Car and truck accidents, as well as falls, can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can be particularly severe. One area of the body that is often affected in these types of accidents is the nose. Nasal trauma can vary in severity, from minor bruises and cuts to severe fractures and permanent impairment.

The mechanism of nasal injury typically involves a sudden impact to the face, which can occur in a number of ways. For example, in a car or truck accident, the nose can be injured when the face strikes the steering wheel or dashboard, or when the airbag deploys. Similarly, in a fall, the nose can be injured when the face strikes a hard surface, such as the ground or a stair step.

Dog bites to the nose are common, especially in children. Dog bites can cause both cosmetic and functional damage as well as increase the risk of infection. In extreme cases, complete nasal reconstruction may be required.

There are several types of nose injuries that can occur in car and truck accidents and falls. These include:

Nasal Fractures

Nose fractures are one of the most common types of nasal injuries. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be required to realign the bones.

A common internal result of a nasal bone fracture is a deviated septum. The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone in your nose. The septum divides the nasal cavity (inside your nose) into a right and left side. When the septum is off-center or leans to one side of the nasal cavity, it has “deviated.”The force of the impact can cause the septum to shift from its normal position, leading to a deviated septum. In some cases, a deviated septum may be present before the injury, but the injury can worsen the deviation and cause symptoms to develop. Symptoms of a deviated septum can vary in severity and may include: congestion or stuffiness in one or both nostrils;  difficulty breathing through the nose; frequent nosebleeds; recurring sinus infections or colds;  headaches; facial pain or pressure; snoring or sleep apnea; and decreased sense of smell.

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two different surgical procedures that can be performed after a  nose fracture injury, and they are often performed together. While both procedures can improve the function and appearance of the nose, they serve different purposes.

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to reshape the nose’s external appearance. This procedure can be used to correct deformities resulting from a nose injury, such as a crooked or misshapen nose. Rhinoplasty can also be used to address breathing problems caused by structural issues in the nose, such as a deviated septum.

Septoplasty, on the other hand, is a functional procedure that is designed to correct issues with the internal structure of the nose. This procedure is typically performed to correct a deviated septum, which can cause breathing difficulties and other issues. During a septoplasty, the surgeon will reposition or remove parts of the septum to improve airflow through the nose.

While rhinoplasty and septoplasty are different procedures, they are often performed in combination to address both functional and aesthetic concerns resulting from a nose injury. This is called a septorhinoplasty. During a septorhinoplasty, the surgeon will address any structural issues with the septum while also reshaping the external appearance of the nose.

Olfactory nerve injuries

Olfactory injuries are those that affect the sense of smell. They can occur when the delicate tissues inside the nose are damaged due to a sudden impact. In some cases, olfactory injuries can be permanent.

The olfactory nerve is responsible for the sense of smell, and injuries to this nerve can occur in car and truck accidents and falls. The nerve fibers that make up the olfactory nerve are fragile and can be easily damaged by a sudden impact to the head or face. Injuries to the olfactory nerve can result in a partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, which can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms of olfactory nerve injuries may include:  loss of sense of smell; reduced ability to taste; changes in the perception of flavor; difficulty identifying odors;  phantom smells (i.e., smelling odors that are not present).                                      

The severity of olfactory nerve injuries can vary, depending on the extent of the damage. In some cases, the nerve fibers may be partially damaged, resulting in a temporary loss of smell. In other cases, the nerve fibers may be completely severed, resulting in a permanent loss of smell.

Treatment for olfactory nerve injuries may depend on the extent of the damage and the severity of symptoms. In mild cases, the sense of smell may return on its own over time. In more severe cases, treatment may include medications or surgery to repair or regenerate the damaged nerve fibers.

Unfortunately, in many cases, olfactory nerve injuries are permanent and may result in a permanent loss of the sense of smell. This can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, as the sense of smell plays an important role in many daily activities, such as cooking, eating, and socializing.

Nasal soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries to the nose can include bruises, cuts, and abrasions. These types of injuries can be painful and can result in scarring. Plastic surgery including rhinoplasty may be required to repair cosmetic and functional nose injuries.

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious nose injury, submit our inquiry form or call us at 404-253-7862.

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Johnson & Ward has been a leading personal injury and wrongful death specialty law firm in Atlanta since 1949. The founders of the firm were also among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Current partners include former presidents of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.

Causes of TMJ Injuries
TMJ injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Trauma: A blow to the face or jaw can cause a TMJ injury. This is common in car
  accidents, sports injuries, and falls.

• Grinding or clenching of teeth: Overuse of the TMJ due to grinding or clenching of
  teeth can cause inflammation and damage to the joint.

• Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause inflammation and damage to
  the TMJ.

• Stress: Stress can cause tension in the jaw muscles, leading to TMJ pain and
  discomfort.
  Symptoms of TMJ Injury
  
• Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, face, neck, or shoulders.

• Difficulty or pain when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide.

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth.

• Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth.

• Headaches or earaches.

• Dizziness or ringing in the ears.
• 
  Treatment for TMJ injuries will depend on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

• Resting the jaw: Avoiding chewing gum, hard foods, and other activities that strain the jaw joint can help ease TMJ pain.

• Applying heat or cold: Applying a warm or cold compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain.

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to help relieve TMJ pain.

• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles can help improve TMJ function.

• Bite guards: Wearing a customized bite guard can help reduce teeth grinding and clenching, which can cause TMJ pain.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged joint.
  
• What to Do If You Have Suffered a TMJ Injury
  If you have suffered a TMJ injury due to someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident or a sports injury, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to pursue a personal injury claim, you will need to prove that the other party’s negligence was the proximate cause of your injury. This can be a complex process, and it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal system.
  
  A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages related to your TMJ injury.
  
  It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you believe you have suffered a TMJ injury. A doctor can diagnose the injury and recommend a treatment plan. This documentation will also be crucial in supporting your personal injury claim. In addition to seeking medical attention and working with a personal injury attorney, there are other steps you can take to protect your legal rights after a TMJ injury:

• Document the details of the accident or incident that led to your injury. Take photos of any visible injuries or damage.

• Keep track of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to your TMJ injury.

• Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney.

• Follow all medical advice and treatment recommendations.

• Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life.

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injury, submit our inquiry form or call us at 404-253-7862.

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Johnson & Ward has been a leading personal injury and wrongful death specialty law firm in Atlanta since 1949. The founders of the firm were also among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Current partners include former presidents of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.

Thus, traumatic eye injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, both physically and emotionally. Such eye injuries can range from minor scratches to severe damage that can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness. Eye injuries can cause complex and life-altering medical complications, impacting education and careers, impede social relationships, cause permanent impairment, and hold profound marriage and family ramifications.

Some common causes of eye injuries include:

Car and Truck Accidents – Eye injuries, usually initially addressed in an emergency department, can occur in car or truck accidents in several ways.

• Penetrating trauma by protruding objects or debris.

During a car or truck accident, the eye may come in contact with a protruding object in the vehicle or debris such as broken glass, metal fragments, or other sharp objects may fly around and penetrate a person’s eyes. When a sharp object penetrates the eye, it can cause physical damage to the structures of the eye, such as the cornea, iris, lens, and retina, as well as the surrounding tissue.

The severity of the damage depends on several factors, including the size, shape, and velocity of the object, as well as the location of the injury. A small object, such as a metal fragment or a small piece of glass, can cause a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. While this type of injury can be painful and may cause temporary vision problems, it usually heals within a few days to a week with proper treatment.

However, if the object is larger or travels at a higher velocity, it can penetrate deeper into the eye and cause more serious damage, such as a ruptured eyeball or a detached retina. These injuries can cause permanent vision loss and may require surgical intervention to repair.

In addition to the physical damage, a penetrating eye injury can also increase the risk of infection, as bacteria and other microorganisms can enter the eye through the wound. This can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as endophthalmitis, which is an infection of the interior of the eye.

• Blunt impact between an eye and any object in a car or truck crash can cause:

Retinal detachment, a serious condition in which the retina separates from underlying tissue, can cause permanent vision loss

Orbital fracture, a break in bones surrounding the eye.

Traumatic iritis, and inflammation of the iris.

Hyphema, in which blood collects in the front chamber of the eye.

Corneal abrasions, resulting in eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.

Airbag deployment: Airbags are designed to protect people in accidents, but they can also cause injuries, especially if they hit a person’s face or eyes. Eye injuries from airbags can range from minor irritation to serious damage such as retinal detachment.

•         Chemical exposure: In some accidents, chemicals such as gasoline or battery acid may leak or spill, and if they come into contact with a person’s eyes, they can cause serious injuries such as chemical burns or blindness.-

• Work Accidents – Workplace accidents, such as those that occur in chemical exposures, construction or manufacturing settings, can also result in eye injuries.

•  Sports and Recreational Activities – Sports and recreational activities such as baseball, basketball, and swimming can all lead to eye injuries.

Medical Complications

Eye injuries can lead to a range of medical complications, including:

•  Infection – Eye injuries can make the eye more susceptible to infection.

• Vision Loss – Eye injuries can cause temporary or permanent vision loss, depending on the severity of the injury.

• Scarring – Scarring can occur as a result of an eye injury, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Social and Psychological Aspects

Eye injuries can also have social and psychological impacts on an individual’s life. Some of these impacts include:

• Social Isolation – Eye injuries can make individuals self-conscious about their appearance, leading to social isolation.

• Anxiety and Depression – Eye injuries can lead to anxiety and depression, especially if the injury results in permanent vision loss.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Individuals who have experienced a severe eye injury may develop PTSD, which can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms.

Permanent Impairment

In some cases, eye injuries can result in permanent impairment, such as partial or complete vision loss. This can have significant impacts on an individual’s life, including their ability to work and perform daily activities. In these cases, it may be necessary to seek compensation for the permanent impairment through a personal injury lawsuit.

Educational and Career Impacts

Eye injuries can also have significant impacts on an individual’s education and career. A serious eye injury to a child can affect the entire trajectory of education and life. Depending on the severity of the injury, an individual may need to take time off from school or work to recover or may be unable to return to their previous goals and job due to vision loss or other impairments. In these cases, it may be necessary to seek compensation for lost wages and future earning potential.

Marriage and Family Ramifications

Eye injuries can also have impacts on an individual’s personal relationships, including their marriage and family. In some cases, an individual may require additional support from their spouse or family members during the recovery process. Additionally, the emotional and psychological impacts of an eye injury can also impact these relationships.

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious eye injury, submit our inquiry form or call us at 404-253-7862.

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Johnson & Ward has been a leading personal injury and wrongful death specialty law firm in Atlanta since 1949. The founders of the firm were also among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Current partners include former presidents of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.

As personal injury lawyers, we have seen firsthand the impact that facial scars can have on our clients. In this blog post, we will discuss the medical and legal aspects of facial scar injuries, including the use of plastic surgery, as well as the psychological, social, and mate selection ramifications.

I grew up with a highly visible scar on one side of my face from a birth injury. It provoked questions and teasing throughout childhood and affected my self-confidence. Fortunately, it faded out in adolescence but left an awareness of how facial scars can affect a person’s life.

Medical and Legal Aspects of Facial Scar Injuries

Facial scars can range from minor cuts and bruises to deep lacerations that require surgery. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may involve stitches, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery. In some cases, individuals may require ongoing medical treatment or therapy to help them cope with the physical and emotional toll of their injuries. Individuals who have suffered facial scar injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can help victims navigate the legal system and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Plastic Surgery for Facial Scars

Plastic surgery is one of the most common treatments for facial scars. Depending on the severity of the injury, plastic surgery may involve the use of skin grafts, tissue expansion, or scar revision. Scar revision surgery and dermabrasion can be effective to improve the appearance of scars, reduce their visibility, and restore function to the affected area but never fully eliminate scars.

However, while plastic surgery can be an effective treatment for facial scars, it is not a cure-all. Some scars may never be completely eliminated, and the results of plastic surgery may not be permanent. Additionally, plastic surgery can be expensive and may not be covered by the patient’s insurance.

Psychological Ramifications of Facial Scars

The psychological ramifications of facial scars can be significant. Individuals may experience feelings of self-consciousness, shame, and embarrassment. They may also feel anxious or depressed and may avoid social situations or activities they once enjoyed.

In some cases, the psychological impact of facial scars can be long-lasting and may require ongoing therapy or counseling to address. It is important for individuals who have suffered facial scars to seek support and to develop coping mechanisms to help them manage their emotions.

Social Ramifications of Facial Scars

Individuals with facial scars may feel stigmatized or discriminated against. In extreme cases, they may also be subjected to negative social stereotypes or assumptions about their character or abilities, which can make it difficult for them to form relationships or advance in their careers.

We handled a facial scar injury to a small child who had been bitten in the face by a neighbor’s dog, causing an asymmetrical, jagged scar on one side of his face. Evidence of psychological studies on the effect of such scars on mate selection and career opportunities led to a large recovery.

In some cases, individuals with facial scars may be able to use their experiences to inspire others or to advocate for change. However, it is important to recognize that everyone responds to facial scars differently and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Career Opportunities and Mate Selection Ramifications of Facial Scars

Finally, facial scars can have an impact on career opportunities and mate selection. Individuals who  have suffered facial scars be rated lower on job interviews than candidates who have none. Socially, people with visible facial scars may face additional challenges or barriers in dating and mating. People with facial scars may be perceived as less attractive or less desirable as romantic partners. This can be a profoundly negative factor in the quality of life.  That may be more significant for asymmetrical scars on one side of the face and more profound for females.

However, facial scars can actually be seen as a sign of resilience or strength and may be viewed as attractive by some individuals. Sometimes guys bear moderate scars as badges of honor as reflected in the cliché that “chicks dig scars.”  

It is important to recognize that physical appearance is just one factor in mate selection, and that individuals with facial scars can and do form loving, fulfilling relationships. It is also important to recognize that it is important for individuals who have suffered facial scars to focus on their strengths and to recognize that their scars do not define them. They should also be open and honest with potential romantic partners about their scars and their experiences and should seek partners who are supportive and understanding.

Conclusion

Facial scars can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. As personal injury lawyers, we understand the importance of providing our clients with compassionate and comprehensive support as they navigate the legal and medical aspects of their injuries.

It is also important for individuals who have suffered facial scars to seek support from their friends, family, and healthcare providers, and to develop coping mechanisms to help them manage the emotional toll of their injuries.

Ultimately, it is important for society as a whole to recognize the unique challenges and experiences of individuals with facial scars, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting world. By providing support and understanding, we can help individuals with facial scars to live full and fulfilling lives and to achieve their goals and aspirations.

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious facial scarring injury, call us at 404-253-7862.

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Johnson & Ward has been a leading personal injury and wrongful death specialty law firm in Atlanta since 1949. The founders of the firm were also among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Current partners include former presidents of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.

Types of Ear Injuries

There are several different types of ear injuries that can occur in a personal injury situation. Some of the most common types include:

1. Tympanic membrane (eardrum) rupture: This occurs when the membrane that separates the outer and middle ear is torn or ruptured. This can be caused by a sudden change in pressure, such as an explosion, or by a direct blow to the ear.

2. Hearing loss: Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and can be caused by a variety of factors, including loud noise exposure, head trauma, and certain medications. One of the partners in our firm has a daughter who became suddenly deaf at 18, so we have deep personal familiarity with the many effects of late onset of deafness.

3. Vestibular injuries: The vestibular system is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Vestibular injuries can result in dizziness, vertigo, and loss of balance.

4. Ossicular chain injuries: The ossicular chain is a group of three small bones in the middle ear that transmit sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. Injuries to the ossicular chain can result in conductive hearing loss.

5. Barotrauma: Barotrauma is a condition that occurs when there is a sudden change in pressure, such as during a flight or scuba diving. Barotrauma can cause damage to the eardrum and middle ear.

Causes of Ear Injuries

Ear injuries can occur in a variety of situations, including:

1. Automobile accidents: The sudden impact of a car accident can cause a variety of ear injuries, including ruptured eardrums and hearing loss.

2. Workplace accidents: Workers who are exposed to loud noises or who work in environments with sudden changes in pressure, such as construction workers, can be at risk for ear injuries.

3. Sports injuries: Athletes who participate in contact sports or who are exposed to loud noises, such as football players and boxers, are at risk for ear injuries.

4. Explosions: Military personnel, firefighters, and other individuals who are exposed to explosions can suffer from a variety of ear injuries, including ruptured eardrums and hearing loss.

Permanent Impairments

Some ear injuries can have long-lasting, permanent effects on the victim’s quality of life. Some of the potential permanent impairments that can result from ear injuries include:

1. Permanent hearing loss: Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Permanent hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s ability to communicate and can require the use of hearing aids or other assistive devices. It is axiomatic that deafness is in some ways worse than blindness. Deafness separates one from other people while blindness separates one from mere things.

2. Tinnitus: Tinnitus is a condition that causes a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears. Tinnitus can be temporary or permanent and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

3. Vertigo: Vertigo is a condition that causes dizziness and loss of balance. Vertigo can be temporary or permanent and can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

4. Facial paralysis: Facial nerves run alongside the auditory nerve in the ear area, and can be affected by ear injuries.  Injuries to the facial nerve can cause facial paralysis, impacting a person’s ability to communicate and perform daily activities.

5. Cognitive impairment: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur due to head trauma and can cause a variety of cognitive impairments, including difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making.

6. Emotional and psychological trauma: Ear injuries can also cause emotional and psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and may require ongoing treatment.

Medical Treatment for Ear Injuries

treatment for ear injuries will depend on the type and severity of the injury. In some cases, ear injuries may heal on their own without medical intervention. In other cases, medical treatment may be necessary, including:

1. Medications: Medications may be used to treat ear infections or to manage symptoms such as pain, dizziness, or vertigo.

2. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to repair a ruptured eardrum or to treat other injuries to the ear. It may include implantation of a cochler implant if structures of the middle or inner ear are damaged, or an auditory brainstem implant if the auditory nerve is damaged.

3. Hearing aids: Hearing aids may be necessary to manage hearing loss.

4. Vestibular rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation may be used to treat balance and coordination problems.

5. Counseling: Counseling may be necessary to address emotional and psychological trauma resulting from the ear injury.

If you or a loved one have suffered an ear injury, call us at 404-253-7862.

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Johnson & Ward has been a leading personal injury and wrongful death specialty law firm in Atlanta since 1949. The founders of the firm were also among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Current partners include former presidents of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.

Scalp avulsion (“scalping” or “scalp degloving“) is a severe injury that occurs when the scalp is torn away from the skull. Our personal injury law practice has seen scalp avulsion and degloving injuries resulting from car and truck accidents, dog attacks, and industrial accidents.

In the case of a car or truck accident, scalp avulsion can occur when a person’s head is forcefully struck or dragged against a hard surface, such as the road, the car or truck itself, or another object. This can cause the skin, tissue, and hair on the scalp to be forcibly torn away from the skull.

The force of the impact and the direction of the movement can also contribute to scalp avulsion. For example, if a person’s head is thrown forward and then suddenly jerked back, the movement can cause the scalp to be torn away from the skull. This can also occur if a person’s hair gets caught in a moving part of the car or truck, such as a wheel or engine compartment.

A dog attack can cause scalp avulsion if the dog bites and tears off a portion of the scalp, typically at the crown of the head or around the hairline. This can result in a traumatic injury to the scalp, with tearing of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and blood vessels, and may also involve damage to underlying muscles, bones, and nerves. We have had cases of dog attacks, usually involving pit bulls. In one case, a young girl walking to school in her neighborhood was attacked by two pit bulls that came out of their owner’s yard into the street, attacked the child, and ripped her scalp from her skull. It may be unfair to stereotype an entire breed of dogs, but too many vicious dog attacks are by pit bulls.

Any injury that includes scalp avulsion may also cause a traumatic brain injury.

Scalp avulsion is a serious injury that requires emergency medical attention. It can result in significant bleeding, damage to the underlying tissue and bone, and the potential for infection. Treatment may involve surgery to reimplant the scalp tissue, repair the damage and restore blood flow to the affected area.

If you or a loved one have suffered a scalp avulsion or degloving injury, call us at 404-253-7862.

While many people do seem to fully recover from an isolated occasion of “getting their bell rung” with a concussion in sports or accidents, many others never fully recover. The combination of “minor” with “brain injury” is thus often an oxymoron (a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction). No brain injury that has a continuing effect on- you or a loved one is truly minor.

A standard medical definition says that a patient with mild traumatic brain injury is a person who has had a traumatically induced physiological disruption of brain function, as manifested by at least one of the following:

1. any period of loss of consciousness;

2. any loss of memory for events immedi­ately before or after the accident;

3. any alteration in mental state at the time of the accident (eg, feeling dazed, disori­ented, or confused); and

4. focal neurological deficit(s) that may or may not be transient;

but where the severity of the injury does not exceed the following:

• loss of consciousness of approximately 30 minutes or less;

• after 30 minutes, an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 13-15; and

• posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) not greater than 24 hours.

This definition includes: 1) the head being struck, 2) the head striking an object, and 3)behavioral change(s) and/or alterations in degree of emotional responsivity (eg, irritability, quickness to anger, disinhibi­tion, or emotional lability) that cannot be accounted for by a psychological re­ action to physical or emotional stress or other causes.

It is also well-known that sudden deceleration, causing the brain to bounce around inside the skull, can cause brain damage even without a direct external impact to the head. However, insurance company representatives still argue that brain injuries are not credible without an external injury to the head and documented loss of consciousness. It takes vigorous, knowledgeable representation to drive this home.

A consensus statement of rehabilitation physicians recognizes that patients may not become aware of, or admit, the extent of their symptoms until they attempt to return to normal functioning. In such cases, the evidence for mild traumatic brain injury must be reconstructed. We have seen that many times. 

Mild traumatic brain injury may also be overlooked in the face of more dramatic physical injury (e.g., orthopedic or spinal cord injury).

“Minor” brain injury often has disinhibition effects, leading to impulsive, aggressive, or risk-taking behavior, particularly regarding driving, alcohol and drug use, and sexual conduct. All of that is destructive and can further contribute to a downward spiral of life.

Those behavioral changes are far from minor. They can ruin marriages, families and careers. They can plunge a person into a downward spiral of depression, hopeless despair, alcohol and drug abuse, and early death.

In recent years, we have all become more aware of the devastating cascade of destructive consequences of concussions in war veterans, football players, and ordinary people.

We have seen, both in law practice and among friends and loved ones, how “mild” brain injuries were initially overlooked or minimized but turned out to have immensely destructive effects.

The ripple effects of “minor” brain injury can be fatal. A man I knew had an accident that caused what initially appeared to be a trivial brain injury. But this brilliant, highly successful man lost the mental sharpness that had given him a great competitive advantage in business. He no longer had a rapid recall of names, numbers, dates, and details as before. Most people around him did not notice the change as he maintained a gregarious facade. However, recognizing what he had lost, he slid into a deep depression and within a few years took his own life.

A woman who was in a violent motor vehicle crash had surprisingly little physical injury but over the next few hours began to experience headaches, confusion and low-grade seizure activity. Eventually, the progression of occasional seizures led her to be barred from driving and the loss of a side business that gave her much personal satisfaction as well as income. She will be required to take anti-seizure medications for the rest of her life.

We have successfully represented many clients with so-called “minor” brain injuries and post-concussion syndromes. If you or a loved one have suffered such a brain injury, call us at 404-253-7862.

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Johnson & Ward has been a leading personal injury and wrongful death specialty law firm in Atlanta since 1949. The founders of the firm were also among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Current partners include former presidents of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.