New Medical Device Could Improve Outcomes for Severe TBI Victims

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to approximately 30 percent of all injury deaths in the United States. That means an average of 153 people die each day from a TBI-related injury. Sadly, some of them could be saved if there was a faster way to detect bleeding in the brain; enter a new medical device that could potentially save lives and improve outcomes for severe TBI victims.

There is currently only one way to detect whether a potential TBI victim has bleeding on the brain; it is through a CT scan. Unfortunately, only about 10 percent of these scans end up showing any brain abnormalities in their scans. The rest experience unnecessary costs. Further, some may decline testing because they fear they will not be covered by workers’ compensation, or that their employers may terminate them if the injury is reported. Then there are those who suffer injuries so severe; they simply do not have the time to wait for a scan. All these issues can be remedied with the new device.

The handheld EEG device was tested in a clinical trial involving 11 different hospital. Results showed that it quickly and accurately ruled out about 97 percent of non-emergent TBI cases. It also managed to detect which patients might be at risk for a brain bleed, which helped to ensure they received prompt treatment. In some cases, this near-immediate result may be life-saving. It can also cut back on the number of unnecessary scans done on patients who are not at risk for serious injury.

When injuries happen on the job, employees have the right to seek compensation. Most of the time, this will be through the workers’ compensation program. However, there are other instances in which another party may be held liable. For example, if the employee is a driver for their company and experiences a TBI while involved in an accident with another motorist, the other individual could be held liable if they were negligent (drunk driving, distracted driving, etc.). Alternatively, if the employee experiences a brain injury because of defective machinery or equipment, the employee may be able to seek third-party compensation from the manufacturer of that device.

Whatever your situation, it is important to have your case thoroughly examined. Often, those that may be eligible for other forms of compensation are unaware of their rights. This is where Corisiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP comes in. Our San Jose work injury lawyers are dedicated to ensuring you and your family get the settlement you deserve. We will examine your case, explain your options, and aggressively protect your rights. In every situation, we pursue the most favorable outcome. Schedule your free consultation to get started. Call (408) 289-1417.

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