El Centro Hypoxic Brain Injury Lawyer
Two types of brain injuries are caused by a reduced oxygen supply to the brain. Anoxic brain injuries occur when all or part of the brain is completely deprived of oxygen for some time. Hypoxic brain injuries (HBIs) occur when part or all of the brain experiences a reduced oxygen supply. Inadequate oxygen supply can lead to damage to brain cells or even death if it occurs for a prolonged period.
HBIs can result in permanent brain damage and neurological disabilities, which can impair a victim’s ability to work, care for themselves, or maintain relationships that they had before the brain injury. If you have suffered an HBI, a catastrophic injury attorney could assist you. An El Centro hypoxic brain injury lawyer from Walter Clark Legal Group could help you assess economic and non-economic damages related to the injury, as well as identify wrongdoers who may be responsible for those damages.
Defining Hypoxic Brain Injuries
HBIs happen when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. When this happens, brain cells become damaged or die in a process called anoxic encephalopathy. The severity and duration of oxygen deprivation (whether hypoxia or anoxia) determine the extent of the resulting brain damage.
HBIs can have organic or inorganic causes. For example, high altitudes can lead to hypoxia, particularly for people who are not acclimated to them. Severe anemia also results in hypoxia. In both of these instances, the blood simply lacks sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen to the brain. Likewise, strokes and cardiac arrest (heart attacks) can lead to reduced oxygen flow to the brain.
These organic events can happen on their own, but third-party involvement may also contribute. For example, in a stroke that results from blood loss in a traffic accident, a wrongdoer may be responsible for the injuries, while a stroke that occurs spontaneously would not have any liable party involved.
External events that can lead to hypoxia include:
- Drug overdoses
- Suffocation
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Medical mistakes
- Near-drowning
In many instances, a third party will be responsible for the damages. An El Centro attorney could help determine liability for an HBI.
Preventing Hypoxic Brain Injuries
Individuals can take action to prevent HBIs. For example, high-risk individuals should avoid any activities that might increase the risk of cardiac arrest, stroke, or suffocation. People who are usually sedentary should get medical clearance before beginning new exercise programs or participating in any high-impact sports.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is another leading cause of HBIs. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, resulting in reduced oxygen to the brain. However, because it causes sleepiness and confusion, it can be difficult for victims to identify when it is occurring. Having carbon monoxide detectors in the home can help. Commercial establishments should also have these detectors to keep people safe.
Drugs and alcohol contribute both directly and indirectly to HBIs. Avoiding drug or alcohol consumption, or at least using in moderation, can help reduce someone’s risk. If usage is a factor, that does not mean someone will be unable to recover damages from a wrongdoer. California is a comparative negligence state, so an HBI lawyer in El Centro may be able to identify liable parties, even if responsibility is shared.
Speak to an El Centro Lawyer for Help With an HBI Damages Claim
Immediate medical intervention can be helpful in reducing the impact of HBIs. Restoring oxygen flow to the brain can help prevent additional damage and heal damaged, but not dead, brain cells. Receiving medical care should be a top priority. It can begin on-site with CPR, and first responders may use mechanical ventilation or intubation. Once in a hospital, medical providers may use blood transfusions, medication, and other treatments to restore oxygen.
Along with the costs of these medical interventions, victims may experience a wide range of other economic and non-economic damages. If you have sustained an HBI, schedule a free case evaluation with an El Centro hypoxic brain injury lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group to learn more about your legal rights and options.
