Is an Acquired Brain Injury the Same as a Traumatic Brain Injury?

An acquired brain injury can sometimes be the same as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is because TBI is one type of acquired brain injury. Essentially, an acquired brain injury is any type of injury to the brain that is not inherited, present at birth (congenital), or caused by birth-related trauma. In addition, this category excludes brain conditions that are degenerative in nature, such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

There are many possible causes of acquired brain injuries, including TBIs. In some cases, they are caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of another person. For example, TBIs are quite commonly caused by car accidents and big rig crashes. At Ellis Injury Law, our Los Angeles accident lawyers have a long track record of successfully defending the legal rights of our injured clients. We’ve worked on numerous cases involving traumatic brain injuries. Our team has the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to take on even the most complex of personal injury lawsuits. 

Types and causes of acquired brain injuries 

There are two types of acquired brain injuries: traumatic and non-traumatic.  A non-traumatic brain injury occurs when internal problems result in an insult to the brain tissue. For example, a tumor may exert pressure on the delicate brain tissue or a near-drowning incident can cause oxygen deprivation that starves the brain tissue. Exposure to toxins, aneurysms, and stroke are other possible causes of non-traumatic brain injuries. 

A traumatic brain injury is more likely to lead to a personal injury lawsuit. It occurs when some sort of external force harms the brain tissue and alters brain function. Some common causes of TBIs include the following: 

  • Motor vehicle accidents 
  • Slip and fall incidents 
  • Physical assault 
  • Sports injuries 

The external force that affects the brain may result in a closed injury (in which the skull is not penetrated) or an open injury (in which there is a breach in the skull). A motor vehicle crash or a slip and fall incident can potentially cause another type of injury. Even a minor accident can result in a brain injury, given the sensitive nature of the brain tissue. 

Compensation available for an acquired brain injury 

At Ellis Injury Law, our traumatic brain injury attorney urges our clients to keep careful track of their symptoms, and the extent to which the injury affects their daily activities and enjoyment of life. One of the reasons why it’s important to keep track of your symptoms is because these can affect the compensation you may receive. In general, the more severe your symptoms are, the more compensation you may receive. 

When filing a personal injury lawsuit because of a TBI, plaintiffs may demand economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are objective, calculable losses that typically include the following: 

  • Past, present, and future medical expenses 
  • Lost wages 
  • Loss of future earning capacity 
  • Property damage 

For example, if you acquired your TBI in a motor vehicle accident, property damage can include the damage to or total loss of your vehicle.  

Non-economic damages are not as easily calculated. They are subjective in nature. These can include the following: 

  • Pain and suffering 
  • Mental anguish 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • Loss of consortium 

Are you eligible to file a traumatic brain injury lawsuit? 

The consequences of a severe TBI can affect your life for many years to come. If you or a loved one has been injured, filing a lawsuit can enable you to secure the compensation you need. Talk to a personal injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law about whether you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. In general, plaintiffs must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

  • The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. 
  • The defendant breached the duty of care. 
  • The plaintiff suffered damages. 
  • The violation of the duty of care caused the plaintiff’s injuries. 

Contact the Los Angeles personal injury lawyers 

At Ellis Injury Law, we understand that a serious brain injury can derail your life for many years to come. We’re here to help. During your free initial consultation, our Los Angeles traumatic brain injury lawyer will review your case, answer your questions, and determine your best options for securing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses. Contact our Southern California law firm today to schedule your free consult. We never charge a fee unless we obtain compensation for you.