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.
What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?
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.
Who Gets Traumatic Brain Injuries?
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 Traumatic Brain Injury
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:
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Seizures or convulsions
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Fluid draining from the ears or nose
- Balance problems
- Sensitivity to smell and light
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision or dilated pupils
- Agitation or restlessness
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.
Top Causes Of Brain Injuries
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:
- Car accidents
- Gunshot wounds
- Domestic violence and assault
- Sports, military, and work injuries
How Is A Head Injury Diagnosed?
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:
- X-rays: Uses electromagnetic energy to produce images of organs, bones, and tissues onto film.
- CT scan: Uses X-rays and computers to produce detailed images of the body, including the head and brain. These images are more detailed than X-rays.
- EEG: Records the electrical activity of the brain with electrodes that are attached to your scalp.
- MRI: A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radiofrequency, large magnets, and computers to obtain high-resolution images of the brain and body.
Why File A Lawsuit For A Brain Injury?
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 Expenses
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.
Decreased Ability To Earn A Living
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.
Property Damage
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.
Pain And Suffering
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.
Reduced Quality Of Life
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.
Mental Distress
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.
Speak to Our Glendale Personal Injury Lawyer Today
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.
