Several individuals were injured and a 340-year-old man lost his life in an accident in a recent crash that occurred in the early morning hours on Route 303 in Grafton Township. Two vehicles were involved in the incident, during which one vehicle ran a stop sign and was struck by a second vehicle. The driver who ran the stop sign was killed in the accident, and the two women who were inside the second vehicle were taken to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. All of the victims were wearing seat belts during the accident, and it has not yet been determined whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
The Wide Range of Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
Any time an accident occurs, a range of injuries can occur. In the best case scenario, all involved parties walk away with just minor injuries such as bumps and bruises – maybe just a bruised ego. In the worst scenarios, such as in the Grafton Township accident, the injuries sustained in the accident claim the lives of those involved. Even when fatalities do not occur, though, accidents can result in serious and life-changing catastrophic injuries. One group of catastrophic injuries that can occur during an auto accident is traumatic brain injuries. Catastrophic injuries occur suddenly, such as resulting from a car accident, and have a long-term and extensive impact on the victim’s ability to function normally. Within the category of traumatic brain injuries, the causes, symptoms, treatments, and diagnoses can be different for each individual victim.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
When we learn of accidents, we often hear things such as ‘catastrophic injuries’ and ‘traumatic brain injuries’ mentioned. What does this terminology actually mean, though? Traumatic Brain Injuries can come in many different types including open or closed head injuries, frontal lobe damage, anoxic brain injuries or hypoxia, and diffuse axonal brain injuries. Each one of these different types can be caused in a number of ways, including car accidents, and all can be extremely serious, possibly even resulting in the death of the victim. Car accidents are, in fact, one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries and these types of injuries cause a high number of deaths and disabilities each year throughout the country. A brain injury can and will affect each person differently depending upon various factors such as their age, general health, and any pre-existing medical conditions they may have and, because of this, sometimes these types of injuries are not recognized as being as severe as they end up to be. In fact, because they are often not immediately diagnosed and/or treated it is hard to know exactly how many victims’ lives are affected due to traumatic brain injuries that result from auto accidents. A brief description of these types of injury follows:
- Open Head Injury: This type of injury involves the puncturing or fracturing of the skull. While it can look devastating, there is actually less pressure on the brain than with some other types of traumatic brain injuries, so after the initial injury, there is usually no further damage to the brain itself. It is always imperative that a victim of an open head injury gets treatment such as antibiotics and medication immediately to control the damage and keep brain swelling to a minimum.
- Closed Head Injury/Diffuse Axonal Brain Injury: With these types of injuries, unlike an open head injury, there is no penetration of the skull. It may at first appear that it is not as severe as an open head injury, as the injury may not be apparent at first sight, but in reality it can often times be far worse. When the head is suddenly jerked around, the brain can slam against the skill and the nerves damaged. Brain swelling and pressure results from this trauma and injury the brain cells. Some symptoms of closed head injuries may include headaches, vision problems, nausea, and dizziness; more serious closed head injury symptoms can include seizures, changes in personality or senses, difficulty communication, and even coma or death. Treating a closed head injury will depend upon the severity of the injury but may include anything from medication and rest to surgery to drain fluid from the brain.
- Frontal Lobe Damage: The frontal lobe is comprised of two sides – a right lobe and a left lobe – each of which controls certain functions including emotions, motor skills, social skills, memory, and cognitive functions. When the frontal lobe is damaged, your abilities are affected depending upon the location and extent of the damage. Though frontal lobe damage is often permanent, treatment and rehabilitation can allow a victim to regain abilities to some degree.
- Anoxic Brain Injury/Hypoxia: Both of these types of brain injuries are caused by a shortage of oxygen in the blood going to the brain, which can cause the brain cells to die in just a short amount of time.
Life After a Catastrophic Injury
When someone has been the victim of a catastrophic injury, their own life as well as the lives of those who love them are changed forever. The victim will often suffer from permanent disabilities that require higher levels of care, assistance, or even supervision, along with rehabilitation and a lifetime of medical bills. Recognizing the significant challenges that the victim and his or her family and loved ones will face is important in determining how to move forward and begin recovery from such a traumatic and life-changing event.
When You Have Been Injured in an Accident, the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
When an accident occurs, the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers is the place to turn to for experienced and professional legal representation. Losses sustained during an accident may be recoverable under Ohio law, and knowing the best way to proceed with each different type of case can make the difference in your recovery. Choosing the right attorney is the best step you can take to help ensure you get the results you deserve. When you bring your case to us, our Ohio auto accident legal professionals will review the details your case with you and explain your rights and responsibilities under Ohio law, and we will be with you every step of the way towards a successful resolution of your legal matter. Contact the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation right away.
