The human brain is protected from harm by the skull. At the same time, if extreme force or trauma occurs, the skull may not prevent a brain injury.
Say a loved one was driving an ordinary passenger car in Hackensack when a semi-truck veered with no warning, and your family member’s car slid underneath, resulting in horrific head injuries.
Extreme head trauma may cause disorders of consciousness
In situations like the one above, the skull is not typically strong enough to withstand the force of a violent collision, resulting in severe brain injury. In some cases, traumatic brain injury can lead to disorders of consciousness.
You probably know some disorders of consciousness by other names. For example, you may have heard about injured people in a coma or a vegetative state.
Patients in a coma may have the best chance of recovery as a coma usually only lasts for four weeks. The patient may begin to regain consciousness gradually. Some victims make a full recovery, but others retain some form of brain damage. In severe cases, the patient in a coma may transition to a vegetative state.
Patients in a vegetative state can linger in this condition for some time. Sixty to 90% of them regain consciousness within one year of the injury. Unfortunately, the longer an accident victim remains unconscious, the greater the risk of suffering severe and permanent brain damage.
The expenses associated with caring for those in a coma or vegetative state are astronomical. If the injury occurred due to negligence, you or your loved one might qualify for significant financial compensation to help cover the costs of care.
To those impacted by a brain injury, we urge you to learn more about New Jersey accident and personal injury laws.