This blog has previously discussed brain injuries that result from a car accident or for some other blow or force to the head. These types of injuries, called traumatic brain injuries, can leave a Louisiana resident permanently disabled. Even so-called milder traumatic brain injuries can seriously disrupt a person’s life.
However, traumatic brain injuries are not the only way a Houma resident can suffer serious brain damage.
For example, two other closely related types of brain injuries are called anoxic and hypoxic brain injuries. As the name implies, this type of brain injury is related to oxygen deprivation. After about four minutes of oxygen deprivation, brain cells will begin to die.
The only difference between a hypoxic injury and an anoxic brain injury is that, in the latter case, the brain is completely deprived of oxygen. In the first case, the brain gets some oxygen, but not enough to avoid damage.
While lack of oxygen to the brain may happen on account of an unavoidable stroke, other things may cause the condition as well. Sadly, sometimes people experience oxygen deprivation to the brain at the hands of those to whom they entrusted their lives and safety.
By way of example, some work-related injuries actually can involve a hypoxic or anoxic brain injury. For instance, if a worker gets exposed to poisonous chemicals that prevent oxygen from reaching the brain, either directly or because they shut down other organs, anoxic or hypoxic brain injuries may result. Likewise, drowning, a relatively common cause of death at theme parks, local pools and recreational areas, may lead to this type of brain injury.
As with traumatic brain injuries, those that cause hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries can be held responsible for their negligence.