Representing Those with Serious Brain Injuries
According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), one of the leading causes of death and disability in children and young adults in the U.S. is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). An estimated 1.5 million people suffer from a TBI every year. Each year, an estimated:
- 230,000 go to the hospital with a TBI and survive
- 50,000 people die
- 80,000 – 90,000 suffer long-term disability
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, our brain injury attorney in Kansas City, understands that brain injuries are not always obvious.
The injured person may seem normal and the changes in their personality, functioning, and memory may only emerge sometime after the event.
The injured person often displays reduced mental and physical function, and the damage is usually visible on an MRI. In contrast, some severe brain injuries can be immediately apparent.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to a medical professional’s negligence, seek compensation with the help of Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen. We are passionate about helping injured clients fight for justice.
Need an expert brain injury attorney? Our Kansas City law firm has supported countless TBI victims and their families in maximizing their recovery, helping them live the life they deserve. Call us at (816) 484-3776. Get your 100% FREE CONSULTATION!
contact usCommon Causes of Brain Injuries
Severe brain injuries can result from events such as:
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Approximately 5.3 million Americans live with the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In Missouri alone, more than 14,000 people are admitted to emergency departments or hospitalized each year due to a TBI.
The brain’s network of neural connections enables rapid communication and coordinated functions. When these connections are damaged, the brain’s efficiency is significantly impaired.
Your recovery and well-being are our top priorities. With our medical and legal team, you can focus on healing while we manage the legal aspects.
The brain injury attorneys at our Kansas City office can provide the guidance and support you need to understand the types of brain injuries that may impact your life.
Closed Head Injury (CHI)
A closed head injury (CHI) occurs when the brain is violently shaken or bounced against the skull without the skull fracturing.
This type of injury often results from falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. The rapid back-and-forth motion can cause brain tissue to stretch and tear, leading to bruising, bleeding, and swelling inside the brain.
Despite the skull remaining intact, the internal damage can be significant and may affect cognitive and motor functions.
Open Head Injury (OHI)
An open head injury (OHI) involves a visible fracture or penetration of the skull, making it less common than CHI. This type of injury often results from severe incidents like gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma.
An OHI can cause localized damage at the fracture site or penetration, but the effects can sometimes extend to other parts of the brain, depending on the severity and path of the injury.
The consequences of both CHI and OHI can be devastating, potentially leading to long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Seeking legal assistance from our Kansas City brain injury lawyers is crucial in dealing with the aftermath of a TBI.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, our team is dedicated to helping you secure the compensation and support you need for your recovery. Our comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your case are handled with care and attention.
Brain Injury Symptoms
The brain injury attorneys in Kansas City at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen recognize the profound impact a TBI can have on your life.
Our firm is well-equipped to handle these cases because we have full-time doctor, and nurse experts on staff. Their medical insights and our legal knowledge ensure you receive the comprehensive support you need.
Understanding the symptoms of a brain injury is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Two critical signs that indicate the severity of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are the time spent in a coma (not induced by medication) and post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), which is the period from the injury to when a person starts remembering things.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects each individual differently. Sometimes, it even takes some time before the full extent of a brain injury reveals itself.
Depending on the force of impact and which parts of the brain were affected, a TBI may manifest as:
- Loss of motor function
- Impaired vision
- Chronic headaches or ringing in the ears
- Memory loss or inability to concentrate
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Speech problems
- Outbursts, mood swings, depression or personality change
- Profound cognitive damage or vegetative state
Key tools used to assess brain injury symptoms include:
- Glasgow Coma Scale—this scale ranges from 5 and provides a reliable way to record a person’s level of consciousness; and
- Rancho Los Amigos Scale—this scale describes cognitive behavior functioning after a TBI on a scale of 1 to 10, mainly used during rehabilitation.
Recognizing these symptoms early and accurately can significantly impact treatment and recovery, ensuring that individuals get the necessary medical attention as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Brain Injury Diagnosis
Receiving a brain injury diagnosis can be overwhelming, but knowing the steps to take can make a significant difference in recovery. Below are some crucial steps to follow after a brain injury diagnosis.
- Ensure immediate and thorough medical evaluation and treatment;
- Follow all medical advice and attend all recommended follow-up appointments;
- Document all injuries, treatments, and impacts on daily life; and
- Contact a brain injury attorney.
Legal guidance from a Kansas City brain injury attorney can help secure compensation and support. Dempsey Kingsland Osteen is equipped to handle these cases, providing the necessary legal and medical support to help you through this difficult time.
Taking prompt and appropriate action after a brain injury diagnosis can significantly influence the outcome and recovery process.
Brain Injury Compensation
Under Missouri law, compensation for brain injuries depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the individual’s life, and the experience of the attorney handling the case. Compensation can cover the following:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Rehabilitation costs, and
- Pain and suffering.
Brain injuries often lead to significant challenges affecting every aspect of a person’s life. These challenges can directly impact the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. Common issues include:
- Motor issues. Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia), poor balance and coordination (ataxia), decreased endurance, and abnormal muscle tone. These conditions may require long-term physical therapy and adaptive equipment.
- Perceptual problems. Difficulties with hearing, vision, taste, smell, touch, and understanding the body’s relationship to fixed objects. These issues can result in the need for specialized medical care and assistive devices.
These symptoms can increase the costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, which, in turn, can raise the potential compensation amount.
Additionally, the impact on the individual’s ability to work and perform daily activities can affect claims for lost wages and pain and suffering.
Securing adequate compensation requires a skilled Kansas City brain injury lawyer who understands the details of brain injury cases and is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for their clients.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, our dedicated team is here to help you through this challenging process and ensure you receive the support you need.
How a Brain Injury Attorney in Kansas City Can Help
A brain injury attorney can provide crucial support and guidance throughout the legal process. At Dempsey Kingsland Osteen, our attorneys understand the complexities of brain injury cases and work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
With our team by your side, you can be confident that your case is in capable hands and will receive the support you need during this challenging time.
Why Dempsey Kingsland Osteen is the Best Choice for Your Brain Injury Case
Dempsey Kingsland Osteen is the best choice for handling brain injury cases in Kansas City.
The firm’s trial lawyers bring over 100 years of combined experience and a track record of significant verdicts and settlements in various cases, including medical malpractice, vaccine injuries, nursing home negligence, and vehicle collisions.
We have secured multimillion-dollar recoveries in medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases.
Our lawyers have extensive hands-on experience in personal injury and medical malpractice litigation, ensuring high proficiency in these areas.
Trust Our Kansas City Brain Injury Lawyers with over 100 years Experience
Whatever the cause and severity of the brain damage, affected persons will almost always need some type of therapy, surgery, long-term care, durable medical equipment, special education services, or home care.
If a brain injury was caused by the negligence of a trusted doctor or another medical professional, our lawyers may be able to secure fair compensation to help with the related expenses.
