How to Deal with a Traumatic Brain Injury after an Accident
A traumatic brain injury is a serious medical event. This injury usually is from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. A bullet or object that penetrates the skull also can cause traumatic brain injury. Everyone is at risk for a traumatic brain injury, especially children and older adults.
Traumatic brain injury ranges from mild to severe. Mild traumatic brain injury may damage the brain cells temporarily. But more-severe traumatic brain injury can result in bleeding, bruising and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death.
Nearly two-million people suffer from a traumatic brain injury in the United States every year. If you or a loved one has been in an accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, it is important that you understand your rights.
What is TBI and how is It Diagnosed?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when there has been a blow to the head. Auto accidents are by far the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, but some other potential sources of traumatic brain injuries include:
- sports injuries
- violence
- pool injuries
- skiing injuries
- combat injuries
- accidental falls
A traumatic brain injury should be diagnosed by a doctor. Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctors may order a CT scan or MRI to check for brain swelling and bleeding. A doctor may also may test a patient’s motor, verbal and eye responses.
How Common are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. From 2006 to 2014, the number of Traumatic Brain Injury-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths increased by 53%.
In 2014, the total number of deaths caused by Traumatic Brain Injury are estimated to be 56,800. Of those deaths, 2,529 were child deaths. Traumatic Brain Injury was also the cause of 288,000 hospitalizations, including for 23,000 children. Many of the Traumatic Brain Injury-related deaths and hospitalizations were of elder people. Some elderly people are unable to communicate their symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury because of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or other health conditions. Likewise, young children are often unable to verbally communicate their injury, especially if they are not of speaking age.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury in Infants and Children
When an infants or children suffers a brain injury, he or she may be unable to communicate their symptoms verbally. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:
- Unusual irritability
- Persistent crying
- Confusion
- Changes in Sleeping Habits
- Changes in nursing habits.
- Persistent crying and/or inability to be consoled.
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Change in ability to pay attention
- Sad or depressed mood
- Drowsiness
- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities
Caring for a Person with a Traumatic Brain Injury
When a person is diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, treatment and management options often vary depending on the extent of the injury. If the injury is severe, a doctor may order physical therapy, speech therapy, and/or language therapy. In very severe cases, neurosurgical intervention also could be required.
After suffering a traumatic brain injury, a person may need assistance with their activities of daily living (“ADLs”). ADLs include bathing, toileting, transferring, eating, and ambulating. A traumatic brain injury can also affect a person’s ability to work or go to school. If you or a family member suffered a traumatic brain injury and are unable to work, contact a lawyer today to find out more information about your legal options.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered from a recent traumatic brain injury, call us today. It is important to research and find the best personal injury lawyer for your specific case. Typical damages can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress. No lawyer can guarantee a result for you. Consult with an honest law firm that will provide you with insight into your options.
To schedule your free consultation or to find out more about how we can help with your case in California, contact the team at Warren Major LLP today.
