A traumatic brain injury can be the result of several different types of accidents or intentional actions, and the effects of these injuries can last a lifetime. If you or someone you love have sustained a traumatic brain injury, you may have legal options to pursue fair financial recovery.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The brain is one of the most essential organs in the body. Therefore, suffering a brain injury can have devastating effects, both in the short and long term.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually results from a strong and sudden jolt or blow to the head, neck, or body. When this happens, the brain can move unnaturally, causing injury as it stretches or hits the side of the skull.
TBIs can also be penetrating, meaning an object pierces through the skull and enters the brain tissue. Penetrating TBIs are often the result of a bullet, weapon, or bone fragment going through the skull and brain.
Traumatic brain injuries are common injuries that occur after the body suffers a stressful or harmful event, such as a vehicular accident, fall, or act of violence.
Symptoms of TBIs
Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries vary depending on the severity of the injury and the victim’s bodily response. TBIs can cause physical and cognitive signs, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent headache
- Dilation of pupils
- Seizures
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Unusual behavior
The signs of a TBI can be tricky to detect, as they could also indicate other health issues. Additionally, the symptoms of a TBI aren’t guaranteed to begin immediately after suffering an injury, as symptoms can be delayed for hours or even days.
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident or traumatic event. Also, victims of brain injuries should be closely monitored for changes or worsening of symptoms.
Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Treatment for traumatic brain injuries varies based on the seriousness of the injury. Mild brain injuries often require plenty of rest and over-the-counter medications, but moderate to severe TBIs need more extensive care.
For more severe traumatic brain injuries, medications like anti-seizure and pain medication may be necessary. Surgery may be indicated to allow victims to heal properly, including surgery to remove blood clots, stop brain bleeds, and repair skull fractures.
Victims of traumatic brain injuries may also need rehabilitation, including physical and speech therapy, to relearn how to perform everyday functions like walking and talking. Sometimes, it is necessary to induce a coma after a brain injury to reduce swelling and allow the brain and skull to heal properly.
Making a full recovery is, of course, the goal when treating a traumatic brain injury. However, in many cases, full healing is not possible.
Potential Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can seriously affect the brain and brain function in the short term during healing, but unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for brain injuries to affect victims in the long term.
The life-altering effects of a traumatic brain injury vary greatly. You can suffer physical complications, including seizures, paralysis, or loss of vision. Intellectual issues include problems with memory, attention, and learning. You can experience behavioral and emotional changes and problems with communication.
In the worst cases, a traumatic brain injury can leave a victim in an altered state of consciousness, either in a minimally conscious state, a coma, or a vegetative state.
Is There Legal Recourse After Suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury?
When determining whether you have legal recourse, it’s important to consider how the traumatic brain injury came about. If the injury was the fault of a third party, you may have legal options.
After the accident or incident that caused the brain injury, gather any evidence and documentation you think may be pertinent to your case. Share your story and information with a qualified personal injury lawyer quickly.
A lawyer can review the specifics of your case to determine whether you have a viable case. If so, they can provide quality representation and assist you in pursuing justice and fair compensation for your losses.
Seeking Legal Guidance From an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
After you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury at the hands of another, speak with a personal injury lawyer. Time is limited to take action — the sooner you meet with an attorney, the quicker they can begin working on your case.
Schrier Law Group has over three decades of experience representing clients injured by others. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation.
