Chicago Lawyers: Toxic Brain Injury
Exposure to chemicals, environmental pollutants and biological contaminants can cause toxic brain injury, also called encephalopathy. Symptoms of toxic brain injury depend on the specific contaminant and the level of exposure. They can occur relatively quickly, as with carbon monoxide poisoning, or develop slowly over a long period of time, as with lead poisoning or mercury poisoning.
Toxic brain injury can be caused by hundreds of different substances, including:
- Chemicals — Pesticides, solvents, gasoline, other petroleum products, benzene, toluene, xylene
- Heavy metals — Lead, mercury, arsenic
- Gases and fumes — Carbon monoxide
- Biological contaminants — Mold and mildew
- Medications — Prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs
Symptoms vary according to the type and extent of toxic exposure, but can include headaches, memory loss, changes in personality, loss of impulse control, anxiety, aggression, sleep disturbance, depression, confusion, chemical sensitivity, immune dysfunction, dementia, trouble with motor skills, speech disturbances, learning disabilities, lowered IQ, organ failure, coma and death.
Diagnosing Toxic Brain Injury
Diagnosing a toxic brain injury may involve several types of imaging tests to assess the brain's structure (CAT scan and MRI) and function (EEG, SPECT scan and PET scan).
At Lane & Lane, LLC, our attorneys understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in litigation involving toxic brain injury. We have won significant recoveries and settlements for clients injured by many types of toxic substances.
If you have suffered a toxic brain injury, please contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. From our offices in Chicago, we represent clients throughout Illinois.
