Brain Injury

The Law Offices of Daral B. Mazzarella, APC represents clients in San Diego and throughout Southern California who have suffered traumatic brain injury due to a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident, or caused by a defective product or medical malpractice.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by a sudden bump, blow, jolt, or other force which causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth, disturbing the brain's normal function. TBI may range from a mild injury, causing a brief disruption to the brain's function or consciousness, to severe, causing extended unconsciousness or other more serious harm. TBI may cause long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial damages, including hardships caused by medical treatments and bills, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. Approximately 1.7 million people suffer from a traumatic brain injury in the United States each year. Of those TBI victims, about 275,000 are hospitalized and about 52,000 die.

For more than 20 years, Daral Mazzarella has assisted clients who have sustained brain injuries due to the negligent acts or omissions of others, including drivers who cause accidents involving motor vehicles, negligent doctors, and manufacturers of defective products. Over this time, Mr. Mazzarella has established a network of medical and professional experts who assist in identifying the extent and long-term effects of injuries to help clients obtain the maximum compensation to which they are entitled. Recoverable economic and noneconomic damages typically include medical bills and costs of rehabilitation, lost wages during the injury and recovery period, lost future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Symptoms of TBI

While TBI may often prove mild and not life-threatening, it can have a serious and long-term impact on an injured victim's physical or psychological functions; memory or reasoning skills; touch, taste, or smell; or ability to communicate. By immediately seeking medical assistance, an injured party may be able to minimize the long-term effects. Common symptoms an injured party should look for may include:

• Loss of Consciousness
• Concussions
• Difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating
• Difficulty remembering new information
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Fuzzy or blurred vision
• Mood changes, including irritability, sadness, moodiness, nervousness, or anxiety
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Difficulty falling asleep

Additional symptoms of possible severe TBI, necessitating immediate medical attention include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Constant worsening headache
• Dizziness, weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination
• Vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Trouble recognizing people or places
• Unusual behavior, including increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
• Convulsions or seizures
• One enlarged pupil

Severe TBI may also cause victims to suffer an increased risk of epilepsy, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease.

Diagnosis & Treatment of TBI

Because symptoms of TBI may not be noticeable until hours or even weeks after an injury, it is important to seek medical attention for help diagnosing and monitoring possible TBI, and to help avoid further harm from developing over time. A doctor or other medical staff may perform a brain scan, CT scan, or neuropsychological or neurocognitive tests. Neuropsychological and neurocognitive tests assess an injured party's learning and memory skills, ability to concentrate, and problem-solving ability to help the doctor identify the effects of a possible brain injury. Other tests include the Glasgow Coma Scale, functional MRI, intracranial pressure monitor, PET scan, or SPECT scan. If the diagnosing doctor notices any signs of possible TBI, he or she may refer you to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment, including physical, occupational, or speech therapists, psychiatrists, or neurologists.

Seek Experienced Representation

If you or a loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence or wrongful acts of another, you may be able to recovery damages for the costs of your injury, pain, suffering, and emotional harm. Contact the Law Offices of Daral B. Mazzarella, APC for a free consultation to discuss your case.