Personal Injury Law: A Brief Overview of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can completely change your life. Any injury to the brain can irreversibly affect other parts of your body and can lead to an increase in potential problems in the future, including an increased likelihood of developing dementia in some circumstances. Depending on the cause of the damage, traumatic brain injuries are one of the many wounds that may be compensated in a personal injury case.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
TBI is caused by sudden damage or trauma to the brain. It occurs most often when the head hits an object or when an object goes through the skull and pierces the brain.
Symptoms associated with TBI can vary wildly from person to person. The type of injury and which parts of the brain have been affected will also play a role in symptoms. When only a mild injury has occurred, then the dysfunction of the brain cells that it causes may only be temporary. In severe injuries, bleeding, bruising, and tissue damage can lead to long-term problems and even death.
Symptoms of mild TBI include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Mood changes
- Behavioral changes
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Trouble with memory
- Concentration problems
- Difficulty thinking generally
- Ringing in the ears
Moderate TBI victims will have similar symptoms, but they may also experience nausea, vomiting, and an extremely bad headache that does not go away.
Severe TBI is marked by the following symptoms.
- Convulsions or seizures
- Ears or nose draining clear fluids
- Fingers and toes weakness or numbness
- Loss of coordination
- Combativeness or agitation (usual behaviors)
- Slurred speech
- Coma or loss of consciousness
- Dilation of one or both pupils
Interestingly, symptoms may not appear right away. It can take days or even weeks for symptoms to appear. You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms of TBI in yourself or a loved one.
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Occur?
A traumatic brain injury may occur any time that you suffer a blow to the head or body. The most common sources of TBIs include:
- Falls
- Auto accidents
- Pedestrian/auto accidents
- Bicycle-related accidents
- Violence
- Sports injuries
- Explosions (or combat injuries)
Auto accidents are an extremely common cause of traumatic brain injuries. This is, in part, because of the often high speed that vehicles travel, which is followed by the sudden stop of the collision. The sudden stop can force the brain to slam against the skull, which often results in an internal TBI that can be difficult to spot after an accident.
Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries in a Personal Injury Case
If your TBI has been caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to bring a personal injury case against the wrongdoer. Asserting a personal injury lawsuit may help you get damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and related long-term problems that may arise due to your injuries. Other damages may be available as well, depending on the circumstances of your case.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you assert a legal claim after an accident that led to a traumatic brain injury. Contact Inkelaar Law at 1-877-537-4665 to learn how we can help.