Serious Consequences of Accidents: Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traffic accidents occur every day across this country. Many times, individuals experience physical maladies following these incidents, including broken bones, lacerations, whiplash, and contusions. While these are all sobering, perhaps nothing is more life changing than a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When the body’s control center, the brain, is injured, the impacts can be both frightening and long lasting. If your loved one is suffering the effects of TBI following a traffic collision, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options going forward.
Brain Injuries Associated with Auto Accidents
Traumatic brain injuries take a variety of forms. Following an automobile accident, there are a number of possible injuries that may occur:
- Concussions: When the brain is traumatized by experiencing harsh impact, or by sudden, severe movement, individuals may experience concussions;
- Contusions: A brain contusion can be extremely serious, and may require surgical intervention;
- Coup-Contrecoup: When contusions occur at both the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain, this is the result:
- Diffuse Axonal: Tearing of brain structures may be the result of extreme head rotations;
- Penetrations: When objects crash through the skull and injure the brain, there may be significant challenges in recovery.
Symptomatology
Individuals who suffer brain injuries due to a collision may experience any number of symptoms, including:
- Headaches;
- Pupil dilation or unevenness:
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Distractibility and difficulty concentrating;
- Sensitivity to sound and/or light;
- Irritability and personality changes;
- Decreased dexterity;
- Limitations to self-awareness;
- Sensory and/or cognitive processing disorders;
- Seizures;
- Numbness of hands or feet;
- Misperceptions or confusion;
- Memory difficulties;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Death.
Frequency of TBI
Astoundingly, nearly two million people experience traumatic brain injuries annually in this country. It is, unfortunately, the direct cause of death for over 50,000 individuals each year. Although TBI is commonly associated with sports injuries, the number one cause of TBI fatalities every year is traffic accidents.
Responding to Potential TBI
When a brain injury is suspected, a medical evaluation is always essential. With minor incidents, patients may be directed to get plenty of rest, and refrain from engaging in demanding cognitive work for a period of time. More serious cases of TBI may require medications, surgical interventions, and additional therapies.
Pursuing Legal Action
In the event the TBI is the result of a traffic accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you may be considering taking legal action. At the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes, LLC, our experienced and effective legal team can guide you through this decision. The fact is, you could be facing a long period of recuperation. It may be wise to seek compensation to deal with the costs of your injuries, including:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Funeral costs, if necessary;
- Pain and suffering.
To further explore your options, schedule a confidential consultation in our Baltimore office today.
Resource:
pbni.com/traumatic-brain-injuries/
https://www.hbarneslaw.com/liability-issues-in-slip-and-fall-accidents/
