A traumatic brain injury that results in a coma is tragic. A coma can last for days, weeks, or years; even someone who awakens from a coma after a short time can experience permanent brain damage and require lifelong care. If you have a loved one who currently is or was in a coma as a result of someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced brain injury attorney at your side.
J&Y Law is a premier California personal injury practice dedicated to fighting for the rights of brain injury victims. We understand that a coma is a terrible ordeal not only for the victim but for family members as well. When you become our client, we will help you understand your legal options and fight to protect your rights. Reach out to our office today for the compassionate representation you need and deserve.
What is a coma?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness that is often caused by a traumatic head injury (TBI). While an individual in a coma is still alive, he or she essentially has no conscious response to external stimulation.
Signs and symptoms of a coma include:
- Closed eyes
- Depressed brainstem reflexes – pupils not responding to light
- No response of limbs, except for reflexive movements
- No response to painful stimuli, except for reflexive movements
- Irregular breathing
A coma is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to preserve life and brain function. Doctors typically order blood tests and a brain scan to determine the proper course of treatment. A coma seldom lasts longer than several weeks; a longer period of unconsciousness can lead to a permanent vegetative state or brain death.
Common Causes of Brain Injury Comas
Comas are caused by trauma to the brain that often result from catastrophic accidents, such as:
- Traffic accidents – High-impact motor vehicle accidents can result in a coma. A driver or passenger’s head might strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield or the victim’s head can be penetrated by flying debris. Victims of pedestrian accidents or motorcycle accidents can also experience brain injury comas if a vehicle comes into contact with their head or their head strikes the ground after the collision.
- Slips and fall accidents – While falls often result in fractures, a person who hits his or her head on the ground can experience a traumatic brain injury that leads to a coma. When a slip and fall accident is the result of the property owner’s negligence, victims are entitled to compensation.
- Workplace accidents – Accidents at the workplace are common in dangerous places such as construction sites. Workers can suffer brain injury comas in falls from heights (e.g. ladders, scaffolding) or being hit by falling items (equipment, tools, debris). Although workplace injuries are typically covered under workers’ compensation, a lawsuit can be filed if the injury was caused by safety violations or by third-party negligence.
- Violent crimes – A violent assault that involves blunt force trauma to the victim’s head (e.g, being struck by a baseball bat, a punch to the head) can result in a coma. After the assault, the perpetrator may face criminal charges but can also be held liable for civil damages regardless of whether he or she is convicted.
Regardless of the accident that caused your loved one’s coma, if another party was to blame, our legal team will stand by you and fight for just compensation.
How J&Y Law Can Help
Obviously, it is not possible for the victim of a coma to take legal action unless he or she has recovered, but a family member can file a claim on the victim’s behalf. While many injury claims settle, a jury trial may be the best option for obtaining the maximum compensation your loved one deserves. Trust our attorneys to guide you through the process and work to protect your rights in and out of the courtroom.
We know that traumatic brain injuries are costly: expensive medical bills, rehabilitative and long-term care, and lost income can become an overwhelming financial burden. Let us handle all the details of your claim and help you recover damages such as:
- Medical bills, including past and future care
- Cognitive, occupational, and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Lost career opportunities
- Permanent disability
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
No amount of money can undo the harm your loved one has endured, but monetary damages will provide him or her with much-needed financial and medical resources, now and in the future. If your loved one died after being in a coma or a persistent vegetative state, our wrongful death attorneys can help you obtain compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and the guidance and support your loved one might have provided.
Contact Our Experienced California Brain Injury Attorneys
Traumatic brain injuries resulting in a coma are catastrophic and life-changing. Don’t go it alone. Contact J&Y Law today to learn how we can help.