New Jersey Brain & Head Injury Lawyer

Helping Victims of TBIs Caused By Negligence

The brain is the most critical organ in the body, as it's the control center of literally every other part. That's why brain injuries are so devastating and require experienced legal representation from a brain injury attorney in New Jersey.

Personal injury laws are complex, so it is advisable to have an experienced NJ brain injury lawyer represent you in court. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers will attempt to minimize your rightfully owed compensation.

The attorneys at DeZao & DeZao, P.C. will fight for you. We have a wealth of knowledge to call upon for your benefit. Others do not have your interest at heart. We understand how traumatic and damaging it is to suffer from a brain injury, and we will defend you.

Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in New Jersey? Call DeZao & DeZao, P.C. today at (973) 358-6134 or contact us online to understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

In the U.S. alone, over 1,000,000 people suffer from head injuries each year. Car accidents are a significant cause of head and brain injuries in the United States. For teens and young adults (ages 15 to 34), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of emergency room trips, hospitalizations, and deaths connected to traumatic brain injury, according to a 2013 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Permanent brain damage and disability can result from such violent collisions, which is why motor vehicles can be classified as deadly weapons if misused.

It is crucial to understand that brain injuries can result from various everyday activities beyond just car accidents. Falls, whether from a significant height or due to a slip on a wet surface, are common causes, especially among older adults. In recreational settings, sports injuries — particularly those familiar with contact sports like football and boxing — are a significant source of brain trauma. Additionally, medical malpractice during procedures involving anesthesia or surgery can lead to unexpected brain injuries, adding to the many risks people might unknowingly face in their daily lives.

Other Common Causes of Brain Injuries Are:

• Falls from heights
• Slip and falls
• Sports injuries
• Medical malpractice

Understanding Traumatic Vs. Anoxic Brain Injuries

Head impact injuries, especially “traumatic brain injuries,” can leave the victim in varying states of debilitation. While blunt trauma to the skull is the most likely source of traumatic brain injury, prolonged lack of oxygen or the “anoxic brain injury” can also have severe consequences. With a traumatic brain injury, the victim's brain may swell, bruise, and tear, while anoxic brain injury causes the brain cells to die from lack of oxygen. Traumatic brain injury is more common than anoxic brain injury; however, both injuries have similar consequences and require similar treatments.

The treatment for these injuries requires not only immediate medical intervention but also extensive rehabilitation to assist the victim in recovering as much functionality as possible. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to anoxic injuries is vital. For instance, situations involving suffocation, drowning, or cardiac arrest can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the brain. Such injuries necessitate urgent CPR and advanced medical care to mitigate long-term damage. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs often focus on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapies to aid the recovery process and improve the quality of life for the patient.

What Causes a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically the result of blunt force to the head that causes internal swelling or bleeding of the brain. Minor head injuries, more commonly referred to as “concussions,” have similar causes, meaning not every blow to the head will result in a TBI. According to the CDC, the top causes of a TBI are: 

• Household falls
• Being struck by an object or falling and hitting your head against an object
• Vehicular accidents

An experienced TBI lawyer in NJ will help their client analyze the incident scene and establish the root cause of their injury. NJ TBI lawyers, like the Law Offices of James C. DeZao, will work with forensic experts to establish a “picture of negligence” by the third party, a picture that can convince a judge to award damages. 

Understanding the prevention of TBIs can also help reduce the incidence of these injuries. Wearing seat belts, using appropriate helmets during sports activities, and installing safety features in homes, such as bathroom grab bars, can significantly reduce the risk of brain injuries. Public awareness campaigns focusing on these preventive measures are crucial in promoting safety and reducing the emotional and financial burden associated with brain injuries. Educating communities about these risks and precautions can create a safer environment and significantly reduce the prevalence of TBIs.

How Will a TBI Affect Me or My Loved One in New Jersey?

There are a myriad of symptoms that point to a TBI. They fall under four general categories of changed behavior: 

• A shift in the affected person's memory
• Recurring physical sensations, such as headaches, fuzziness, and sensitivity 
• Mood swings that involve irritability or sadness
• A change in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)

As temporary symptoms, these may not sound so severe. However, the longstanding impact of a TBI is when the most severe ramifications can make an impact and leave the affected party frustrated by their changed abilities. NJ TBI lawyers can help file a claim and pursue your rightful monetary compensation.

The ripple effect of a TBI extends beyond physical symptoms. It can alter the victim's ability to maintain employment, manage relationships, and perform simple daily activities. This drastic change can lead to financial strain and emotional distress for both the victim and their family. Furthermore, the need for long-term care and the potential for life-long disability necessitates a carefully calculated compensation claim involving detailed assessments of potential future costs. Understanding and advocating for these needs demands a comprehensive legal approach to ensure victims and their families are not left facing these challenges alone.

Who Is at Risk of a TBI in New Jersey?

TBI lawyers in NJ can represent clients of any age because, unfortunately, no one is immune to the dangers of a TBI. 

How Do I Know If My Brain Injury Claim Is Worth Pursuing?

An invested NJ TBI lawyer will understand that you and your case matter. Victims of a TBI often experience long-term behavioral impacts that affect relationships, job stability, and overall well-being. You have the right to be represented by a NJ TBI lawyer who will fight to acknowledge your hardships.

Determining whether to pursue a legal claim involves assessing the full impact a TBI has had on one's current and future quality of life, including physical, emotional, and financial factors. Thoroughly documenting these effects reveals a clearer picture and shows why compensation is necessary. Experienced TBI lawyers are skilled at presenting these impacts in legal proceedings, ensuring that all aspects of injury-induced life changes are considered, and helping victims recover as much as possible from the upheaval they've endured.

Brain Bleed Injuries in New Jersey

Bleeding in the brain, or a brain hemorrhage, can occur as the result of a vehicle accident. Consulting a brain injury attorney in New Jersey can guide you in such scenarios.

Those who have suffered such an injury could face a lifetime of severe disabilities. Whether you're in a vehicle or on a motorcycle, if your head hits an object hard enough or shakes back and forth with enough force, brain damage can result. This includes bleeding in the brain, which can kill brain cells, possibly resulting in permanent disabilities or death. If you or a loved one suffered a brain hemorrhage in an accident in New Jersey, we can help protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries.

The average brain weighs about 3.4 pounds and is made of highly delicate, soft tissue floating in fluid within the skull. Underneath the skull are three membrane layers that cover, cushion, and protect the brain. Brain tissue is soft and may be squeezed, pulled, and stretched within limits.

If there's sudden speeding up and slowing down of your body, such as in a vehicle crash. In that case, your head can lurch violently back and forth and allow the brain to move around violently inside the skull, striking it, possibly resulting in injuries and internal bleeding. Brain injuries can also occur if your head directly strikes a hard object, such as the interior of your car, or if another vehicle, tree, post, or guardrail intrudes into your car's interior.

After an accident, the effects of a brain bleed might not be directly evident, and symptoms might surface gradually. Incident victims must seek immediate medical evaluation to ensure any internal bleeding is detected and managed promptly. Recovery from a brain bleed may require an extensive period of rehabilitation, including physical therapy to regain motor skills and cognitive therapy to address memory or concentration issues. Besides medical treatment, emotional support from family and professional counselors can provide significant benefits, helping the victim navigate the complexities of recovery and adapt to any new limitations imposed by their injury.

What Is Brain Bleed?

A brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke. It is also called cerebral, intracranial, or intracerebral hemorrhage. When blood from a damaged, bleeding artery irritates brain tissues, swelling results, known as cerebral edema, this pool of blood is a hematoma. It increases pressure on brain tissues, reduces blood flow, and causes brain cells to die. Unlike most cells in the body, brain cells don't regenerate after an injury.

Bleeding can occur in many areas, including inside the brain; it can also happen between the brain and its covering membranes, between the covering’s layers, or between the skull and the brain's covering.

Recognizing Brain Bleed Symptoms 

Head trauma is the most common cause of bleeding in the brain for those younger than 50. Symptoms may take time to appear or may happen during the accident. Symptoms can vary depending on the location, severity, and the amount of brain tissue impacted. If you were involved in an accident and show the following symptoms, you may have suffered bleeding in or around your brain:

• Sudden, severe headache
• Seizures with no prior history of having had them
• Weakness in an arm or leg
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased alertness or lethargy
• Changed vision
• Tingling or numbness
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty writing or reading
• Loss of fine motor skills
• Hand tremors
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of balance
• Abnormal sense of taste

Since these symptoms may not show during the accident, you must be medically evaluated immediately afterward. This may allow healthcare professionals to take prompt action to limit the damage caused by the bleeding.

It's also worth noting that, in some cases, symptoms might evolve, manifesting as increased difficulty with basic tasks or unexpected emotional changes. Continued monitoring by healthcare providers is vital to adapt treatment plans as necessary. The involvement of neurologists and specialized rehabilitation teams can be crucial in developing a comprehensive care strategy to maximize recovery.  Early intervention can significantly impact the prognosis, helping patients receive the best support on their recovery journey.

Diagnosing a Brain Bleed 

Physicians may use various tests, including CT scans or MRIs, to look for internal bleeding or blood accumulation and to diagnose a brain hemorrhage. A neurological exam or eye exam, which can show optic nerve swelling, may also be performed.

Brain Bleed Treatments 

Treatment depends on the location, cause, and severity of the hemorrhage. Surgery may help reduce swelling and prevent bleeding. Typically used medications include painkillers, corticosteroids or diuretics to reduce swelling, and anticonvulsants to control seizures.

Recovery from a brain bleed often involves a multidisciplinary approach, with physical and occupational therapists playing key roles in helping patients regain motor skills and independence. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be suggested to help address any emotional or psychological impacts caused by the injury. Both patients and caregivers must be educated about the nature of brain injuries and the expected recovery trajectory. Support groups can provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies, helping build a supportive community around the patient during recuperation.

Long-term side effects can vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the brain hemorrhage.

• They may include loss of body function, loss of perception (including decreased or lost vision, hearing, smell, and taste), personality change, and cognitive limitations.
• A person may become totally or partially but permanently disabled.
• The person may be unable to work or to care for themselves or family members.
• Rehabilitation efforts may make the accident victim more capable, but life-long support may also be needed.

Local Resources for Brain Injury Recovery in New Jersey

The path to recovery from a brain injury can be challenging, but New Jersey offers a network of resources designed to assist victims and their families. The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey is a notable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals impacted by brain injuries through advocacy, education, prevention, and support services. They offer various programs and workshops focused on rehabilitation and coping strategies.

Additionally, New Jersey's healthcare facilities, including specialized neuro-rehabilitation centers like the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each victim's needs. These centers have advanced technologies and therapies that aid cognitive, physical, and emotional recovery. By collaborating with these local resources, victims can access a holistic approach to recovery, enhancing their ability to regain independence and quality of life.

The Experience and Resources Needed 

Handling traumatic brain injury cases requires not only legal representation but also the testimony of medical professionals to substantiate the claims made. We have a nationwide bank of such professionals capable of evaluating the traumatic brain injury and providing qualified medical opinions at trial, together with the diagnosis, prognosis, and causal connection of the injury to the subject accident.

Our national team of forensic economists is equipped to assess and project future and past economic losses. When choosing an attorney or law firm for a traumatic brain injury case, ensuring they have the resources to cover the necessary expenses to present the case thoroughly is crucial.

Equipped with this extensive network, we ensure we present the most comprehensive and compelling claims possible. Each step of the legal process requires meticulous preparation, and our ability to engage top-tier professionals ensures we are always a step ahead. This enables us to present the full spectrum of our client's needs and impacts, facilitating negotiations or courtroom proceedings that fully advocate for each client's recovery journey and required compensation.

Contact Our New Jersey Brain & Head Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury because of the negligence of another, call us at (973) 358-6134. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your claim, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many injury claims, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations.

If you or a family member is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury in New Jersey, reach out to our experienced team for a consultation. Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injuries in New Jersey

What Is the Legal Process for Brain Injury Claims in NJ?

The legal process for brain injury claims in New Jersey begins with a thorough investigation of the accident circumstances. An attorney gathers evidence, including medical records and witness statements, to build a solid foundation for the claim. After the investigation, a demand letter outlining the damages and compensation sought is sent to the responsible party's insurance company. If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, the attorney may proceed to file a lawsuit. Awareness of New Jersey's comparative negligence law is crucial, as it affects how compensation is calculated based on the fault of each party involved. An attorney's role includes guiding the victim through each legal phase and meeting deadlines and documentation requirements.

What Financial Compensation Can Brain Injury Victims Expect in NJ?

Financial compensation for brain injury victims in New Jersey varies based on the injury's severity and its impact on the victim's life. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation costs. Lost wages due to the inability to work and any loss of future earning capacity are accounted for. Additionally, victims may receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. The unique aspects of each claim determine the potential payout, and working with a knowledgeable attorney is essential to effectively evaluate and argue for comprehensive compensation that reflects the victim's current and future needs.

How Can I Support a Family Member with a Brain Injury in New Jersey?

Supporting a family member with a brain injury involves understanding their medical and emotional needs. Ensuring access to appropriate healthcare and rehabilitation services is crucial for recovery. Emotional support, patience, and encouragement can significantly affect their mental health and motivation during recovery. Educating yourself about brain injuries and participating in support groups can provide further strategies and emotional outlets for both you and the victim. Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers helps you stay informed on their progress and any adjustments needed in their care strategy. Proactively engaging in these supportive roles contributes to a more favorable recovery experience for your loved one.

What Are Common Challenges Faced by Brain Injury Victims in New Jersey?

Brain injury victims often face numerous challenges that affect various aspects of their lives. Physically, they may struggle with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. Cognitively, victims might experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making. Emotionally, coping with mood swings, depression, or anxiety is common. These challenges can impact their ability to maintain relationships, hold jobs, and carry out daily activities independently. Recognizing and addressing these challenges early on through a multifaceted rehabilitation strategy is key to helping victims adapt to the changes brought about by their injuries. Support from healthcare professionals and family and community resources plays a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles.