Hartford Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Few injuries leave as lasting and profound an impact on a Hartford, Connecticut, victim’s life as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Such injury can be a silent tormentor, affecting not only the physical well-being but also cognitive functions, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. As experienced Hartford traumatic brain injury lawyers, Hassett & George knows that with the cities bustling streets, high-traffic highways, and myriad attractions, the risk of incidents leading to traumatic brain injuries is, unfortunately, ever-present.

Imagine the sheer shock of a picturesque day turning into a life-altering event. You’ve spent a fun afternoon cheering on the Hartford Athletic at Trinity Health Stadium, only to collide with a speeding driver on I-91 as you ride your motorcycle home. What comes next? A crash, followed by the harrowing realization of a possible head injury.

Or picture a lovely evening with friends or family at Parkville Market, sampling food from the different vendors and sharing laughs. The night should end with cherished memories. Instead, it ends in a horrifying head-on collision on I-84 caused by a drunk driver going the wrong way. The resulting trauma and the potential for a severe brain injury are real consequences.

Even seemingly safe environments aren’t always free from danger. The Charter Oak Marketplace, where you often shop and relax, can become the setting of a freak accident. A faulty handrail goes unnoticed until it gives way, causing you to slip, fall, and suffer a traumatic blow to the head.

Life can change quickly in any city, including Hartford. When dealing with the terrible effects of a traumatic brain injury, you can’t understate the importance of being aware, getting medical help immediately, and contacting an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney in Hartford, Connecticut.

Thousands of Head Injuries Annually in Connecticut

Connecticut has many head injuries annually, reflecting the broader national concern around such traumas. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in 2021, an average of 25,300 residents visited the emergency department due to head injuries, and 2,545 were hospitalized.

Alarmingly, falls were one of the leading causes of these injuries. Motor vehicle crashes, a constant concern source, ranked the second most common cause. These figures underscore the urgent need for preventive measures and public awareness campaigns to reduce the occurrence and impact of head injuries in the state.

Not All Brain Injuries Are Apparent Right Away

One of the things our Hartford traumatic brain injury lawyers always mention to our clients is that one of the most misleading things about traumatic brain injuries is that their symptoms don’t always appear immediately. This can be dangerous because a person might think they are okay after an accident or other event, only to start feeling sick days or weeks later. How the body reacts to a shock can sometimes hide the first signs of a brain injury. Additionally, adrenaline and other stress hormones can make pain less noticeable or dull, making people forget or downplay how bad their injuries are.

Common symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or a slight behavior change might get misattributed to stress or general fatigue. However, as time progresses, these symptoms can become more pronounced and may be accompanied by more severe problems like memory issues, mood swings, or cognitive difficulties.

Anyone involved in an accident or traumatic event must be vigilant about monitoring their health and well-being in the days and weeks following the incident. Early detection and medical intervention can significantly affect the prognosis and recovery from a brain injury. Always prioritize medical evaluations after incidents, even if immediate symptoms are absent, to ensure any latent brain injuries are identified and treated promptly.

What Are Some Signs I May Have a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms. Its impact can range from mild alterations in consciousness to severe impairments affecting one’s daily activities. As traumatic brain injury attorneys in Hartford, we have found that recognizing these symptoms is crucial for immediate medical intervention, which can significantly improve the prognosis.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

These injuries may lead to temporary dysfunction of brain cells. Signs include:

• Physical Symptoms
  • Balance issues
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Speech difficulties
• Sensory Symptoms
  • Changes in taste or smell
  • Light or sound sensitivity
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Vision problems like blurriness
• Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms
  • Being dazed or disoriented
  • Brief loss of consciousness
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Memory or concentration challenges
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Sleep disturbances

Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries

Symptoms can range from a prolonged loss of consciousness to severe physical and cognitive issues:

• Physical Symptoms
  • Clear fluid leakage from the nose or ears
  • Continuous nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty waking up
  • Extended unconsciousness
  • Intensifying or persistent headaches
  • Loss of coordination
  • Numbness in extremities
  • Pupil dilation
  • Seizures
• Cognitive and Mental Symptoms
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Coma or other consciousness disorders
  • Deep confusion
  • Slurred speech

Symptoms in Children

Our Hartford traumatic brain injury attorneys have found that identifying TBIs in children can be particularly challenging since they may not be able to articulate their symptoms:

• Altered sleep routines
• Changes in eating or nursing patterns
• Continuous crying without consolation
• Depressed mood
• Increased drowsiness
• Loss of interest in favorite activities or toys
• Persistent irritability
• Seizure episodes
• Shifts in attention span

If someone has any of these symptoms after getting hit or jolted in the head, they must see a doctor immediately. Even if the symptoms seem minor initially, they may worsen over time or point to a more severe injury. Always put your health and safety first by getting medical help when needed.

What Are Common Ways Head Injuries Occur in Hartford, Connecticut?

As Hartford traumatic brain injury lawyers, we see these types of injuries often arise from unexpected incidents and accidents, many of which stem from another party’s negligence. Understanding these common causes can help in prevention and timely intervention.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents in Hartford, Connecticut, are some of the most common ways these injuries occur. The high-speed impact of motor vehicles can cause significant brain trauma. A severe injury can result from a sudden jolt or a direct hit to the head during a collision, and this is why children must use safety measures such as booster seats, safety belts, and car seats. In addition, driving under the influence significantly increases the likelihood of an accident, with passengers and drivers at increased risk of TBI.

Recreational Activities and Sports

Protective gear, such as helmets, can significantly reduce the risk of brain injuries in cycling, sledding, and contact sports. These precautions are essential for children and the elderly, who might suffer worsening symptoms following an injury.

Household Hazards

Unsecured objects, sagging carpets, and tripping hazards can all lead to unfortunate falls in the home, particularly for children and older people. You can avoid such incidents by installing window guards and keeping toys and other objects out of sight.

Medical Malpractice

Medical professionals in Hartford County are responsible for accurately assessing and treating patients. A medical professionals failure to diagnose a brain injury can have disastrous consequences and potentially open them up to a medical malpractice lawsuit in Hartford, CT. Brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways, including:

• Cerebral Aneurysms – This involves the widening of a cerebral artery. If a medical professional ignores the warning signs and fails to diagnose it in time, it could rupture, resulting in death or severe brain damage.
• Hypoxic and Anoxic Injuries – A hypoxic brain injury happens if the brain receives too little oxygen, whereas an anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain gets no oxygen. These can be caused by birth injuries, anesthesia mistakes, or even swimming accidents.
• Traumatic Brain Injury – This occurs when there’s physical trauma to the head, such as in truck accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, or nursing home incidents.

In all these scenarios, the consequences can be life-altering. Recognizing the causes and seeking prompt medical attention, as well as legal advice from a qualified Hartford traumatic brain injury attorney if negligence is suspected, is crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes.

What Is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?

An acquired brain injury is a type of brain damage that happens post-birth and is not associated with congenital or degenerative diseases. Unlike traumatic brain injuries that come from external forces, such as a blow to the head, ABIs are caused by internal factors. There are various causes of ABIs, including:

• Infections – These can occur when the brain becomes inflamed due to meningitis or encephalitis.
• Lack of Oxygen to the Brain – You may see this if the injury is the result of drowning, cardiac arrest, or medical complications.
• Strokes – When you have a stroke, there’s an interruption in the blood supply to the brain.
• Toxic Exposure – If you inhale or ingest toxic substances, these harmful chemicals and substances negatively impact the brain.
• Tumors – As a tumor grows, it can cause damage within the brain.

The effects and symptoms of an ABI vary greatly depending on the cause and region of the brain affected. Physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral changes may occur. Some people may struggle with memory, concentration, communication, or motor functions, while others might suffer mood swings, depression, or personality changes.

Connecticut’s Acquired Brain Injury Program aims to offer assistance and services to residents with ABI. It provides support in achieving the highest quality of life, offering resources and fostering a deeper understanding of the condition. Those with an ABI and their families need to seek out help and support so they receive the necessary care and intervention to lead fulfilling lives post-injury.

Who Is Liable for Head Injury Cases in Hartford?

As experienced traumatic brain injury lawyers in Hartford, we are often asked about liability. The concept of liability in Hartford, as in many other places, revolves around the legal and financial responsibility associated with causing an accident or injury. If the court finds an individual or entity liable for your brain injury, it will typically hold them responsible for covering related medical expenses and potential compensatory damages in that case. Essentially, they must make amends for the harm caused by their carelessness or intentional actions.

It is not always easy to determine who is at fault. In most cases, thorough investigation, evidence gathering, witness statements, and sometimes expert testimony are required. Fortunately, a knowledgeable Hartford brain injury attorney from Hassett & George, P.C. can help you identify the responsible party or parties and build a strong case on your behalf. Potentially liable parties in head injury cases in Hartford and its surroundings may include:

• Criminal – If the injury were a direct result of a deliberate act of harm or illegal activity, the court would undoubtedly hold the perpetrator liable.
• Doctor – Medical malpractice cases can happen if a physician or healthcare provider fails to adequately diagnose or treat a condition, leading to a brain injury.
• Employer – In instances where the injury happened at the workplace due to unsafe conditions or lack of proper safety equipment, the employer might be liable.
• Motor Vehicle Driver – If a driver acted negligently — for instance, driving under the influence or disregarding traffic rules — and this directly resulted in a brain injury, you could hold them accountable.
• Product Manufacturer – If a defective product, such as a malfunctioning helmet or a faulty vehicle part, played a role in the injury, the manufacturer could be responsible.
• Property Owner – Owners must ensure their property is free from hazardous conditions. If, for example, a person sustains a brain injury after a fall on a poorly maintained staircase, the property owner might bear the liability.

It is also critical to recognize that multiple parties may sometimes be at fault. This scenario could result in claims against numerous insurance companies, increasing the total compensation available. If you or a loved one suffers a brain injury in Hartford, contact a local brain injury attorney in Hartford.

Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut’s capital city, provides a wealth of resources to help and rehabilitate people who have suffered brain injuries. Below, you’ll find a few notable examples:

Hartford Hospital

Hartford Hospital, one of the state’s leading healthcare facilities, is known for its cutting-edge medical services. It offers a comprehensive range of treatments and rehabilitation services for patients suffering from brain injuries. Its extensive health library also provides valuable knowledge about acquired brain injuries, their symptoms, treatment methods, and recovery strategies.

Hartford Healthcare Concussion Clinic

Concussions, frequently regarded as mild traumatic brain injury, require specialized treatment. Hartford Healthcare Concussion Clinic adopts a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating, diagnosing, and managing concussions. The clinic’s dedicated team ensures patients receive the best care, guiding them from diagnosis to recovery.

HFSC (Hospital for Special Care)

HFSC, which treats a wide range of medical conditions, is incredibly well-equipped to offer rehabilitation for those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Their patient-centered approach ensures personalized care, helping individuals return to daily life following an injury.

Concussion and TBI Injury Prevention Program

Prevention is always preferable to cure. Recognizing this, the state has launched the Concussion and TBI Prevention Program to educate the public about the dangers of traumatic brain injuries and concussions. The initiative stresses advocacy, education, and resource distribution to promote safe practices and reduce the frequency of these injuries.

Experienced Brain Injury Attorneys in Hartford

Understanding the complicated world of brain injuries requires legal knowledge and a thorough understanding of the connected medical challenges. Hassett & George, backed by years of experience in both personal injury and medical malpractice, is an embodiment of comfort to Hartford head injury victims. Our experienced Hartford traumatic brain injury lawyers are skilled at identifying the details of brain injury diagnosis and treatment, and our proficiency in the courtroom ensures that juries understand the profound impact of these injuries on victims’ lives.

If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of a brain injury, we urge you to contact Hassett & George as soon as possible. Get a free consultation to evaluate your case, and then let our dedicated team guide you. Our legal team dedicate themselves to fighting for clients’ rights throughout Connecticut.

In addition to Hartford, Hassett & George also serves: Simsbury, Glastonbury, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, New Britain, Southington, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Newington, Danbury, Norwalk, Manchester, South Windsor, Windsor, Farmington, Windsor Locks, Avon, Bloomfield, Bristol, Enfield, Plainville and more.