Brain Injuries: Traumatic vs. Non-Traumatic

Any brain injury can significantly impact a person’s life. However, understanding the cause of the injury can give you a better knowledge of what legal action is available to you. In some situations, the brain injury is a result of physical damage. In others, though, some brain injuries occur after birth due to another condition.

Regarding brain injuries, there are two types of terms used when referring to how the damage occurs: traumatic and acquired (non-traumatic). The definitions of these two terms detail where negligence may be involved and where something else plays a role in causing the brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury is any damage that alters how a person’s brain functions and results from external trauma or force. Typically, these types of brain injuries are the ones most often involving acts of negligence or someone else’s actions.

For instance, a person may sustain a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. The impact of the crash can cause an individual’s brain to rattle within his or her skull. He or she may hit his or her head on the frame of the vehicle. A fracture on the skull can damage the brain. These actions can lead to traumatic brain injury.

Non-Traumatic (Acquired) Brain Injury

Acquired brain injuries are not those caused by birth injuries or because of hereditary conditions. Instead, they result from injuries to a person’s brain after birth because of health conditions or asphyxiation.

The common causes of non-traumatic brain injuries include:

• Near drowning
• Lack of oxygen to the brain
• Aneurysm
• Heart attack
• Meningitis and other infections
• Tumor
• Stroke

Regardless of whether a brain injury is traumatic or acquired, there may be legal action available when negligence exists. When someone else’s actions result in physical harm, the injured party should be able to take legal action and pursue compensation for the damages.

At Breit Biniazan, we work hard for our clients. Our Virginia Beach and Richmond brain injury lawyers are ready to go to trial when your rights are on the line. Trust us to be your guide and help you through complicated matters.