Most, if not all, accidents could potentially cause serious brain injuries, with some even being deadly. Although there are a variety that can occur, an important one to note is an anoxic brain injury. This occurs when something causes the brain to be deprived of oxygen flow, which can result in damage or death to brain cells. These injuries can happen any number of ways, from a heart attack to stroke to severe head injuries.
When you have received an injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should consult a lawyer to discuss pursuing damages. A Houston anoxic brain injury lawyer could help you get compensation for your injuries by arguing your case in court or negotiating for a payout on your behalf with the involved insurers. Our dedicated traumatic brain injury attorneys could also investigate your accident, to determine who is liable for damages.
Causes and Symptoms of Anoxic Brain Injury
An anoxic brain injury can happen as a result of a variety of events, whether medical complications or accidents that impact the head. These events include the following:
- Stroke
- Head injuries
- Electric shock
- Drug overdose
- Cardiac arrest
- Near drowning
- Asthma attacks
- Inhaling smoke
- Low blood pressure
- Exposure to high altitudes
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Complications from anesthesia
- Obstructed airways caused by strangulation, choking, or suffocation
These injuries could happen anywhere – at someone’s house, at work, or on the road. This is why the Texas Brain Injury Advisory Council (TBIAC) was created by the 78th Texas legislature. TBIAC makes recommendations related to brain injury programs, rehabilitation services, and public awareness of the injury.
Someone with an anoxic brain injury could exhibit any number of symptoms:
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Facial drooping
- Motor impairment
- Personality changes
- Loss of consciousness
- Changes in sensory perception
- Difficulty speaking or forming sentences
An experienced Houston lawyer could describe the full list of anoxic brain injury symptoms, and how to go about getting compensation for all a person is suffering.
Medical Costs Arising from Anoxic Brain Injury
Anoxic brain injuries are not only devastating personally, but also financially. Costs associated with these injuries include emergency care and stabilization, rehabilitation, follow-up visits, medications, monitoring, and caregiver expenses. The average TBI or anoxic brain injury patient faces over $151,000 in costs in the first year of injury, on average.
An experienced lawyer in Houston could help a person with an anoxic brain injury pursue compensation for these expenses. Damages can cover medical expenses and lost wages, as well as items such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. Punitive, or exemplary, damages are also available, when a defendant’s actions were particularly egregious and need to be punished.
State Laws Relating to Anoxic Brain Injury
Per the 51% Bar Rule, or modified comparative negligence rule, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, a plaintiff can recover damages if they are no more than 50% at fault in an accident or injury. A person has two years from the date of injury to pursue a case, as per the state’s statute of limitations.
A Houston attorney familiar with anoxic brain injury cases could argue a suit in court or negotiate for a commensurate payout with the involved insurance companies on the plaintiff’s behalf. The lawyer could also conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is liable for the injury and provide an accurate accounting of damages.
Contact a Houston Attorney Today About an Anoxic Brain Injury
Although serious brain injuries can be daunting to face, you do not need to face the consequences alone. Having a Houston anoxic brain injury lawyer to offer guidance throughout the legal process could potentially help you get the compensation you deserve and relieve you of some stress as well. Call today to schedule a consultation with one of our seasoned attorneys for a free consultation.