One of the most severe injuries in an accident is a traumatic brain injury or TBI. If this injury is not taken seriously, it can lead to severe injury or even death. Learn how to recognize symptoms of a brain injury below. In addition, if you or a loved one was hurt in a recent accident, our Glendale personal injury lawyers at Ourfalian & Ourfalian can review your case and offer legal assistance.
A traumatic brain injury usually occurs when the head receives a violent blow or is suddenly jolted in an accident. Also, an object penetrating the skull and brain can cause a brain injury.
A mild brain injury can affect the brain tissue temporarily, while a more severe brain injury can cause long-term or permanent damage. In either case, it is essential to have immediate medical evaluation and treatment to improve the outcome.
Anyone can have a brain injury, but statistics show that 80% of the injuries involve men. Those over 65 also are more likely to have brain injuries because they are more likely to lose their balance and fall. However, even babies can have brain injuries from falls or even abuse. Those involved in certain activities and professions also have a greater risk of TBIs, including athletes, members of the military, law enforcement, and construction workers.
Symptoms of a brain injury depend on how severe it is. The most obvious sign of a serious brain injury is a loss of consciousness from the impact or blow to the head. Others may feel dazed for several minutes or dizzy.
Those with a mild brain injury may notice various symptoms, most of which happen immediately after the injury or within a few hours or days. Common signs of a brain injury are:
If you suspect you or a loved one has a brain injury, immediate medical treatment is necessary. Go to the ER right away for a medical evaluation. Delays in treatment can lead to more severe injury or even death.
Falls cause about 50% of all ER visits for brain injuries. People over 65 and under 17 comprise most of the fall-related brain injuries. Other causes of brain injuries are:
A complete medical examination and diagnostic tests can only determine the full extent of the head injury. During the examination, your doctor will obtain your medical history and inquire how the injury happened. Some of the tests that may be used to arrive at a diagnosis are:
If you were injured in an accident in Glendale because of someone’s negligence, you should talk to a personal injury attorney. This is especially critical if you have a serious head injury. Many serious brain injuries require months or years of care and rehabilitation.
Few people have the financial resources to afford this type of care and rely on receiving compensation in a personal injury lawsuit to get the care needed. Many brain injury claims settle for over $100,000, and some settle for $1 million or more, but your case result could be more or less than these amounts.
Your Glendale personal injury attorney will evaluate the accident and determine if another party is responsible. If they accept your case and are successful, you could receive compensation for the following:
Medical care for brain injuries is expensive, with many patients needing ongoing care, tests, surgery, medication, imaging scans, and more. Your attorney will use your medical bills and records to obtain a settlement that accounts for your medical needs, now and in the future.
A severe brain injury can make it difficult or impossible to earn a living. So how will you provide for your family and keep a roof over your head? Compensation for decreased earning ability can replace lost income for years as you recover.
If you had a brain injury in a car accident, your vehicle could be seriously damaged or totaled. You may be entitled to receive compensation to repair your vehicle or purchase a new one.
Many brain injury victims suffer serious headaches and pain for the rest of their lives. No matter your pain level, you should be compensated for your discomfort after a brain injury. Talk to your attorney and doctor about your pain so that you can receive adequate compensation for your pain.
Many people with a brain injury have a reduced quality of life. If your injury prevents you from doing things you enjoy, you could be entitled to additional compensation.
Research on brain injuries shows a link between mental health problems and brain trauma. Your Glendale personal injury attorney can ask for these damages if you were diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder after your brain injury. The money you receive can assist you with getting more treatment and dealing with the psychological aspects of your injury.
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in an accident, you could be entitled to compensation if another party was responsible. Contact our Glendale personal injury lawyers at Ourfalian & Ourfalian today at (818) 550-7777 to determine if you have a case.
Ourfalian & Ourfalian has successfully represented thousands of individuals and small businesses throughout the San Fernando Valley and Southern California over the last four decades. Our experienced attorneys focus on civil litigation which includes but is not limited to helping injury victims get just compensation after serious accidents. There is a distinct culture at Ourfalian & Ourfalian that is not easy to characterize but is felt everyday by the firm’s employees and clientele. Contact our Glendale Personal Injury & Civil Litigation law practice today to schedule a free initial consultation.