March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to highlight the impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries cause lasting, physical, cognitive and emotional effects — but the law can offer support. 

In this blog, our St. Louis brain injury attorneys will explain this category of trauma and how victims can pursue justice. Read on for our insights. 

What is a TBI? 

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain injury caused by an external force, such as a bump, blow or jolt to the head. More than head trauma, a TBI impairs brain function — resulting in physical, cognitive and behavioral changes. 

TBIs range in severity. Sometimes, they present as a concussion that resolves itself in a few weeks. Other times, they are more severe, resulting in permanent disabilities. Severe TBIs often require expensive, lifelong care — prompting the need for a brain injury lawsuit. 

Symptoms for moderate-to-severe TBIs often include: 

• Prolonged loss of consciousness
• Escalating headaches 
• Pupil dilation
• Slurred speech
• Extremity weakness
• Coordination loss
• Behavioral changes
• Vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions or seizures

How Does Negligence Cause TBIs?

TBIs can be caused by a range of events, from gun violence to recreational injuries. As St. Louis brain injury attorneys, we handle cases where someone’s recklessness or carelessness caused brain damage.

Generally, our TBI cases involve the following causes:

Auto Accidents

Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs. During a collision, the sudden force of impact can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, window or other interior object. Even without a direct strike, the brain can still be injured as it moves rapidly within the skull during the crash. 

Auto accidents are eligible for brain injury lawsuits if a driver’s negligent act caused the event. This often includes traffic violations, distracted driving or impaired driving.

Slips, Trips & Falls 

Slip, trip and fall accidents are another common cause of traumatic brain injuries. When someone falls unexpectedly, they may hit their head on the ground, a hard surface or nearby objects — causing their brain to move violently inside the skull. 

Slips, trips and falls are eligible for legal action if they occurred due to unsafe property conditions. Our St. Louis brain injury attorneys have seen cases involving wet floors, uneven sidewalks, loose carpeting, missing handrails and beyond.

Defective Products

Defective or unsafe products may also lead to a TBI when they fail during normal use. For example, a poorly designed ladder that collapses, a malfunctioning power tool or a defective bicycle helmet may expose users to a serious risk of head injury. 

Manufacturers, designers or distributors may be liable for brain injury lawsuits if they failed to take proper precautions before placing a dangerous product on the market. This may include inadequate testing, improper safety features or insufficient warnings. 

How Can You Get Justice? 

If you or your loved one has acquired a traumatic brain injury, you understand the weight of these injuries. The future is brimming with uncertainty — but you do not have to navigate it alone. 

St. Louis brain injury attorneys can act on your behalf to bring those responsible to justice. Roman & Boock will take your case to court, pursuing maximum compensation to cover: 

• Medical Expenses. TBI survivors face extensive medical bills covering emergency treatment, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, medication and assistive devices. Our brain injury lawsuits include compensation for both past and future expenses. 
• Lost Earnings. TBI survivors miss work during their recovery and some even have a reduced ability to earn income in the future. Our attorneys fight to recoup lost earnings and compensate you for future losses. 
• Pain and Suffering. TBIs often cause physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression and cognitive deficits. Though money won’t resolve these intangible hardships, we work to hold others accountable. 
• Loss of Consortium. TBIs irrevocably change the dynamic of a family. Our cases factor for loss of companionship, support and intimacy.

Contact St. Louis Brain Injury Attorneys 

The Roman & Boock team has proudly served clients across Missouri and Illinois for decades. Over the years, we’ve leveraged our experience to tackle complex brain injury lawsuits — helping victims regain hope after hardship. 

We are ready to represent you on the road to justice. Contact our St. Louis brain injury attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation.