Brain injuries are life-changing events. They can affect your livelihood and decimate your quality of life. And when it comes to proving a lawsuit for damages for a traumatic brain injury or an acquired neurological injury, it is critical that your head injury lawyer have a full knowledge and understanding of the medical sciences TBI, otherwise they will have difficulty proving their case in a New Jersey court.

There are two basic types of brain injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and acquired brain injuries (ABI).

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an alteration to how the brain functions caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe trauma, potentially resulting in temporary or permanent cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral impairments that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries contribute to approximately 61,000 deaths annually in the United States, with around 5.3 million Americans living with TBI-related disabilities.

The effects of a TBI may not always be immediately apparent, which is why these are sometimes referred to as “silent injuries” that can manifest symptoms days or weeks after the initial trauma. Even seemingly minor head injuries can lead to serious long-term complications, making prompt medical evaluation essential following any head trauma.

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that occurs after birth and is not related to congenital disorders, developmental disabilities, or degenerative diseases. Unlike traumatic brain injuries which are caused by external forces, ABIs can result from internal factors such as stroke, oxygen deprivation, tumors, infectious diseases, or toxic exposure. These injuries can affect cognitive functions, physical abilities, emotional regulation, and behavior, with symptoms varying widely depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the damage. 

The recovery process for an ABI is often lengthy and complex, requiring specialized rehabilitation programs tailored to address the specific deficits caused by the injury. Like traumatic brain injuries, ABIs can have profound impacts on an individual’s independence, relationships, and quality of life, making comprehensive legal representation essential when the injury results from another party’s negligence.

Brain injuries can result from various incidents and circumstances, ranging from everyday accidents to severe trauma. Common causes include:

Understanding these frequent causes of brain injuries is crucial for both prevention and establishing liability when seeking compensation for injuries resulting from someone else’s negligence.

Motor vehicle accidents represent the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, accounting for approximately 50% of all TBIs in the United States according to the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA). In New Jersey, although the exact numbers are hard to quantify, The NJ Department of Health estimates that 12,000 to 15,000 New Jersey residents suffer brain injuries from traumatic events each year, and the leading cause of those are motor vehicle accidents. 

During a collision, the brain is particularly vulnerable as it continues moving inside the skull even after the vehicle has stopped, violently striking the interior of the skull as the head jerks forward and then backward in response to impact forces. The high speeds involved in automobile crashes—typically between 25 and 65 mph—significantly increase the severity of these injuries, as the g-forces exerted on the brain during rapid deceleration can cause diffuse axonal injuries and contusions. For victims under the age of 65, these vehicle-related brain traumas represent the most significant cause of permanent disability and life-altering neurological impairment.

Traumatic brain injuries can manifest through a wide range of both physical and cognitive symptoms that vary based on the severity and location of the injury. Common physical TBI symptoms include:

Common cognitive TBI symptoms include:

Many TBI victims also experience significant emotional and behavioral changes, including irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, personality changes, and inappropriate social behavior. These symptoms may not always appear immediately after the injury—sometimes developing days or weeks later.

A traumatic brain injury is often referred to as a “silent injury” because its effects may not be immediately visible or apparent to others. Unlike obvious physical injuries such as broken bones or lacerations, a person suffering from a TBI might appear completely normal on the outside while experiencing debilitating symptoms internally. Additionally, symptoms of a TBI don’t always manifest immediately after the injury occurs—they may develop gradually over days or weeks following the trauma, creating a dangerous scenario where victims may dismiss their symptoms or delay seeking treatment. The invisible nature of these injuries can lead to misunderstanding from family members, employers, and even healthcare providers who might not fully comprehend the severity of the condition without observable physical evidence. This “silent” characteristic makes diagnosis challenging and often results in TBI victims struggling to have their injuries properly recognized and treated, especially in mild to moderate cases.

Yes, hiring an attorney with specialized knowledge and experience in brain injury cases within New Jersey is crucial for maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation. Brain injury cases involve complex medical concepts, require specialized expert witnesses, and demand an understanding of how to properly document and demonstrate the full impact of these often “invisible” injuries to insurance companies and juries. An attorney who regularly handles traumatic brain injury cases will have established relationships with the right medical experts and a comprehensive understanding of the lifelong care needs and costs associated with these devastating injuries.

At the New Jersey brain injury law firm of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, our New Jersey lawyers have extensive experience litigating accident cases which result in brain injury. Some of our successes in brain injury lawsuits include:

We have also been named to the Best NJ Personal Injury Lawyers list by the Best Lawyers in America publication. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

The brain injury lawyers at Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman are aggressive and experienced in dealing with all types of personal injury and medical malpractice matters. Our team of brain injury attorneys will fight for your right to compensation to the fullest extent of New Jersey law.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI or brain injury, please contact Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman. One of our experienced New Jersey brain injury lawyers will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your case and pursue a recovery.