Some of the most significant injuries you or a loved one can suffer are brain injuries. Trauma to the brain can affect cognitive function and result in permanent brain damage. One of the most common ways that these injuries occur is due to oxygen deprivation. If you experience hypoxia, which refers to low levels of oxygen in your tissues, your brain can struggle to function.
How long can the brain go without oxygen before irreversible damage occurs, you might wonder? Take a closer look at the potential harm that a brain without oxygen can suffer and what legal options you may have if it’s happened to you or a loved one.
How Long Does the Brain Live Without Oxygen?
Unfortunately, the brain can only go a few minutes without oxygen. Typically, brain cell damage occurs within two to three minutes, and severe brain damage is very likely after about five minutes without oxygen. For this reason, cerebral hypoxia often causes irreversible harm.
If the person is conscious when the deprivation begins, they can experience the initial symptoms of cerebral hypoxia, such as:
- Severe dizziness
- Not being able to control movements
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Trouble concentrating
As the oxygen deprivation continues, the person’s lips and fingers can turn blue, and they can fall unconscious. Seizures may occur, as well. If the problem isn’t addressed quickly enough, death can follow.
Common Causes of Oxygen Deprivation Leading to Brain Damage
Medical malpractice, like surgical and anesthesia errors, can cause these serious injuries. If an anesthesiologist doesn’t monitor vital signs during a procedure, for example, it’s possible for the patient to be deprived of oxygen.
Head injuries can also result in oxygen deprivation. Trauma to the brain can damage crucial blood vessels that provide oxygen-rich blood to the organ or cause swelling that has the same impact. Car accidents and falls can also result in head trauma.
Legal Options After Suffering Brain Damage From Oxygen Deprivation
If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury because of oxygen deprivation as a result of another party’s conduct in Georgia, one of the legal options you may have is to pursue a personal injury claim. These claims allow you to receive compensation for the losses you suffered.
Most personal injury claims are based on negligence. Elements you must prove in a negligence claim include:
- Duty of care: The first requirement is showing that the other party owed a duty of care. For example, medical professionals have a legal obligation to monitor patients and follow accepted standards during treatment.
- Breach of duty: A breach occurs when the responsible party fails to meet that standard of care. This may include errors such as failing to monitor vital signs or respond to signs of oxygen deprivation.
- Causation: It must then be shown that the breach of duty directly caused the oxygen deprivation and resulting brain injury, rather than the injury occurring for unrelated reasons.
- Damages: Finally, the injured person must demonstrate measurable losses, such as medical expenses, long-term care needs, lost income, or diminished quality of life.
Because these cases often involve complex medical evidence and significant long-term consequences, having legal representation can be important to pursue fair compensation and avoid undervaluing the harm suffered.
Pursuing Compensation After a Brain Injury in Kennesaw, Georgia
Brain trauma can have serious and long-lasting impacts. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury because of oxygen deprivation from negligence or wrongful conduct in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to seek these damages is with the help of a lawyer.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you have a better chance of obtaining a fair settlement. Even if insurance companies refuse to settle, you may still be able to receive assistance via a lawsuit if you have an attorney helping you.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710, Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
