A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of head injury that can be life-changing. They can lead to permanent mental and physical damage and take their toll on the victims and their families.
TBI is more common than most people think – the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1.5 million people suffer from mild to severe TBI every year. 85,000 of those people sustain a long-term or permanent disability, while 50,000 of them die.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain trauma can happen even if the victim didn’t sustain a strike to the head or lose consciousness. The CDC identifies the following as the top causes of TBI:
- Slips and falls
- Car accidents
- Accidental blunt trauma, such as getting hit by a falling object at a construction worksite
- Physical assault and other violent attacks
- Medical malpractice
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI often goes undiagnosed, which is why it’s essential to know its common signs and symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms below will be crucial in the quick diagnosis and treatment of TBI:
- Dizziness or nausea
- Headaches or migraine
- Memory loss
- Vision or hearing impairment
- Issues with speaking or slurred speech
- Sleeping problems
- Emotional changes and mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
Here are the three common types of TBI:
- Closed head injury: This is a common type of injury where the skull stays intact. However, they can still be very dangerous and may lead to concussion, pressure on the brain, brain bleed, and trauma.
- Penetrating head injury: This injury involves a fracture or break in the skull, often caused by impact by a foreign object or the ground.
- Blast injury: This type of injury stems from explosions and blasts.
Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury
A TBI can lead to debilitating symptoms and even the risk of death. Even seemingly mild TBI cases must be taken seriously.
People who suffer from TBI can experience serious changes or impairment in their personality, mental state, and cognitive function. They’re also at risk of sensory impairment, speech problems, memory loss, psychological disorders, and more. Many of these problems can be permanent since it’s difficult to repair damaged brain tissue.
What to Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury
The first thing to do is to get medical attention as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms of TBI may manifest days, or even weeks, after an accident.
TBI can also be difficult to diagnose at first glance, so it’s best to let medical professionals do a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent and severity of the injury. Remember, when TBI goes untreated for a long time, it can lead to permanent physical and cognitive damage.
Here are some tips to keep in mind after getting involved in an accident:
- Monitor the victim closely for symptoms of TBI. Check for any changes in speech, mood, or behavior.
- Record the scene of the accident. Take photos and gather witness statements as soon as possible.
- Document any doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and medications, and time away from work.
- Contact an experienced TBI attorney, especially for victims who can’t file claims on their own or who run into problems getting the compensation they deserve.
What are the elements of a traumatic brain injury lawsuit?
Suffering TBI due to the action or inaction of another person can be devastating, and the road to recovery can be long and costly. By filing a claim against the negligent party or their insurance company, the victim can recover the losses they’ve sustained, including intangible damages such as loss of enjoyment.
To file a lawsuit, the victim and their lawyer need to prove the following elements:
- There is a duty of care, which means that the defendant had an obligation to observe a reasonable degree of care to avoid harming other people.
- There was a breach in the duty of care. The defendant may be negligent if they committed a breach in their duty of care. As an example, a surgeon may be considered to have committed a breach of their professional duty if they conduct a procedure in a way that is contrary to medical standards.
- The negligence of the defendant directly caused the injury or damage.
- The victim suffered economic and non-economic losses due to their injury.
Contact a Temecula Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today
A traumatic brain injury can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI due to the fault or negligence of another party, it’s important to speak with a lawyer who has experience in handling cases like yours as soon as possible. A Temecula traumatic brain injury lawyer will work on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
At The Zucker Law, we’ll answer any of your concerns or questions, negotiate with insurance companies, and work closely with medical and accident experts to get you the maximum possible compensation for your case. Call us now at (951) 699-2100 to schedule a free and confidential consultation or contact us online.
