Most often, brain injury occurs as the result of head trauma. However, not all brain injuries are caused by car, workplace or sports accidents. In fact, too often brain injury can be attributed to medical errors. Known as medical malpractice or negligence, the action or inaction of medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other practitioners can lead to lifelong challenges or even patient death. Medical malpractice covers a wide spectrum of traumas that can include:
- Medication mistakes
- Diagnosis and treatment delays
- Surgery complications
- Anesthesia difficulties
- Brain and nerve trauma
- Prenatal and birth injuries
The key signs of brain injury, such as mood swings, angry outbursts and memory loss may not be immediately recognized as the symptoms of a brain injury. Nonetheless, they take a severe toll on the person and his or her supporting friends and family members. When an adult sustains brain damage due to a medical error, he or she may never return to his or her former self. For children, brain trauma may prevent them from ever reaching their full potential. And relationships may never be the same. To cope with the symptoms of a medically induced brain injury, and to learn strategies for living with a new reality, it is important for the person suffering from the brain injury and their loved ones to seek psychological counseling. Additionally, an experienced attorney will be able to provide advice regarding potential medical malpractice claims. Source: NYTimes.com, “When Injuries to the Brain Tear at Hearts,” Sarah Wheaton, January 9, 2012.
