Just about any sort of accident can result in a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). It could be a car wreck caused by a distracted driver. Someone falling off their bike could suffer a TBI, as could a driver involved in an accident with a large commercial truck. An elderly person could be hurt due to nursing home abuse.
If you’ve suffered this devastating injury due to another‘s negligence, schedule a free consultation with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh. You’ll work with an attorney who will be passionate about helping you obtain maximum compensation and keep you informed throughout the duration of your case.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI is a sudden physical injury affecting the brain’s normal functioning. Various events, including falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or violence, can cause it. The severity of a TBI can range from mild to debilitating and have both short-term and long-term effects.
Mild TBIs, commonly known as concussions, may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and temporary confusion. Severe TBIs, on the other hand, can permanently damage the brain, including memory loss and impaired speech, and even coma or death.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
These are just some of the ways negligence can lead to a TBI.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents can cause TBI due to the sudden jolt or impact of the accident. The brain is a soft organ protected by the skull, providing protection against external forces. However, during a car accident, the skull may experience a sudden and forceful impact, causing the brain to collide with the skull’s interior. This impact can result in bruising or bleeding of the brain tissue, which can cause damage to brain cells and affect their normal functioning.
The degree of the TBI depends on the vehicle’s speed, impact angle, and whether or not the occupants were wearing seatbelts. Even minor car accidents can result in TBIs, especially if the individual’s head hits a hard surface, such as the steering wheel or dashboard.
Slip and Falls
When someone slips and falls, their head may hit a hard surface, such as the ground, a countertop, or furniture. This impact can cause the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in bruising or bleeding of the brain tissue.
Factors determining the severity of the injury include the height of the fall and the surface of the impact. Even a seemingly minor slip-and-fall accident can result in a TBI, especially if the victim is elderly or has pre-existing medical conditions.
Workplace Injuries
Workplace accidents can cause TBIs due to various factors, including falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, and vehicle accidents. Workers in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries are at higher risk for TBIs due to the nature of their work.
Treating a Head Injury
Diagnosis and treatment of TBIs typically involve medical professionals such as neurologists, radiologists, and physical therapists. Treatment may include rest, medication, surgery, and rehabilitation. It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you or someone you know may have suffered a TBI. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help minimize the long-term effects.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Following a treatment plan after a TBI is crucial for a successful recovery. TBIs can cause physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments affecting daily life. Treatment plans address these impairments and help victims regain their independence and quality of life. Failure to follow a treatment plan can result in delayed recovery, prolonged symptoms, or permanent damage.
In addition, individuals who have suffered a TBI may be at increased risk for future injuries, and following a treatment plan can help reduce this risk.
Lasting Consequences of TBIs
How a TBI affects a victim can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s age, health, and other factors. TBIs can result in short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
Short-term effects of TBIs may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and mood changes. Long-term effects can be more severe, including memory loss, impaired speech, seizures, and even coma or death.
Individuals who have suffered a TBI may also be at increased risk for developing other health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. TBIs can also significantly impact a victim’s ability to perform daily activities and maintain relationships with others.
TBIs can also result in significant financial consequences due to medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care expenses. Individuals who have suffered a TBI may also require long-term care, such as assisted living or in-home care, which can be expensive.
However, people with a TBI can improve their chances of recovery and regain their quality of life with proper care and support.
How Much Will My Personal Injury Settlement Be?
Determining the amount of a personal injury settlement can be complex, as it depends on various factors unique to each case. These factors can include the injury’s severity, the extent of the victim’s damages, and the liability of those responsible for the accident.
Generally, the settlement amount is calculated based on the damages the victim suffers. These damages include tangible losses, such as medical expenses and money lost from work, and subjective damages, such as pain and suffering. The more severe the injury and the greater the damages, the higher the settlement amount will likely be.
Hiring an attorney will be your best chance of obtaining maximum compensation. Your attorney will investigate to find out who caused the accident and also gather other evidence to prove your damages. But you’ll need to get legal help as soon as possible. If you wait, critical evidence could disappear.
Contact KMW if You Experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury Because of Someone Else’s Negligence
Don’t hesitate to speak with a personal injury attorney with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh for more information on how we can help you obtain fair compensation for your TBI. Call or use our online contact form for a free case evaluation.