Oakland Athletics pitcher recovering from traumatic brain injury
Oakland Athletics pitcher Brandon McCarthy is currently recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a game with the Los Angeles Angels. The brain injury occurred when he was struck by a line drive off the bat of an opposing player. He sustained an epidural hemorrhage, a brain contusion, and a skull fracture. McCarthy spent over three weeks in the hospital, during which time he underwent brain surgery. The brain injury was thought to be life-threatening, but McCarthy pulled through, a recovery for which he credits his doctors.
Traumatic brain injuries can result from many causes. They can be caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals on the job, or from a car accident. They can occur when playing sports like football or baseball, where physical contact with another player or an accidental hit from a fast-thrown ball can cause serious physical damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, the consequences can be dire.
Victims of a brain injury must cope with the financial issues stemming from the injury as well as the physical injury itself. They must deal with lost wages stemming from the accident as well as the medical bills involved. Brain injury victims often face years of rehabilitation and therapy, which can financially devastate a family. Suffering through a traumatic brain injury can be extremely taxing for the victim, as well as for his or her family.
Hitting a line drive in a professional baseball game is not negligent. But when a brain injury is caused by the negligence of another, the victim is entitled to fair monetary compensation. The injured party is entitled to recover monetary compensation for lost wages, medical bills, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Source: Greenfield Daily Reporter, “Athletics Pitcher Brandon McCarthy Feeling Almost Normal After Frightening Head Injury, “Janie McCauley, September 28, 2012.