Student suffers traumatic brain injury in crash; friend killed

Traumatic brain injuries can be life-changing, catastrophic and even fatal. In Maryland and elsewhere, a traumatic brain injury is often difficult to diagnose. When the injury is caused by the negligence of another, grounds for a personal injury claim may exist.

A serious car accident that occurred out of state in April 2015 resulted in the deaths of five individuals. It also caused one female passenger — a nursing student — to suffer a traumatic brain injury. The crash occurred when occupied by the accident victims was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.

The truck driver pleaded guilty to a number of criminal charges, including first-degree vehicular homicide. He is currently serving five years in jail, and the company he worked for admitted responsibility for the crash as well. The student and her family are now seeking compensation for her injuries suffered in the crash.

The complications of a traumatic brain injury are sometimes referred to as “hidden disabilities.” This means that those who have suffered traumatic brain injury may not feel any direct effects immediately after the injury; sometimes, it may take months or even years before the actual symptoms become apparent. Although otherwise seeming to have made full recoveries, some may still experience chronic problems with concentration and memory. Since a TBI injury is so prevalent and the prognosis so uncertain, many Maryland residents who have suffered head injuries due to the negligence of another party or parties seek the help of experienced personal injury attorneys to assess the viability of any claims for personal injuries.

Source: wsbtv.com, “Survivor of crash that killed nursing students gives emotional testimony“, Liz Artz, Jan. 19, 2017