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Is a stroke a TBI?

Yes, a stroke is a form of brain injury. Often referred to as a “brain attack,” a stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen due to an interruption in blood flow. This deprivation causes brain cells to die, leading to potentially severe and permanent damage.

Strokes are classified as acquired brain injuries because they are caused by internal factors, such as blocked or ruptured blood vessels, rather than external trauma. However, their effects can be just as devastating as those of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), impacting cognitive, physical, and emotional functions.

Watch: "Is a stroke a TBI" by De Caro & Kaplen, LLP

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, brain injury attorneys Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro have dedicated their careers to advocating for individuals affected by all forms of brain injury. Their deep knowledge of brain injury law and extensive experience handling stroke-related cases allow them to provide trusted representation to clients seeking justice.


How Does a Stroke Happen?

Strokes can occur for various reasons. While they are not always caused by trauma, they can result in significant brain injuries regardless of the cause. Common scenarios include:

  • Blood clots: A clot forms and blocks blood flow through a blood vessel in the brain.
  • Trauma: Physical trauma, such as during a car accident or a difficult childbirth, can lead to a stroke.
  • Birth injuries: Traumatic events during labor, such as oxygen deprivation in the birth canal, can result in a stroke in a newborn.

As a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School, Michael Kaplen teaches the nation’s only course on traumatic brain injury law. His expertise in understanding the medical and legal complexities of brain injuries, including strokes, is unmatched.


How Can Brain Damage Be Minimized Following a Stroke?

The key to reducing stroke-related brain damage is recognizing the signs early and seeking immediate medical care. As the saying goes, “time is brain”—every moment without treatment increases the risk of permanent damage.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we understand the critical importance of early intervention. Shana De Caro, past Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America, emphasizes the need for timely medical care to mitigate the long-term effects of strokes.


What Are the Consequences of Mismanaged Strokes?

In many cases, strokes are not properly diagnosed or treated in time, leading to life-altering consequences. When medical professionals fail to recognize stroke symptoms or delay treatment, the resulting brain injury can cause:

  • Physical impairments: Paralysis or difficulty with movement.
  • Cognitive challenges: Memory loss or difficulty concentrating.
  • Speech and communication difficulties.
  • Emotional and behavioral changes: Depression, anxiety, or mood swings.

Shana De Caro and Michael Kaplen have seen firsthand the devastating impact of mismanaged strokes. Their work ensures that those who have suffered due to medical negligence are able to hold healthcare providers accountable and secure the resources they need for recovery.


What to Do If a Stroke Is Mismanaged

If you or a loved one has suffered permanent brain damage because a stroke was not properly diagnosed or treated, it’s essential to seek legal representation. A qualified brain injury attorney can:

  • Investigate the medical care provided to determine if negligence occurred.
  • Hold healthcare providers accountable for failing to deliver timely and appropriate treatment.
  • Pursue compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and the emotional toll of the injury.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we have successfully litigated cases involving strokes and brain injuries. By collaborating with medical experts, we ensure that every case reflects the true extent of the injury and its impact on your life.


Why Choose De Caro & Kaplen, LLP for Your Stroke Case?

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we have extensive experience handling cases involving strokes and other forms of brain injury. Michael and Shana are nationally recognized leaders in brain injury law:

  • Michael V. Kaplen has been named one of New York’s top 100 trial lawyers and is board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy.
  • Shana De Caro is an immediate past Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America and a nationally recognized brain injury attorney.

When you work with us, we:

  • Advocate tirelessly to protect your rights.
  • Collaborate with medical experts to assess the cause and extent of your injury.
  • Fight for the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke due to trauma or medical negligence, contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your rights and options.

With decades of experience in brain injury advocacy, Michael Kaplen and Shana De Caro are here to provide the trusted legal guidance you need. Let us stand by your side as you pursue justice and recovery.

About The Author

Michael V. Kaplen

Michael V. Kaplen represents victims of vehicle collisions, unsafe buildings and construction sites, and medical malpractice, and is a preferred attorney of The Brain Injury Association of America.

Michael is board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate and board certified in medical malpractice litigation. He is a Professorial Lecturer in Law, The George Washington University Law School, The Legal Aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Michael is past chairman of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Automobile, Highway and Premise Liability Section, past chairman of the AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, three term president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State served two terms as chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council and vice-president, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

He was invited by President Obama to participate in the White House Healthy Kids & Safe Sports Concussion Summit.

He is admitted to courts in New York, Florida, and Washington, DC. He has been selected as a New York Super Lawyer and recognized by Best Lawyers of America and U.S. News and World Report in personal injury law.

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