When your life changes in an instant due to a brain injury, understanding the medical terminology can feel overwhelming while you’re already dealing with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. The distinction between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and acquired brain injury (ABI) may seem like medical jargon, but recognizing these differences can be crucial for your future, especially when medical negligence played a role in the injury.
At Davis & Davis, we have exclusively focused on fighting for victims of medical malpractice, including complex brain injury cases, for over 70 years. Our trusted lawyers understand the different types of brain injuries, how they can occur during medical treatment, and the long-term impact these injuries have on patients and their families throughout Texas and nationwide. With this extensive knowledge and our comprehensive, personalized legal services, you can focus on recovery while we fight for your rights.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This type of injury typically results from a sudden blow, jolt, or wound to the head. In medical settings, TBIs can occur due to surgical errors, falls while under medical supervision, or improper handling during medical transport.
The severity of TBI ranges from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Mild TBIs may cause temporary confusion and headaches, while severe cases can result in extended periods of unconsciousness, memory loss, and permanent cognitive impairment. When healthcare providers fail to recognize the signs of brain trauma or provide inadequate treatment following a head injury, TBI claims become particularly concerning.
What Is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
Acquired brain injury encompasses all brain injuries not caused by external trauma. Instead, ABI results from internal factors such as lack of oxygen, toxic exposure, infection, or other medical conditions. This category includes brain injuries from stroke, anoxia, encephalitis, and complications from medical procedures. The consequences of ABI can be just as devastating as TBI, with patients experiencing cognitive impairment, personality changes, physical disabilities, and speech problems.
In healthcare settings, ABI often occurs due to medical errors or complications during treatment. Anesthesia errors are a significant cause of acquired brain injury, particularly when patients experience oxygen deprivation during surgery. Other common causes include medication errors, failure to monitor vital signs, and complications during childbirth.
How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Brain Injuries
When you see your doctor, surgeon, or other medical professional, you trust them to uphold their standard of care and prioritize your health and safety. Unfortunately, healthcare providers can contribute to TBI and ABI through various forms of negligence, including the following:
- Anesthesia errors leading to oxygen deprivation and brain damage
- Failure to monitor patients during and after surgery allowing complications to develop
- Medication errors causing toxic reactions
- Delayed diagnosis or treatment of stroke
- Birth injuries from improper delivery techniques or failing to recognize and respond to fetal distress
- Failure to recognize and treat infections
The impact of these medical errors extends far beyond the initial injury. Families often face enormous medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of caring for a loved one with a brain injury. When these injuries result from medical negligence, families deserve compensation for their losses with the help of the dedicated attorneys at Davis & Davis.
The Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries and The Importance of Seeking Legal Help
Both TBI and ABI can result in permanent disabilities requiring lifelong care. Cognitive impairment may affect a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, or live independently. Physical disabilities can require extensive rehabilitation and adaptive equipment. The financial burden often becomes overwhelming for families already dealing with the emotional trauma of their loved one’s injury.
Medical malpractice brain injury cases require extensive investigation to prove negligence occurred. This process involves reviewing medical records, consulting with medical professionals, and demonstrating how proper care could have prevented the injury. The complexity of these cases makes experienced legal representation essential for achieving justice.
Seek Justice for Your TBI or ABI With the Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Davis & Davis
If you have suffered a brain injury during medical treatment, you deserve to focus on recovery instead of worrying about the complex legal process. Fortunately, our experienced lawyers at Davis & Davis can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Our trial-tested legal team has the extensive knowledge and resources necessary to handle complex brain injury cases throughout Texas and nationwide.
We understand the devastating impact brain injuries have on families and are committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve with no upfront legal fees. Our extensive knowledge, exclusive focus on medical malpractice, and proven track record speak for themselves. Contact us at (888) 522-9444 or through our contact form to discuss your case.
