It is impossible to predict how serious a brain injury can become. That's because the brain can swell or bleed for a great deal of time after the initial injury. So the original CT scan, MRI, and other tests may show clear results when there is actually damage that will show up at a later time.
Blows to the head lead to focal brain injuries. These are the kinds of injuries that show up on tests, like contusions, hematoma, or edema ("water on the brain").
The other kind of brain injury, and the one that is most likely to cause you to need the assistance of a law firm, is the diffuse brain injury. This is an injury to the cells, which is typically not seen on initial tests. When the brain begins to move rapidly, like in the whiplash movement caused by a car accident, the membrane layer over the nerves can be torn or damaged. Even a concussion can lead to damage at the cellular level. This damage causes the messages that are normally sent by the neurons to misfire, resulting in what we refer to as brain damage.
Because a brain injury can change over time, it's important not to rush to settlement on your case.
In our opinion, an accident victim needs the representation of a good Washington law firm in order to get the compensation that fully covers the medical attention that is necessary. For a free consultation about brain injury law or other personal injury cases, contact Todd Peterson at Peterson Law Offices by phone at (503) 280-0888.
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