An anoxic brain injury can permanently change your life within minutes. If the brain lacks oxygen, brain cells begin to die quickly, which can cause a cascade of devastating health effects throughout the body. Even if you survive the initial event, you may face lasting problems with memory, movement, or even independent living.

If another person’s negligence caused your brain injury, you have the right to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. An experienced Mankato anoxic brain injury lawyer can investigate what happened, identify the responsible parties, and prepare a claim that reflects the full impact of your injuries. Our compassionate traumatic brain injury attorneys are part of your community and can guide you through the legal process.

What Is an Anoxic Brain Injury?

An anoxic brain injury occurs if the brain completely loses access to oxygen for a period of time. The brain depends on a constant oxygen supply to function, so even a brief interruption can cause permanent damage.

The effects of an anoxic brain injury depend on how long the brain went without oxygen. In general, going without air for longer periods of time will lead to more negative effects throughout the body. Symptoms can include:

  • Loss of motor function
  • Seizures
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty with speech
  • Personality changes
  • Confusion
  • Poor coordination

In severe cases, an anoxic brain injury can leave a person permanently disabled and unable to return to work or live independently. Caring for these conditions can be costly, which is why people can work with our Mankato lawyers to pursue legal claims after an anoxic brain injury.

Common Causes of Anoxic Brain Injuries

An anoxic brain injury can occur in many different situations where another party’s negligence prevents the brain from receiving enough oxygen. Some examples include car and truck accidents, near-drowning incidents, fires and smoke inhalation, and defective products.

Car Accidents

A serious motor vehicle collision can interrupt oxygen flow to the brain in several ways. Severe trauma, crushing injuries, or airway injuries may prevent normal breathing, while significant blood loss can reduce the oxygen reaching the brain.

Truck Accidents

The tremendous force involved in a commercial truck collision can cause catastrophic injuries that interfere with breathing or circulation. These crashes often leave victims with multiple traumatic injuries, increasing the risk of oxygen deprivation.

Near-Drowning Incidents

Near-drowning accidents can deprive the brain of oxygen within minutes. These incidents sometimes occur because property owners fail to maintain safe swimming areas, provide appropriate safety measures, or address dangerous conditions around pools or other bodies of water.

Fires and Smoke Inhalation

A fire can expose victims to heavy smoke and toxic gases that prevent the body from receiving adequate oxygen. Negligent property maintenance, defective electrical systems, or other preventable hazards can contribute to fires that cause devastating brain injuries.

Defective Products

Dangerous products can also potentially interrupt the oxygen supply and cause an anoxic brain injury. If a product defect contributes to the injury, the manufacturer or another company involved in placing the product into the public marketplace could be liable for your damages.

Regardless of the cause, a Mankato lawyer from our firm with experience in cases involving anoxic brain injuries can support your pursuit of compensation.

The Deadline To File a Brain Injury Lawsuit

State law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after an anoxic brain injury. In many cases, according to Minnesota Statutes § 541.05, the deadline is six years from the date of the injury. However, certain situations involve different filing deadlines or special legal requirements, which may be as short as two years from the date of injury. It is a good idea to speak with an anoxic brain injury attorney in Mankato to determine the exact date this time limit will expire.

Contact Our Mankato Anoxic Brain Injury Attorneys Today

If someone else’s negligence resulted in a brain injury for you or a loved one, seek out the guidance of an attorney as soon as possible. Call a compassionate Mankato anoxic brain injury lawyer for a private consultation with our team as soon as possible.