Wilmington Brain Injury Lawyer

 

Pella Windows Class Action Case

$25.7 Million

We have recovered a $25.7 million settlement on behalf of our client on a Pella windows class action case.

Chinese Drywall Settlement Case

$24 Million

We have recovered $24 million on the largest individual Chinese drywall settlement case.

Marriott Vacation Club Class Action

$13.3 Million

We have recovered a $13.3 million settlement for Deceptive Trade Practices at Marriott Vacation Club.

Representing Victims of Brain Injuries in North Carolina

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says roughly 153 people die each day from brain-related injuries in the United States. Brain injuries may only affect you for a few days, or may last for the rest of your life. These injuries have an adverse impact on almost all bodily functions and may diminish memory, movement, vision, hearing, and emotions.

In the U.S. annually, there are over 50,000 deaths, 250,000 admitted to hospitals, and 1 million visits to emergency rooms from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). If you experienced a brain injury following an accident, consult with a brain injury attorney with experience in assisting brain injury victims. Remember, brain injuries may be more serious than they initially appear to be; in fact, it may take time before the full extent of the damage begins to surface.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A TBI is an open (penetrating) or closed injury to the brain that stems from an external force (trauma). TBIs alter brain function and may be caused by a strike or jolt to the head. They range from mild – typically a brief disruption of mental function or unconsciousness – to severe, resulting in long episodes of unconsciousness or loss of memory. Severe cases may lead to disability and death. In North Carolina statutes, TBI was first referenced in 1985 within the provisions of Development Disability. The CDC has labeled TBIs a “silent epidemic” because often the signs and symptoms are not clearly apparent.

The CDC classifies the severity of these injuries with a variety of methods. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a widely used method that measures an individual’s conscious response to defined stimuli. Injuries are then classified with a score between 1 (severe) to 15 (mild). Other methods include the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), the Trauma Score, and the Abbreviated Trauma Score. Once an injury is clinically scored, treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy can be applied accordingly.

Symptoms of TBI

The impairments from TBI generally consist of four types:

  • Cognitive: Inability to focus, poor memory, or confusion
  • Motor: Weakness in extremities, poor balance or coordination
  • Sensory: Decreased perception, hearing, or sight
  • Emotional: Depressed mood, anxiety, or impulsiveness

Other physical symptoms include seizures, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Typically, those with severe TBIs will begin to demonstrate limitations in their ability to live independently – a lack of personal care, motivation, or struggles with daily living.

Concussions

Concussions are the most common form of TBI. They are caused by physical impact to the head or a sudden change in momentum; they may result in unconsciousness for a few minutes. They may involve stretching of blood vessels or harm to cranial nerves. Victims may also suffer a skull fracture, bleeding in the brain, or swelling. Studies suggest that those who suffer a concussion are at a higher risk of experiencing another. Certain imaging tests, such as CAT scans, may not detect the presence of a concussion.

Our Promise to You

  • National Practice with a Local Presence

  • Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Won

  • Over 30 Years of Experience

  • Experienced, Thorough & Dedicated Attorneys

  • Spanish-Speaking Services Available

  • Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Upon Request

Other Forms of TBI

  • Diffuse axonal injury: Caused by strong shaking or head rotation, common in cases of shaken baby syndrome or from vehicle accidents. These injuries result from tears in the brain, such as among nerve tissues.
  • Contusion: Caused by a blow to the head resulting in a bruise, with or without bleeding. Large contusions can kill, and may require surgery to fix.
  • Coup-contrecoup injury: A condition where a contusion exists both at the site of impact and at the opposite point of the brain.

Risk Factors and Causes

Those most susceptible to dying from a traumatic brain injury are people aged 75 and older, usually from falls. In addition, children under the age of 14 are among the most likely to fall and suffer a TBI leading to hospitalization or death. For those between 15 and 24 years of age, the leading cause of TBIs is being struck by an object.

In North Carolina, a leading method of TBI-related death involves firearms, usually associated with assault or suicide. The second leading TBI-related cause of death is motor vehicle accidents. In close third is being hit by an object.

Lawyers for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

When the negligent or reckless actions of a person result in injury to another, the law allows victims to pursue financial retribution through civil lawsuits. It is critical that you choose your attorney wisely. At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., we have spent years advocating for clients with significant brain injuries and have the knowledge and resources to help you receive the much-needed compensation that you deserve.

“Joel Rhine and his staff did everything possible to help us in a very dark period of our lives.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better firm to handle my injury claim. If you do not have confidence with your attorney, you need to contact Rhine Law Firm immediately.”

“Rhine Law Firm went out of their way to make sure that my mother-in-law obtains everything she is entitled to in an injury case.”

“It was a long, arduous process and we cannot thank Joel and the rest of the team at Rhine Law Firm enough.”

“Joel will make sure you are well taken care of. He will fight for you and what you deserve and go to all measures to make sure you get it.”

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