Des Moines Brain & Head Injury Attorneys

Fighting For Brain & Head Injury Victims in Iowa

A head injury is one of the most devastating types of injuries, because the medical condition can affect every aspect of your life. In addition, the mechanisms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not well understood, so treatments are sometimes limited. Yet, even in mild cases, people may have to undergo physical therapy and pain management. In the worst cases, lives may be irreversibly altered.

The Hope Law Firm can guide you and your family through the legal process to recover damages from the negligent corporation or person who caused your accident. Our lawyers consider current costs and anticipate future damages when we calculate rightful compensation. We offer Hope for recovery.

Call Hope Law Firm today at (515) 298-5056 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our head & brain injury attorney in Des Moines.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. TBIs can range from mild (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or memory loss). They can result from falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or assaults, among other causes.

• Concussion: A common type of TBI resulting from a blow to the head, sudden acceleration, or rotational forces.
• Contusion: Contusions are brain bruises caused by direct impacts, leading to bleeding and swelling.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): DAI occurs from severe shaking or rotational forces, resulting in widespread damage to brain tissue.
• Hematoma: Hematomas are collections of blood outside blood vessels, including epidural, subdural, and intracerebral types.
• Skull Fracture: Fractures of the skull can be linear, depressed, or basilar, each with distinct characteristics and risks.
• Penetrating Injury: These injuries occur when objects penetrate the skull and damage brain tissue directly.

Common Symptoms of Head Injuries

You may not even realize you sustained a head injury until you begin to notice symptoms like these in the days or weeks following the accident:

Symptoms can become debilitating and more painful. Even head injuries considered mild can trigger long-term problems.

Diagnosis of a TBI typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans. Doctors will assess symptoms, cognitive function, and neurological responses to determine the extent and severity of the injury. In some cases, additional tests such as cognitive assessments or neuropsychological testing may be used to evaluate specific cognitive deficits.

Lifelong Care for Traumatic Brain Damage

Severe TBI can cause lifelong disabilities that can leave the victim completely dependent on family members and healthcare workers. In these tragic cases, family members may have to provide 24-hour care while watching their loved one suffer from:

Treatment for a TBI depends on the severity and type of injury but may include medications to reduce swelling and prevent seizures, surgery to repair skull fractures or remove hematomas, and rehabilitation therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The goal of treatment is to minimize further damage, promote recovery, and improve the individual's overall quality of life.

If your family member sustained a severe TBI, our lawyers can assist you in suing the negligent party on the person’s behalf and to recover for your own losses. We can also pursue a wrongful death claim if your family member dies from a head injury.

Common Causes of TBIs

According to the Mayo Clinic, common causes of TBI include:

• Falls — Including construction site accidents, slip and fall accidents on unsafe property, falls from defective ladders and nursing home neglect
• Motor vehicle crashes — Involving cars, tractor-trailers, motorcycles, snowmobiles, bicycles and pedestrians
• Violence — Equaling about 20 percent of all TBI, includes gunshot wounds, blunt trauma, fistfights and shaken baby syndrome
• Sports-related injuries — Especially in such sports as gymnastics, boxing, football, hockey, lacrosse, skateboarding, snowboarding and other contact or extreme sports
• Explosives — Even if an object does not physically come in contact with the head

Any blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury ranging from mild to severe. If you or a loved one suffered brain damage, our lawyers can help you pursue justice.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Head and Brain Injury Claim?

Damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Treatment for head and brain injuries can include emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Compensation can cover both current and anticipated future medical costs.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Many victims face extended periods of recovery that prevent them from working. In more severe cases, permanent disability may limit the victim’s ability to earn income. Compensation may address lost wages and diminished earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Head and brain injuries often cause significant physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. These non-economic damages recognize the profound personal toll of these injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Severe brain injuries can affect a victim’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies, social engagements, or time with loved ones.
• Home and Vehicle Modifications: In some instances, victims could require wheelchair ramps, home modifications, or specialized transportation because of permanent disabilities. Compensation may help cover these necessary adjustments.
• Loss of Consortium: Family members, especially spouses, may suffer a loss of companionship, affection, or support because of the injury. These damages can help address the emotional impact on loved ones.