Millions of individuals suffer from the dangerous condition known as traumatic brain injury. It is brought on by a violent blow or trauma to the head, which might interfere with the brain’s regular operation.
Traumatic brain injury can result from a number of incidents, including falls, car crashes, sports-related injuries, and severe attacks. TBIs can range in severity from minor concussions to serious, sometimes fatal injuries.
It can have a significant effect on the lives of those who are affected as well as those close to them. Many people also fight legal battles countering such incidents. One of the recent cases from St. Louis sheds light on the seriousness of the matter. Let us, through this article, take a look at the case.
Traumatic Brain Injury 101
According to the Neurological Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, TBIs can be classified into two broad categories: primary and secondary injuries.
Primary injuries refer to the immediate damage caused by the initial trauma. On the other hand, secondary injuries are the result of reactive processes that occur over time, ranging from hours to weeks.
Well, any kind of traumatic brain injury can leave you and your family in a devastated state. If you have been attacked, like the case we are going to discuss, you have legal ways for guidance.
According to the TorHoerman Law, a serious personal injury can have a devastating impact on the victim and their family. It may cause immense stress, pain, and suffering.
In the aftermath of an accident, victims often face overwhelming financial burdens in addition to their physical and emotional trauma. Attorneys understand the gravity of such situations and are committed to fighting for the rights of victims to receive just compensation.
For instance, a recent case in St. Louis involving two teenagers fighting ended up leaving grave traumatic brain injuries to a high school girl. Not only are they suffering, but tensions are building up in both of their families.
The case is being handled by St. Louis personal injury lawyers. Such cases come under their expertise and, therefore, it’s best to take legal advice and help from an experienced attorney. Let us have a detailed look on what exactly happened.
Fighting for Life
As First Alert 4 states, on March 8th, a brutal fight left 16-year-old Kaylee Gain with severe brain injuries. This forever altered the lives of her and her family. A certification hearing was held at the St. Louis Courthouse for 15-year-old Maurnice DeClue charged with first-degree assault in connection with the incident.
During the harrowing weeks that followed, Gain’s family endured a traumatic rollercoaster ride as they kept vigil by her bedside. There were days in the ICU when she experienced fevers, low blood pressure, increased brain pressure, skyrocketing heart rates, and seizure-like episodes.
Excitement at the prospect of seeing her open her eyes coupled with the terrifying uncertainty of whether she would recognize them. They were confused upon regaining her ability to speak or walk, or worse, remain in a vegetative state.
Initially, Gain could not speak, make eye contact, or control her agitated state, leading to her being restrained. Throughout the first week of regaining consciousness, she was in a state of delirium.
She was unsure of her surroundings, screaming, and trying to forcibly remove her restraints which was a heart-wrenching scene.
After this initial phase, Gain began daily sessions of occupational, physical, and speech therapy. The devastating injuries she sustained have not only profoundly impacted her parents but also her younger siblings.
They were initially required counseling to cope with the realization that their big sister may never be the same.
After six weeks in the treatment facility, Gain was finally cleared to continue her healing at home. However, her journey is far from over. Gain will require an Individualized Educational Program for school.
She attends therapy three days a week and continues to experience significant short-term memory loss. Her family prays that the juvenile offender shows remorse and takes accountability for her actions. They sincerely hope that no one else’s lives are irreversibly changed by such senseless violence.
Did a Bully Get Bullied: What Exactly Happened?
The tension between DeClue and Kaylee reached a boiling point after Kaylee was involved in a fight at school with DeClue’s friend. This incident reignited a fresh wave of bitter phone threats between the two teens, reports the New York Post.
Tragically, in a misguided attempt to settle their differences, they agreed to meet and engage in a one-on-one physical fight. On the decided day, Gain and DeClue met at a spot a mile away from their school. The location was quite famous for hosting teen fights.
After exchanging blows for a while, DeClue gained the upper hand, mounted Gain, and repeatedly smashed her skull against the sidewalk. The circumstances that led to the violent encounter were complex, as both teens made the terrible decision to turn to violence.
The Defendant Speaks
During the hearing, DeClue’s mother also spoke emotionally, expressing her prayers for Gain’s recovery. On the other side, she asserted that her daughter acted in self-defense without malice.
She highlighted her daughter’s aspirations in life and expressed a desire for her education not to be interrupted. The defense attorney filed a motion for the 15-year-old to be released from the detention facility.
The request was to be placed on house arrest with a GPS. The attorney argued that she has a structured and stable home environment and could attend school virtually.
However, the prosecutor opposed the motion, citing concerns for public safety and the suspect’s well-being. Ultimately, the judge denied the motion, and the 15-year-old remains in the detention center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury depend on the severity of the injury, but common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, sensitivity to light or sound, and loss of consciousness.
How are traumatic brain injuries diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury typically involves a physical examination, a review of symptoms and medical history, and imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs to assess brain damage and identify any bleeding or swelling.
What are the different levels of severity for traumatic brain injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries are classified into three levels of severity: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild TBIs, also known as concussions, may result in temporary symptoms, while moderate and severe TBIs can cause more significant and long-lasting impairments.
How are traumatic brain injuries treated?
Treatment for traumatic brain injuries depends on the severity and specific symptoms but may include rest, medication for pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counseling or psychological support.
Apart from the lawsuits, there are several support groups and resources available for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their families.
Organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) provide information, resources, and support networks for people affected by TBIs.