When someone suffers a brain injury it is a distressing time for all concerned. We all know that the brain is one of the most important organs in the body. The brain controls everything that we do with our body including not only our physical abilities but also the way in which we think and feel; our emotions.
While the brain is extremely strong and powerful in many respects it is also very fragile and can be damaged.
An Acquired Brain Injury means that something has happened to cause an injury to the brain such as an accident, illness or perhaps even as a result of an operation or medical treatment. Sadly this type of injury is one of the most common causes of death or disability in adults.
The severity of the injury varies from person to person. The injury may be relatively mild and a full recovery possible or alternatively the injury may be permanent resulting in a complete change of life for the injured person and family. In some circumstances the damage may be so severe that it is not possible to save the injured person’s life.
Types of Acquired Brain Injury
There are two types of Acquired Brain Injury:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
This is where there has been some kind of physical injury to the brain such as a bleed or fracture to the skull which results in the brain being damaged. This type of brain injury might occur as a result of a serious road traffic accident, sporting accident, fall or other direct physical injury.
- Non-Traumatic Brain Injury
This is where the brain gets injured but the reason or cause of the injury might not be so obvious. The brain becomes damaged because of an illness rather than a direct injury.
Meningitis or a brain tumour are common illnesses which can lead to a brain injury if the condition is particularly advanced or if treatment is not provided quickly enough. The brain can also be damaged due to something called ‘hypoxia’, which is a lack of oxygen getting to the brain. This type of damage can sometimes occur during an operation or during the birth of a baby leading to condition such as cerebral palsy.
If you believe that you have been the victim of a medical error or negligence in relation to the acquisition of, diagnosis or treatment of a brain injury it may be possible to claim compensation. Compensation in the form of damages (money) can not bring a loved one back or give medical miracles, but it can help those family members that are left behind or can help provide care and medical treatment for the patient who has suffered as a result of the negligence.
If you would like to discuss a possible claim please contact HeadInjuryUK who are specialist brain injury lawyers who will be able to offer you further free advice and information 0800 073 0988.
