Brain injuries can range from (relatively) minor concussions to life-changing traumatic injuries. They’re very common in motor vehicle crashes.
Brain injuries aren’t like many other injuries because the brain is a very unique part of the human body. Here’s why your brain may never be quite the same again after a collision.
The neurons in your brain never renew
Your skin, muscles and bones are all made of cells that automatically divide and renew all the time. When you get a cut, tear a muscle or break a bone, that process of dividing and renewing is ultimately what makes healing possible. The cells in your brain, however, are different because they’re made of neurons, and most neurons don’t go through that process.
That means that when you suffer an injury to your brain, whether it’s from a stroke or trauma of some kind, any brain cells that are destroyed will remain destroyed.
Brain injuries can also get worse as time goes on
Swelling (cerebral edema) is another reason that brain injuries are unique. When someone initially suffers a blow to the head, the wound may not seem that bad – until the swelling starts. The increased pressure on the delicate brain can ultimately be as devastating or worse than the initial injury. This alone can make it difficult to care for brain injuries effectively because it is usually necessary to control the swelling before any further treatment can begin.
Recovery from a significant brain injury often requires a level of care that’s very complex – and expensive. That makes it particularly important to take the necessary steps to protect your claim for damages. Experienced legal guidance can help you get everything you’re due.