The Mayo Clinic explains that the signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) include:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Problems sleeping
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. They also disproportionately affect seniors.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries refer to a variety of conditions that occur from an impact to the head. Sometimes, a person can suffer a traumatic brain injury even if their head does not suffer a direct hit.
TBIs can fall into two classifications: penetrating and closed brain injuries. “Penetrating” refers to wounds that pierce the skull, while “closed” refers to injuries from violent bumps to the head. TBIs can also consist of two phases of injury: primary and secondary. A primary injury is the original trauma that occurs, while a secondary injury can develop from internal bleeding and pressure within the skull.
Per Healthline, some types of traumatic brain injuries include:
Skull Fractures
When the skull fractures, pieces of bone can penetrate the brain and cause further complications.
Edemas
When the brain swells, it has nowhere to expand. This can cause damage to the brain tissue.
Concussions
Concussions can happen when your brain slams against the walls of your skull. This can cause disorientation, confusion, and dizziness. Moreover, repeated concussions can result in permanent brain damage.
Hematomas
The force of impact can cause clotting outside of the brain’s blood vessels. This can cause a loss of consciousness and, in some instances, permanent damage.
Hemorrhages and diffuse axonal injuries are other examples of traumatic brain injuries. All of these injuries require prompt medical care.
If a traumatic brain injury goes untreated, the injured person runs the risk of suffering lifelong consequences. In some cases, they can even pass away.
Your Treatment Will Depend on Your Symptoms
Upon meeting with a healthcare professional, they will conduct a variety of tests to learn more about your condition and what treatments could help you. These tests may consist of x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and computed tomography (CT) scans.
After diagnosing your condition, your doctor will prescribe a course of treatment that guides you to maximum medical improvement. These treatments may include:
- Medications. If you have a mild traumatic brain injury, you could find relief with either over-the-counter or prescribed medications. These drugs could include anti-inflammatory pills or painkillers.
- Bed rest. Depending on the extent of your injury, the brain could heal itself with rest. During this time, it may be necessary to take time off work or school. You may need to avoid bright lights and harsh sounds.
- Surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you receive, this measure is intended to minimize damage to the brain and its surrounding tissue. Surgery could include drilling a hole in the skull to reduce pressure, removing bone fragments, and treating blood clots.
In addition to these treatments, you may require physical therapy and speech therapy. Ultimately, your response to treatment will determine your prognosis.
Some people with traumatic brain injuries are eventually able to return to work and live normal lives. Other survivors, however, cannot live independently and require lifelong assistance.
Legal Options If You Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may have financial recovery options. If your injury was the result of negligence, you could hold another party accountable for your losses. You could:
File an Insurance Claim
The at-fault party in your case may have had insurance. If so, you could file a claim to recover your losses. Your claim may be against a negligent motorist, property owner, or product manufacturer’s insurer.
File a Lawsuit
If you cannot recover compensation through an insurance settlement, you have the option of filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Depending on your situation, you could have as little as two years to take action, as described under IC § 34-11-2-4.
Recoverable Damages in a Traumatic Brain Injury Case
In the event that you or a loved one suffered a serious traumatic brain injury, you could incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills and other related costs throughout your lifetime.
Yet, if you can prove that another party’s negligence resulted in your damages, you could seek financial recovery for the following:
- Medical bills
- The cost of rehabilitative care
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning ability
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. for More Information
Now that you understand the signs of a traumatic brain injury, you can begin to consider your legal options.
Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. is led by a former police captain and SWAT team founder. Our founding partner, Randy Sevenish, understands the lifelong complications of a traumatic brain injury.
To learn more about pursuing compensation with our team’s help, call (317) 720-3229.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
