John W. Redmann | May 15, 2026 | Brain Injuries
Some of the most life-altering injuries you can sustain are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These impact your cognitive function, motor function, and even your personality, potentially leaving you with permanent brain damage.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, understanding its severity is essential. Learn more about the types of traumatic brain injuries you could suffer and what legal actions may be available.
Main Categories of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries are generally divided into two main categories: penetrating brain injuries and non-penetrating brain injuries. The type of injury a person suffers can affect the severity of symptoms, the treatment required, and the likelihood of long-term complications.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
A penetrating brain injury occurs when an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain tissue. These injuries are often severe because they can cause direct damage to specific areas of the brain, bleeding, swelling, and a high risk of infection. Penetrating TBIs are medical emergencies that typically require immediate surgery and intensive treatment.
Common examples of a penetrating brain injury include injuries caused by:
- Flying debris in construction accidents
- Shrapnel injuries
- Sharp objects that puncture the skull during a violent assault or serious crash
Victims of penetrating TBIs may suffer permanent cognitive impairment, paralysis, personality changes, or other life-altering complications.
Non-Penetrating Brain Injuries
A non-penetrating brain injury, sometimes called a closed-head injury, occurs when the brain is damaged without an object entering the skull. These injuries are often caused by a sudden blow, jolt, or violent movement that causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Although the skull remains intact, the brain can still suffer significant trauma.
Common examples of non-penetrating brain injuries include:
- Concussions, frequently seen in car accidents, falls, and sports injuries
- Contusions, or bruising on brain tissue
- Diffuse axonal injuries caused by severe shaking or rotational force
Non-penetrating TBIs can range from mild to catastrophic, depending on the force involved and the area of the brain affected.
TBIs by Level of Severity
Doctors also classify traumatic brain injuries based on their severity. TBIs are generally categorized as mild, moderate, or severe depending on symptoms, loss of consciousness, brain imaging results, and the extent of neurological impairment.
Mild TBIs
Mild traumatic brain injuries are the most common type of TBI. A concussion is one of the best-known examples of a mild TBI.
These injuries may cause symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light
- Temporary memory problems
Some people lose consciousness briefly, while others remain awake but feel disoriented after the accident. Although symptoms may improve within days or weeks, some victims experience lingering complications known as post-concussion syndrome.
Moderate TBIs
Moderate traumatic brain injuries involve more serious neurological symptoms and often require hospitalization. Victims may lose consciousness for several minutes or hours and experience persistent confusion, speech problems, difficulty concentrating, or significant memory loss.
Examples of moderate TBIs include brain contusions that cause swelling or bleeding and more serious concussions resulting from high-speed vehicle collisions. Many people with moderate TBIs require extensive rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing medical care during recovery.
Severe TBIs
Severe traumatic brain injuries are life-threatening and can result in permanent disability or death. Victims may remain unconscious for extended periods, fall into a coma, or suffer irreversible brain damage. These injuries often require emergency surgery, long-term hospitalization, and lifelong supportive care.
Examples of severe TBIs include diffuse axonal injuries caused by violent shaking or rotational trauma, as well as penetrating brain injuries such as gunshot wounds. Severe TBIs can permanently affect a person’s ability to work, communicate, live independently, or maintain relationships with loved ones.
Contact the Metairie Brain Injury Lawyers at Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for a Free Consultation
If you’re filing a claim after you or a loved one sustained a brain injury, you need assistance from a personal injury lawyer. They can guide you through the intricacies of the process and fight for the compensation you deserve to address your losses. You don’t have to go through a claim on your own.
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our brain injury attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
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