Many things can lead to a brain stem injury today. Regardless of how the injury occurs, the results may be catastrophic. The brain stem controls many essential bodily functions today, so the results of the injury can be life-altering. Medical attention is needed immediately following the injury as the treatment and prognosis depend on what caused the damage and how extensive it is. Quick action can minimize the effects.
When the injury results from another party's actions, the victim or representatives acting on their behalf should seek legal advice from a Brain Injury Attorney. The costs associated with treating the brain stem injury can quickly add up, so compensation should be sought from the responsible parties. Any funds received may cover medical care and daily living expenses while the victim focuses on recovering as much as possible.
The Role of the Brain Stem in Everyday Tasks
The brain stem sits at the bottom of this structure and connects the brain to the spinal cord. Signals move along this pathway from the brain to other body parts. The brain stem regulates consciousness, breathing, heart rate, and other vital bodily functions. When the brain stem is damaged, it cannot do this work.
When the brain stem sustains damage, respiratory problems may develop. The person might have an abnormal heart rate or fluctuating blood pressure. Paralysis or weakness may be present, along with sensory issues, such as numbness or a loss of sensation. Vital cranial nerves may no longer function properly, leading to double vision, speech problems, and difficulty swallowing. Sadly, the effects of a brain stem injury may take days or weeks to appear, leading many people to feel they have suffered no harm.
Why is Financial Compensation Needed?
Many people sustain brain injuries each year. Approximately 2.5 million people suffer a brain injury each year, with many of these injuries affecting the brain stem. While many of these injuries are the result of a fall, 20 percent are the result of a vehicle accident, and 11 percent occur when the victim is assaulted. The victim must deal with the devastating effects of the injury and shouldn't need to worry about how they will pay for medical care and other expenses. Seeking compensation from the responsible party will help them cover their bills while they heal.
Types of Monetary Compensation
A victim might request monetary compensation for medical treatment costs and damages for the pain, suffering, and emotional trauma they experience due to the injury. They may also request compensation for loss of wages and future income and reimbursement for property damage. An experienced attorney can help the victim determine what they should include in the claim or subsequent lawsuit to ensure the bills, including any incurred for future care, are covered.
How Much Should a Victim Expect to Receive?
No attorney can say how much a victim will receive in compensation. Many factors play a role in the amount received, including the injury severity, how it has impacted the victim's life, and the location in which the injury occurred. Furthermore, the attorney's skills and experience affect the amount received. All parties may agree to a settlement without the case going to trial. However, a victim should always hire an attorney prepared to take the case before a judge, as nobody can say which cases will settle and which will not.
A person may be able to recover from a brain stem injury. Unfortunately, this body part cannot heal as quickly as other parts. It may recover somewhat, but there could be permanent damage, mainly when the injury is severe. Immediate medical care is needed to minimize the long-term effects of the injury, and a victim must have ongoing care. Medical advancements are made every day, so a person might find a new treatment available that can help minimize or reverse the damage seen with these injuries.
