Brain Injuries in Wisconsin
Brain injuries can be temporary or permanent, mild or catastrophic. But, even a so-called "mild" brain injury can have lasting consequences. In Wisconsin, many people who suffer a traumatic or acquired brain injury find they can no longer work, think, communicate, or function the way they did before. When finances become strained at the same time medical care and rehabilitation are increasing, recovery becomes even harder.
If a brain injury was caused by another person's negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct, Wisconsin law may allow you to pursue compensation.
At Lojewski Injury Law, our Milwaukee brain injury attorneys represent individuals and families facing the life-altering impact of brain injuries. We understand how complex these cases are, medically, legally, and emotionally, and we fight for compensation that reflects the true, long-term impact of these injuries. Contact our firm for a free consultation.
What is a Brain Injury?
A brain injury is any injury that disrupts the brain's normal structure or function. Brain injuries may affect:
- Memory and concentration
- Speech and language
- Personality and behavior
- Motor skills and balance
- Emotional regulation
- Independence and quality of life
Some brain injuries are immediately apparent. Others are delayed or misdiagnosed, with symptoms emerging weeks, months, or even years after the initial event. Brain injury claims in Wisconsin often arise in personal injury contexts, such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Wisconsin
Brain injuries may be traumatic or non-traumatic. Not every brain injury gives rise to a legal claim. But, when negligence or unsafe conditions are involved, compensation may be available.
Brain injuries can occur due to various causes, including:
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Assaults
- Lack of oxygen (e.g., drowning, suffocation, choking)
- Infections
- Strokes
The cause of the injury and the extent of damage both play a major role in determining liability and compensation under Wisconsin law.
Factors Determining Extent of a Brain Injury
The impact of a brain injury varies widely depending on factors such as:
- The severity and mechanism of injury
- The area of the brain affected
- The injured person's age and overall health
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- How quickly treatment was received
Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, personality changes, fatigue, speech difficulties, or impaired judgment. Treatment often requires long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and support services.
Types of Brain Injuries in Wisconsin Personal Injury Claims
The type of brain injury matters in a Wisconsin personal injury claim because it directly affects damages and future care needs.
Common brain injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Caused by an external force to the head, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, or sports injuries.
- Concussion. A mild TBI that can still have serious long-term effects, especially if repeated.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI). Widespread damage caused by rapid movement of the brain inside the skull.
- Penetrating Brain Injury. When an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue.
- Anoxic Brain Injury. Complete loss of oxygen to the brain.
- Hypoxic Brain Injury. Reduced oxygen supply to the brain.
- Cerebral Contusion. Bruising of brain tissue.
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Brain damage occurring after birth that is not degenerative.
These injuries often overlap. For example, a car crash may cause both a TBI and a penetrating brain injury from shattered glass or metal.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can affect every aspect of daily life. Some consequences resolve with treatment. Others are permanent.
Possible effects include:
- Memory loss and cognitive impairment
- Personality or mood changes
- Difficulty communicating
- Poor balance or coordination
- Chronic headaches
- Vision or sensory problems
- Seizures or traumatic epilepsy
- Loss of independence
- Inability to work or perform daily activities
- Coma or death
The more sever and lasting the consequences, the greater the potential damages under Wisconsin law.
Compensation for Brain Injuries in Wisconsin
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available through:
- Workers' compensation, for injuries arising out of employment.
- Personal injury claims, for injuries caused by negligence.
- Wrongful death claims, if a brain injury proves fatal.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or support
Brain injury cases require careful planning to ensure future damages are fully accounted for, especially when symptoms worsen over time.
Why Brain Injury Cases Are Legally Complex
Brain injuries are among the most complex personal injury cases because:
- Symptoms may be delayed or progressive
- Long-term consequences are difficult to predict early on
- Future care costs can be substantial
- Expert medical testimony is often required
What initially appears "mild" can later prove life-altering. Proper documentation, early medical evaluation, and experienced legal advocacy are critical.
Contact a Wisconsin Brain Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved on has suffered a brain injury, time matters. Wisconsin law imposes strict deadlines, and delays can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Call today for a Free Consultation. We will listen, investigate, and fight for the full measure of justice your case deserves.