Trauma to the brain is one of the most serious injuries anyone can suffer. Although the severity of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can vary, those who sustain injuries to the head should always be evaluated and closely monitored for symptoms affecting the brain.
Many cases of TBI arise from motor vehicle collisions, falls, and other accidents. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, a brain injury lawyer can pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may not arise immediately after a blow to the head. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after any accident where you suffer a head injury.
Medical professionals will perform a full exam to determine whether you have a TBI. This process typically involves:
These tests can help doctors determine if a patient has sustained a traumatic brain injury, as well as how serious the TBI is. Evaluation of any symptoms the patient is experiencing is another key factor in diagnosing a brain injury.
Loss of consciousness is one of the major causes of concern after a head injury. If the victim loses consciousness for even a few seconds after the accident, this could be a sign of a TBI.
How long the loss of consciousness lasts is often an indicator of how serious a traumatic brain injury is. Mild TBIs may involve losing consciousness for up to a few minutes, while more serious brain injuries can result in loss of consciousness that lasts for hours.
Additional early signs of a serious traumatic brain injury include:
In more mild cases of brain injury (such as a concussion), the patient may appear to be confused, disoriented, and/or irritable. Other symptoms of a mild TBI that may arise shortly after an injury to the head include:
Mild brain injuries do not always result in loss of consciousness, so patients may be able to report these symptoms themselves. Paramedics, doctors, and other medical providers should be notified of these signs as soon as possible.
Victims of brain injuries are not “out of the woods” if their symptoms after the accident are mild. The extent of a TBI may not be apparent until several days or even weeks have passed after the accident.
Delayed symptoms that may arise some time after a brain injury include:
If these symptoms suddenly arise or get worse over time, you should talk to a doctor as soon as possible. They may be indicative of severe complications such as swelling or bleeding in the brain.
Every case of brain injury is different. Some brain injuries (especially mild ones such as concussions) may resolve over time and with appropriate treatment. In more severe cases, however, the effects of a traumatic brain injury may be permanent.
Victims of moderate and severe brain injuries may experience a number of long-term complications, including:
All of these issues can have an adverse effect on the victim’s life. You may struggle to return to your career, face difficulties maintaining relationships, and experience a diminished quality and enjoyment of life. These challenges are often exacerbated by the high costs of medical care for traumatic brain injuries.
Brain injuries often arise as a result of car accidents and other events where the negligence of another party is a factor. As such, TBI victims should seek legal counsel to determine whether they have a claim against the liable party or parties.
The Flood Law Firm has the experience, resources, and litigation skill to pursue maximum compensation in your claim. We partner with leading experts in brain injuries to assess the full scope of your losses and aggressively pursue the successful resolution of your case. We have achieved millions of dollars in settlements and trial awards on behalf of our clients; our results speak for themselves.
Please call The Flood Law Firm at (860) 346-2695 today for a free case evaluation. Our brain injury lawyers serve clients in Middletown, Danbury, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and all of Connecticut.