Traumatic Brain Injuries from Accidents – What you need to know.

/ Car Accidents Q&A, Criminal Law, General Blog, Personal Injury Law

Traumatic Brain Injuries from AccidentsTraumatic Brain Injuries from Accidents – What you need to know.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of death and disability in the United States.  TBIs result in approximately 30% of all deaths.  In 2016, there was approximately 2.8 million TBI-related emergency room visits in the U.S.

 

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs can be caused by bumps, blows or jolts to the head that disrupts the normal cognitive function of the brain.  A TBI can range from mild (a brief change in mental status) to severe (such as an extended period of memory loss).

 

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Assaults
  • Auto Accidents
  • Acceleration or Deceleration Trauma
  • Slips and Falls
  • Trucking Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Motorcycle/Bicycle Accidents
  • Sports Accidents
  • Work/Construction Accidents

 

Common Symptoms of TBIsTraumatic Brain Injuries from Accidents

It is essential to detect symptoms early and obtain treatment to prevent future damage.  It can be, however, difficult for early TBI symptoms to be missed if they have not fully materialized.  It is important to watch for the following TBI symptoms following an accident:

  • Dizziness
  • Memory Loss
  • Persistent Headaches
  • Coordination difficulties
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Vision difficulties
  • Change in temperament

 

Long-Term Effects of TBIs

The medical expenses for treating a TBI can be overwhelming, draining a family’s financial resources.  A victim’s quality of life can be severely impacted.  Long-term complications can include:

  • Cognitive Defects – memory loss, short attention span, impaired judgment, loss of space and time perception
  • Motor Sensory Complications – weakness, paralysis, reduced coordination, reduced stamina, tremors, seizures.
  • Perceptual and Sensory Defects – Loss or change in sensations
  • Language and Communication Issues – difficulty speaking, writing, reading or communicating
  • Functional Complications – difficulty with normal daily activities
  • Social and Psychiatric Changes – problems interacting in social situations, irritability, depression and anxiety
  • Traumatic Epilepsy – recurrent seizures
  • Loss of Life

 

Steps Following a TBI

  • Sit victim down and ensure he or she is stable
  • Examine victim for head wounds, applying cloth and pressure to any wounds
  • Give victim ice to hold against the wound
  • Check to see if the victim is alert and responsive. Determine if victim is dizzy or nauseous, has suffered loss of memory, headaches or general confusion
  • Seek immediate medical treatment if symptoms worsen
  • Seek immediate emergency care if victim is not responsive or has a rapidly deteriorating level of responsiveness or is experiencing excessive blood loss.

Once the victim has obtained the necessary medical treatment and is stable, contact an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney like Bernard M. Tully to pursue damages on your behalf.  As an experienced TBI attorney with 35 (5) star Google Reviews, Mr. Tully can help you secure compensation for current and future expenses including:

  • Medical costs
  • Property damages
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship

 

Bernard M. Tully has litigated a wide array of traumatic brain injury cases, winning significant settlements and verdicts on our clients’ behalves.  While TBIs can be devastating, we can help to secure the best possible future for you and your family. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.