Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney in Greenville, NC
Last updated on August 21, 2025
Any type of injury can be devastating for a person. Injuries can temporarily prevent you from being able to work or maintain your day-to-day routine. This disruption to normal life can cause financial, physical, and emotional stress. Sometimes, injuries can even cause permanent damage that can affect years after the accident occurred.
Traumatic brain injuries are particularly devastating because they can have long lasting effects on a person’s life, unlike minor injuries like a broken leg. If you live in North Carolina and have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, contact Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP for a free consultation. We will work for you to help you receive adequate compensation for your injuries.
Learn About Traumatic Brain Injuries
Not all injuries to the head are considered traumatic. For example, cuts and bruises on the head from a minor accident is nothing to worry about. However, more serious accidents can cause increasingly concerning head injuries. Specifically, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have the most devastating effects on the victim.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause noticeable differences in the victim, including the following:
- Changes in his or her behavior
- Changes in his or her cognition
- Changes in his or her emotions
TBIs can present as mild, moderate, or severe. Depending on the severity and location of the head injury, a victim of a TBI may display symptoms such as:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Impulsivity
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of short-term memory
- Mood swings
- Seizures
- Vision impairment or loss
Sometimes, a victim may even slip into a coma while their body tries to heal itself. This injury can often lead to permanent damage that greatly impacts the individual’s ability to work or even function normally. Fortunately, though, TBIs rarely cause death, although it is possible.
Closed Vs. Penetrating Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are typically categorized as either closed or penetrating. Understanding the difference is essential when seeking legal and medical support.
- Closed brain injuries occur when the brain is damaged without any skull breaks. They are often caused by falls, car accidents or sports-related impacts. The brain may shake or twist inside the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding or tearing of brain tissue.
- Penetrating brain injuries involve an object breaking through the skull and entering the brain. These injuries are usually caused by gunshots, sharp objects or severe trauma and often result in localized damage.
Closed brain injuries are significantly more common than penetrating ones. However, their lack of visible symptoms can make diagnosis and legal claims more complex. Victims may experience delayed symptoms such as confusion, headaches or mood changes, which can complicate proving the extent of harm.
Both types of injuries can have life-altering consequences, but closed injuries require particular attention due to their hidden nature and diagnostic challenges.
Primary Vs. Secondary Brain Injuries
TBIs are also classified based on the timing of damage: primary or secondary. This distinction helps victims understand the progression of their condition and the importance of ongoing care.
- Primary brain injuries occur at the moment of impact. They include immediate damage such as contusions (bruising), bleeding or torn brain tissue. These injuries are often irreversible and require urgent medical attention.
- Secondary brain injuries develop over time following the initial trauma. They result from processes like swelling, reduced blood flow or chemical changes in the brain. These injuries may worsen symptoms days or even weeks after the incident.
Secondary injuries can be just as damaging as primary ones, especially if not properly monitored. Victims should seek continuous medical evaluation to detect evolving symptoms and prevent further harm. From a legal standpoint, understanding secondary injuries is crucial for calculating long-term damages and securing appropriate compensation.
Recognizing both primary and secondary injuries helps ensure victims receive comprehensive care and legal representation tailored to the full scope of their condition.
A North Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Assist You
If you were the victim of a traumatic brain injury caused by an accident or another circumstance outside of your control, you have legal rights. Rely on our team of experienced attorneys to fight for your rights, you can expect us to use every resource available to build a solid case. Call Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP today for a FREE legal consultation.