Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a serious condition caused by repeated head injuries, often leaving victims with life-altering symptoms. From memory loss to emotional instability, the impact of CTE can devastate individuals and their families.
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of CTE after a traumatic brain injury, our Seattle CTE injury lawyer at Bernard Law Group is here to help you seek justice and compensation.
What is CTE?
CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma. These injuries lead to the buildup of a protein called tau, which interferes with brain function. Over time, this condition worsens, affecting memory, behavior, and overall quality of life.
CTE often develops in athletes, military personnel, and others exposed to frequent concussions or head injuries. It is a progressive condition, meaning the symptoms typically worsen over time.
Causes of CTE
Many wonder, are there any future complications to a concussion that might lead to long-term issues like CTE? Yes, there are potential future complications from a concussion that could lead to long-term issues. CTE develops due to repeated blows to the head or concussions. While many associate CTE with sports like football or boxing, it can also result from other incidents, such as:
- Blurry Vision Driving Crash: Head injuries from car accidents, especially those causing whiplash or direct trauma to the skull, can increase the risk of developing CTE.
- Falls or Workplace Injuries: alls, especially on construction sites or slippery surfaces, can cause traumatic brain injuries, contributing to CTE over time.
- Military Service: Explosions, head trauma, and physical combat in military service members can lead to the repeated brain injuries that result in CTE.
What Are CTE Symptoms?
CTE symptoms often appear years after repeated head injuries and can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for managing the condition.
Memory Loss
Difficulty remembering names, events, or everyday tasks is a hallmark symptom of CTE. This can progress over time, making even simple activities challenging.
Emotional Instability
Mood swings, depression, heightened irritability, and feelings of frustration are commonly reported. These emotional shifts can strain relationships and affect daily life.
Cognitive Challenges
CTE often causes problems with focus, decision-making, and problem-solving. These challenges can interfere with work, personal responsibilities, and overall independence.
Physical Symptoms
Headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light are often associated with CTE. These symptoms can worsen over time, especially if the injuries were sustained in high-impact events like car accidents or sports collisions.
If you’ve experienced concussions or head trauma and are noticing symptoms like these, it’s important to ask yourself if there could be long-term complications. These signs might indicate the early stages of something more serious. Reaching out to a Seattle CTE injury lawyer early on can help you explore your legal options if another person’s negligence led to your injury.
Long-Term Complications of CTE
CTE is a progressive condition that can lead to devastating long-term consequences, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. These complications often worsen over time, significantly impacting individuals and their families.
Severe Cognitive Decline
As CTE progresses, individuals may experience significant memory loss, confusion, and eventually develop dementia or other significant cognitive impairments. These changes can make even basic daily tasks impossible to manage independently.
Increased Risk of Depression and Suicide
The emotional toll of CTE often leads to severe depression, heightened anxiety, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. These mental health challenges are among the most devastating aspects of the condition and require ongoing support and intervention.
Motor Impairments
Physical complications of CTE include difficulty walking, maintaining balance, and fine motor coordination. These impairments can progress to the point where they limit mobility and independence.
Dependence on Caregivers
As symptoms worsen, many individuals with CTE require extensive caregiving to assist with everyday tasks. This dependence places significant emotional and financial stress on families, who often struggle to meet the needs of their loved ones.
A timely diagnosis can help treat the condition early on. Reaching out to a Seattle personal injury lawyer can help determine if legal options are available to help you recover compensation.
How is CTE Diagnosed?
CTE is challenging to diagnose during a person’s lifetime. Most confirmed diagnoses occur posthumously through brain autopsies. However, doctors can evaluate symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests to identify likely cases of CTE.
If you or someone you love is showing signs of CTE after experiencing a traumatic brain injury, speaking with our Seattle CTE injury lawyer can help you explore legal options.
Who is at Risk for CTE?
Certain individuals face a higher risk of developing CTE, including:
- Athletes in contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing.
- Victims of car crashes who experienced head trauma or blurry vision from the accident.
- Military service members exposed to explosions or combat injuries.
- Those who have suffered repeated concussions, whether from sports, workplace accidents, or falls.
Legal Challenges in CTE Cases
Proving liability in CTE cases can be complex, but it’s not impossible. Potential parties responsible for contributing to a victim’s injuries include:
- Negligent drivers in car accidents resulting in head injuries.
- Employers who fail to provide adequate safety measures to prevent falls or head trauma.
- Sports organizations that fail to warn or protect players from repeated concussions.
With the help of our Seattle CTE injury lawyer, we’ll build a strong case to identify those responsible for your injuries.
Compensation for CTE Victims
Individuals diagnosed with CTE may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing treatments and therapies
- Loss of income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modifications to accommodate physical limitations
- Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
- Long-term caregiving expenses
- Funeral expenses in the event of a loss
Why Choose Bernard Law Group?
At Bernard Law Group, we believe in putting people first. With over 30 years of experience serving Seattle and Washington State, we’ve built a reputation as a trusted advocate for injury victims, including those with CTE and other traumatic brain injuries.
Our legal team, led by founding attorney Kirk Bernard, has recovered over $500 million for accident victims. We take pride in our 98% success rate, giving you confidence that your case is in capable hands. Every client’s situation is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, offering personalized attention and unwavering support.
When you choose Bernard Law Group, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated team committed to justice. Let us put our proven track record and experience to work for you. Call today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about CTE injury cases:
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Waiting too long may jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
What evidence is needed for a CTE claim?
Medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony are critical in proving liability and damages in a CTE case.
Can I file a claim if I had previous concussions?
Yes. Even if you’ve had prior concussions, you may still be eligible for compensation if another party’s negligence caused your injury or worsened your condition.
What does it cost to hire a lawyer?
At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case.
Call Our Seattle CTE Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one is struggling with CTE symptoms or facing future complications from a concussion, it’s time to take action. Our Seattle CTE injury lawyer at Bernard Law Group is ready to provide your legal support.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll fight for your right to compensation and help you through this difficult time.
