It is estimated that approximately 2 million people in the United States suffer some form of traumatic brain injury each year, and this condition is the leading cause of death and disability in persons under 45 years of age. However, according to recent studies, very few of us are aware of the scope of brain injuries in the United States, and many cases of traumatic brain injury go unrecognized and undiagnosed every year. This in part is why the large number of traumatic brain injuries is often called the “silent epidemic” in medical literature.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (or TBI) is an intracranial injury to a person’s brain characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. Intracranial means inside the cranium, or skull. Most often, a traumatic brain injury occurs when there is a violent blow or injury to the head, which causes the brain to be moved violently back and forth inside the skull. This may result in bruising of the brain, damage to brain cells directly near the area of impact, bleeding, or tearing of the nerve fibers. These types of traumatic brain injuries can be caused by vehicle accidents, falls, sports, explosive blasts, and violent physical activities. Traumatic brain injuries can also be caused by objects penetrating the skull, such as bullets,, or a piece of the skull penetrating the brain.
Medical Errors Can Lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries
Medical errors, also known as medical malpractice, can often lead to traumatic brain injuries. Some of the instances in which a medical error may lead to such in injury include:
- Surgical tools penetrating portions of the brain
- Leaving surgical devices or tools in the body
- Failure to diagnose or treat an aneurysm or stroke
- Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of certain conditions
- Errors with medication (also known as a dispensing error)
- Infections that arise from surgical procedures
- Errors in anesthesia during medical care
- Surgical mistakes during brain surgery
- Birth injury trauma and negligent prenatal care
- Failure to monitor oxygen levels
Let us help.
If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a traumatic brain injury due to a medical error, it is important that you speak to an attorney immediately. Our attorneys have experience in all aspects of medical error cases, and we have access to some of the most respected medical experts in the country. Know your rights. Call the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Powers Taylor for a free consultation. All calls are confidential.