Sevierville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Fighting for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

Advocating for the rights of Pigeon Forge, Seymour, and Gatlinburg motorcycle accident victims

Each year, an estimated 1.7 million people suffer some level of traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to the Centers for Disease Control. Of that number, about 250,000 victims require hospitalized treatment and more than 52,000 lose their lives. The consequences of a TBI can prove physically, mentally, and emotionally devastating for the victim, as well as family members and loved ones. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk of TBI in an accident, due to the lack of protection the vehicle provides. The Sevierville motorcycle accident attorneys at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC work diligently to assist the residents of Pigeon Forge, Seymour, and Gatlinburg when a motorcycle accident causes injury to the brain.

What are the different types of TBI?

Traumatic brain injuries are among the more serious, and more common, types of injuries. There are generally two types of TBIs:

  • Open head wounds. These injuries occur when a foreign object penetrates the skull and causes damage to the brain. An example is if a flying object penetrates the skull in an automobile crash.
  • Closed head wounds. These injuries occur when the head strikes a hard surface. Though there is no penetration of the skull, the impact causes the brain to move around within the cavity and bump against the skull. Though motorcycle helmets are designed to protect the head from foreign objects, they do not prevent the brain from moving in the event of an impact.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury to the brain during a motorcycle accident, it is vitally important that you secure the services of a knowledgeable Sevierville personal injury lawyer.

Mild vs. severe TBIs

To understand the monetary value of your case, you first need to evaluate the severity of your injuries, along with your present and future costs. Mild TBIs are the most common and are generally characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Short-term loss of consciousness, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes
  • Severe and continuous headache
  • Temporary dizziness, confusion, or feelings of disorientation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Temporary loss of memory
  • Difficulty concentrating

A mild injury to the brain can prove tricky because the symptoms are often missed or overlooked at the time of initial injury. However, these conditions sometimes last up to a year or more. It is important that you pay close attention to your health following any accident and seek medical attention if any symptoms appear.

Treatment of a mild TBI depends on the duration of the symptoms and their impact on your daily life. A physician may prescribe medications to control headaches and assist with nausea. Counseling and therapy may also prove necessary to treat behavioral and impulse issues. Any necessary medical treatment may increase the amount of requested compensation.

Severe TBIs generally require more substantial and lengthy medical treatments. In some instances, physical rehabilitation is necessary to regain cognitive functions. In the most extreme cases, rehabilitation is not possible and treatment instead centers on the daily care and comfort of the patient. Symptoms of a severe TBI can include:

  • Unconsciousness for more than six hours
  • Long-term memory loss
  • Inability to control impulses
  • Long-term confusion and inability to concentrate
  • Severe emotional swings
  • Inability to speak or understand spoken word
  • Loss of vision or hearing
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis

Traumatic brain injury cases are challenging to present in court. You must present evidence regarding the actions of the responsible party and prove that those actions proximately led to your injuries. The court also requires proof of your injuries and the associated damages. An experienced Sevierville motorcycle accident lawyer understands that each element of a motorcycle accident cases involving TBI is important and necessary to secure adequate compensation. That is why we work hard to advocate on your behalf.

Put experience on your side in your traumatic brain injury case

If you or a loved one has suffered from a brain injury as the result of a motorcycle accident, turn to Delius & McKenzie, PLLC. Our attorneys have more than 20 years of experience handling these complex cases. Call us today at 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to schedule a no-obligation appointment. Our auto accident injury attorneys proudly serve clients in and around Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.