Brain and Head Injuries

Brain Injury Attorney

Every 23 seconds someone in the United States sustains a traumatic brain injury, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. Motor vehicle accidents account for 50 percent of all cases of brain injury in victims under 75. More than five million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from traumatic brain injuries.

Some brain injuries sustained in car accidents are minor because the skull is quite good at protecting the brain. However, more than half are bad enough that people must go to the hospital. Frequently there is no visible head injury yet there can be serious brain damage to the person involved in the accident. Serious brain injuries can occur at the time of the accident, or develop over time as tissues swell and bleed within the head; that why it is essential to receive immediate proper medical treatment after any head injury. While victims of minor brain injuries frequently make a full recovery, those who suffer a severe brain injury often face permanent disability or death. Many brain injury victims face a long rehabilitation process and may not be able to return to work, causing a serious financial and emotional strain on both the brain injury victim and his or her family.

The study and diagnosis of head injuries is very complex. There may be overt signs of the injury such as loss of speech and motor skills, or there may only be more subtle personality changes. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury, contact O’Connor & Runckel and we will provide you with a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Symptoms of minor head injuries usually go away without treatment. Serious head injuries need emergency treatment. Here are some clues that a head injury may be serious among adults:

• low-grade headaches or neck pain that won't go away
• having more trouble than usual with mental tasks (e.g., remembering, concentrating, making decisions)
• slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
• getting lost or easily confused
• feeling tired all the time
• lacking energy or motivation
• changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping),
• feeling light-headed or dizzy
• losing your balance
• increased sensitivity to sounds, light, or distractions
• blurred vision, eyes that tire easily
• loss of the sense of smell or taste
• ringing in the ears
• mood changes (e.g., feeling sad or angry for no reason)

Among children, the symptoms are:

• listlessness or tiring easily
• irritability or crankiness
• changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• changes in the way the child plays
• changes in performance at school
• lack of interest in favorite toys or activities
• loss of new skills, such as toilet training
• loss of balance, unsteady walking

Brain injuries can cause inability to concentrate and memory problems as well as depression, irritability, hearing, or eyesight problems. At O’Connor & Runckel, we make sure you have the resources necessary for the evaluation and diagnosis of all types of head injuries.

At O’Connor & Runckel we have 22 years of trial experience. We have the expertise and a proven track record of success. If you or a loved one has been the victim of brain or head injury and would like to speak with an attorney, please contact us. We are here to answer your questions and discuss how to protect your legal rights.

The attorneys at O’Connor & Runckel are well known and respected throughout the legal community and among our clients. From our office in Contra Costa County, we serve clients throughout the Bay Area. Our experience and expertise are available to you.