Cleveland Brain Injury Lawyer

Ohio Attorneys For Victims Of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Any type of head trauma can be extremely detrimental to a person’s health and well-being, but perhaps none so much as a brain injury. The brain is responsible for everything about you, from your movement to your mood to your entire personality, so brain injuries can result in devastating consequences to a person’s physical and cognitive function, leading to years of challenges and, in some cases, even permanent disability or death.

As horrific as these serious injuries already are, when they are caused by another person’s negligence, the situation can be even harder to digest. If this is the case for you, it’s important that you seek the help of our experienced law firm to recover compensation from the at-fault party.

At Joseph Law Group, we know how damaging a traumatic brain injury can be for a victim and their family, and we make sure that those who experience these types of cases are properly compensated for the years of recovery that lie ahead of them. Our Cleveland brain injury lawyer is highly experienced with these types of personal injury cases. To speak with our experienced injury attorney, please call (216) 522-1600 or reach out to us online to schedule a free initial consultation today.

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What Is An Acquired Brain Injury?

An acquired brain injury is an umbrella term referring to both traumatic brain injuries and non-traumatic brain injuries. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, “an acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma.” This essentially means that the injury is not one that a person is born with or otherwise obtained during labor and delivery.

There are two different categories of acquired brain injuries: traumatic brain injuries and non-traumatic brain injuries. Which type of brain injury a person suffers depends on the underlying cause of the injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, refers to a brain injury caused by an outside force, such as a car accident or a serious slip and fall. It can be a result of blunt force trauma, wherein an object actually makes direct contact with the head, or a result of a sudden jerk so powerful that it causes the brain to actually shift inside the skull.

There are many different types of traumatic brain injury cases, some of which include:

  • Concussion – A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. It is also considered to be particularly mild as far as TBIs go. A concussion is the result of the brain jolting around in the skull, often due to things like car accidents and sports injuries. While these mild TBIs don’t typically result in permanent brain damage, they can cause temporary damage and should be treated by a medical professional.
  • Open Head Injury – An open head injury, or penetrating head injury, occurs when an object penetrates or fractures the skull and reaches the brain tissue. Examples of this catastrophic injury include a gunshot wound to the head or a shard of glass from a car windshield that pierces the skull. Unlike concussions, these are severe brain injuries that can result in significant damage, including lifelong impairment or even wrongful death.
  • Closed Head Injury – Closed head injuries, as you might imagine, are injuries to the head that do not penetrate the skull. However, they are still considered serious brain injuries and can cause lasting damage. Brain bleeds, contusions, and swelling can occur as a result and may prove catastrophic or even fatal.
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury – A diffuse axonal injury occurs as a result of the brain shifting inside the skull and tearing the axons (long connecting nerve fibers). This nerve damage can result in neurological dysfunction ranging from mild impairment to potentially falling into a coma.
  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – This type of TBI that is a progressive brain condition that is often associated with high-contact sports such as football. This is because CTE’s occur as a result of recurring blows to the head. Although one concussion typically doesn’t cause lasting damage, when someone experiences multiple concussions in their lifetime, it can lead to brain degeneration and cause serious problems later on.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury

Unlike in TBI cases, non-traumatic brain injuries are caused from internal factors rather than an outside opposing force. One example is a hypoxic brain injury. Hypoxic brain injuries result from a restricted flow of oxygen to the brain. Anoxic brain injuries, on the other hand, are caused by a complete lack of oxygen to the brain. In both hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries, the brain’s oxygen supply is interrupted, which can lead to brain cell death and irreversible damage.

Non-traumatic brain injuries can also be a result of a tumor, stroke, heart attack, drowning accident, aneurysm, toxic exposure, or an infectious disease.

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What Causes A Brain Injury?

Just as there are many different types of brain injuries, there are also a number of ways in which they can be acquired. From medical malpractice to premises liability, our Cleveland TBI lawyers have handled a range of different cases resulting from someone else’s negligence.

Some of the more common causes of brain injuries include:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents – Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of head trauma. This includes car accidents, motorcycle accidents, big truck wrecks, and more. At Joseph Law Group, our Cleveland motor vehicle accident lawyers see these cases often. As a result, we know that many injuries, including head and brain injuries, aren’t always apparent right away. It’s important that car accident victims seek medical attention immediately following the wreck to ensure there has been no damage to the brain.
  • Medical Malpractice – There are many ways in which medical negligence can cause severe brain damage to a patient. Anesthesia errors, for example, can lead to oxygen deprivation, which may result in permanent brain damage. Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose a condition, mismanaged medication, surgical errors, and many other medical mistakes can all result in brain injuries caused by medical malpractice. Our Cleveland medical malpractice lawyers work hard to hold negligent medical professionals accountable for preventable mistakes like these.
  • Acts Of Violence – In some cases, serious personal injuries like these are intentional rather than accidental. Intentional acts of violence, including gunshot wounds, stab wounds, assault, and blunt force trauma from a bat, tire iron, or any other object that can be used as a weapon are all possible causes of brain injury.
  • Sports-Related Injuries – High-contact sports like football, rugby, and boxing put athletes at serious risk of sustaining brain and head injuries. In fact, sports-related injuries are the leading cause of TBI among children and teens.
  • Slips And Falls – It is not uncommon for people to suffer TBIs from a slip and fall accident. Whether your head made direct contact with the ground or your brain was violently jolted inside your skull from the impact, a traumatic brain injury is very much a possibility.

Our Cleveland personal injury attorneys at Joseph Law Group have handled all types of brain injury cases. Regardless of the type of accident, if the negligence of another person caused you or a loved one to suffer a TBI, you have legal options available to you.

Symptoms Of Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can have wide-ranging and far-reaching effects, including both physical pain and cognitive deficits.

Symptoms of a mild TBI may include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Speech problems
  • Memory loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Drowsiness
  • Sensitivity to light and/or sound
  • State of confusion
  • Mood swings
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Sad, anxious, or depressed mood

In more severe cases of brain injuries, possible symptoms may include:

Remember, signs of a TBI may not always show up right away. In some cases, it can take days or even weeks for symptoms of a brain injury to appear. After any type of accident, it’s important that you seek medical treatment to assess your injuries, not only for your own health and safety, but also to protect the integrity of your potential injury case.

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Brain Injury Lawsuits

The cost of a brain injury is often much more than the initial medical bills. Injury victims will likely require extensive and ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and personal care for years to come.

In addition to future medical expenses, things like lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress will also need to be taken into account. When you work with our experienced brain injury attorneys at Joseph Law Group, we will fight hard to make sure you receive maximum compensation to cover both the economic and non-economic damages associated with your injury. 

To learn more about your potential brain injury lawsuit, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation regarding your case.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Brain Injury

Although a personal injury claim involving brain injuries often has a higher payout, this doesn’t mean it’s easy to secure. The at-fault party and their insurance company will often fight tooth and nail to deny liability and avoid paying fair compensation. That is why it is imperative that TBI victims seek the help of a law firm experienced in brain injury cases. 

At Joseph Law Group, our Cleveland brain injury lawyers know what it takes to prove negligence on behalf of the liable party. As soon as a formal attorney-client relationship is established, we will utilize our legal knowledge and resources to investigate your claim, obtain medical records, and secure expert witness testimony to build and strengthen your case. 

Handling such complicated legal matters on your own is the last thing you should be doing after suffering brain damage at the hands of another. Let our experienced brain injury lawyers take care of everything for you while you focus on your own health and recovery.

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Brain Injury Lawyers in Cleveland, OH

If someone else’s negligence caused you or a loved one to suffer brain injuries, you deserve to hold them accountable and recoup financial compensation for the losses you and your family have faced as a result. Because there is often so much on the line in these types of cases, it’s important that you obtain the help of seasoned traumatic brain injury lawyers to ensure the best possible outcome. 

Our team of attorneys at Joseph Law Group recognizes the true extent of a brain injury case. For many victims, life as they once knew it will never be within reach again. A personal injury lawsuit cannot reverse the damage that has been done, but it can provide a cushion for the years of extensive medical treatment, therapy, and emotional distress that may be ahead. 

To speak with our experienced Cleveland brain injury lawyer at Joseph Law Group, give our law firm a call at (216) 522-1600 today to schedule your free consultation.

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Cleveland Brain Injury FAQs

When someone suffers a brain injury, it can affect every part of life—health, relationships, work, and daily function. These injuries vary in severity, but even a so-called mild case can have a lasting impact. We often hear from individuals and families trying to understand what comes next and what steps to take. Whether the injury was caused by an accident, fall, or another event, the right legal support matters. As a Cleveland brain injury lawyer, our firm helps guide people through what to expect and what rights they may have.

How Is A Brain Injury Diagnosed?

Doctors typically use a combination of methods to assess a brain injury. This often includes physical exams, a neurological assessment, and imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. They may also monitor changes in speech, movement, or mental function over time. Diagnosis can sometimes take days or even weeks, especially with injuries that don’t show up clearly on scans right away. Tracking symptoms closely and returning for follow-ups is important. If the injury happened due to someone else’s actions, we may need to gather medical records as part of a legal case. The more documentation you have for your case, the better.

Can A Mild Brain Injury Have Long-Term Effects?

Yes, even a mild brain injury like a concussion can lead to long-term problems. Some people experience issues with memory, focus, sleep, or mood for months — or longer. These symptoms are sometimes called post-concussion syndrome. In some cases, the full impact of the injury doesn’t become clear until the person returns to work or school and struggles with tasks that once came easily. If the injury was caused by negligence, a Cleveland brain injury lawyer can help assess the legal side of recovery. A brain injury often requires long-term care which can add up quickly, so it is best to work with an attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve. 

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Brain Injury?

Recovery times vary a lot from person to person. Some people improve within weeks, while others face symptoms for months or years. Factors like age, the severity of the injury, and any previous brain injuries can affect healing. Ongoing therapy — such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy — may be part of the process. We often hear from clients who are overwhelmed by medical bills during recovery. In those cases, it’s worth exploring whether compensation may be available through a claim.

How Can Family Members Support A Loved One With A Brain Injury?

Family support plays a big role in recovery. This can mean helping with doctor visits, medication management, or just being patient during mood changes and memory lapses. Keeping a written log of symptoms or changes in behavior can help during medical appointments. Even just a homemade journal can be useful to provide evidence. It also helps when pursuing a legal claim, as documentation can show how the injury affected daily life. Many families also find it helpful to connect with local support groups or counseling services.

What Financial Assistance Is Available For Brain Injury Survivors?

There are several possible sources of financial help. Depending on the circumstances, this could include insurance coverage, disability benefits, or a legal claim for damages if another party was at fault. If the injury happened at work, workers’ compensation may apply. A brain injury lawyer can help determine the best route to recover costs related to treatment, lost income, and long-term care. At Joseph Law Group, LLC, we’ve been rated by Super Lawyers and recognized as one of America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, and we’re ready to help evaluate the legal side of recovery.

Recovering from a brain injury is rarely simple, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you or someone close to you is dealing with the effects of a head injury, it’s important to know your options. Cleveland brain injury lawyers like those at our firm can help you look at the legal and financial side of what’s next. Contact us today to talk about how we can help you take the next step.

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Brain Injury Glossary

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Cleveland, working with a Cleveland brain injury lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and understood. Brain injuries often lead to long-term medical needs and serious life changes, so it’s important to understand the medical and legal terms that may come up. Knowing this terminology can help you feel more informed and confident as you take steps toward recovery and legal action. Below are some key terms and phrases that frequently arise in connection with brain injury claims and litigation.

Concussion

A concussion is one of the most common types of brain injuries and is often considered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite being labeled “mild,” concussions should not be taken lightly. They typically occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to sudden movement, often caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or falls. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory issues. Medical attention is necessary to monitor symptoms, particularly because repeated concussions can result in long-term damage.

Open Head Injury

An open head injury occurs when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. This kind of injury is usually caused by high-impact trauma such as a gunshot or collision that results in sharp objects breaking the skull. These injuries are often life-threatening and can cause irreversible damage to brain tissue. Due to their severity, cases involving open head injuries frequently require extensive surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation, making legal claims particularly complex.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a severe form of TBI that occurs when the brain moves rapidly within the skull, causing the long connecting nerve fibers (axons) to stretch or tear. This kind of injury typically results from high-speed car accidents or violent shaking, as might occur in certain assault cases. Individuals with DAI may lose consciousness for extended periods or fall into a coma. Even when not fatal, DAI can result in permanent neurological impairment, making it a central focus in many catastrophic injury claims.

Hypoxic Brain Injury

Hypoxic brain injury refers to damage caused by a partial lack of oxygen to the brain. This condition can be the result of various events, including surgical errors, drowning incidents, or birth complications. Unlike traumatic brain injuries caused by an external blow or force, hypoxic injuries stem from internal problems that disrupt the brain’s oxygen supply. These cases often involve medical malpractice and can lead to long-term cognitive and physical disabilities. Proving such injuries in court requires a detailed medical review and often expert testimony.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive and degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head injuries. Often observed in athletes who engage in contact sports, CTE can also affect individuals in other scenarios involving repetitive concussions or head trauma. The symptoms—such as memory loss, confusion, aggression, and depression—typically develop years after the trauma has occurred. This makes diagnosing and litigating CTE cases particularly challenging, especially when seeking compensation for conditions that become apparent long after the initial injury.

Each of these terms highlights a different type of brain injury and its potential impact on a victim’s life. As we’ve seen, many of these injuries result from preventable incidents involving serious trauma or medical errors. At Joseph Law Group, LLC, we are familiar with the full scope of what brain injury victims go through and how these cases should be prepared and presented.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a brain injury, call us today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to listen and help guide you forward.

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