brain tissues.

Hypoxic Brain Injury happens when the brain does not get enough oxygen.  Oxygen is required for proper brain function, so, the lack of oxygen may cause permanent brain damage.

Anoxic Brain Injury happens when the brain does not get any oxygen at all.  The complete lack of oxygen might cause severe permanent brain damage.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injury

Mild Brain Injury may have following symptoms: loss of consciousness, headaches, confusion, dizziness, sensory problems, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue, sleep disruption, mood changes, and problems with memory, concentration, attention or thinking.

Moderate to Severe Brain Injury may have the following symptoms: intense headaches that will not go away, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, seizures, slurred speech, dilated pupils, numbness in the arms and legs, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, depression, anxiety or agitation.

Brain Injury Treatment & Recovery

While some patterns exist with brain injuries resulting from auto accidents, every brain injury is unique. Personality and cognitive (awareness) changes may require longer treatment.  Personality changes may include decreased judgment, anger, frustration, agitation, irritability and paranoia.  Cognitive changes may include changes in reasoning skills, academic skills, memory, language and concentration.  Following acute treatment, many people with brain injuries undergo rehabilitation either as part of a home program, an outpatient program or an inpatient program, depending upon the severity of the injury.  The patient often relearns various skills and works to improve deficiencies presented by the injury.  Some people are able to return to normal activities such as work and school within months, and others may take several years or longer.

The medical content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illness, injury, or medical condition and is not a substitute for a health care provider’s consultation.  Please talk to your doctor if you think you may have suffered an injury or need treatment for any medical problem. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Your doctors and you are completely in charge of your medical treatment.