If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may wonder what to do next. A traumatic brain injury can be a life-altering event, and the road to recovery can be long and difficult. If your injury resulted from another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and receive compensation for your losses. In this post, our Arkansas brain injury attorney discusses some of the things you need to know about brain injuries and personal injury claims.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden, external force-induced injury to the brain. TBIs can occur when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object penetrates the skull and enters brain tissue. They can also occur when the head is violently shaken.
What Are the Common Causes of TBIs?
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. The second leading cause is blunt trauma–being hit on the head with something hard or heavy. Car crashes are the third leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, making up 14 percent of all TBIs. Assault is the fourth leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the U.S.
Additional TBI causes may include:
- Sports accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bike accidents
- Oxygen deprivation accidents, such as a near-drowning experience
Violently shaking an infant can also cause a traumatic brain injury, frequently called “shaken baby syndrome.”
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of TBIs?
TBIs can result in a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being. Symptoms of TBI can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Problems with memory and concentration
In severe cases, a TBI can lead to coma or even death. However, with proper treatment and support, many people are able to recover and go on to lead healthy, happy lives after suffering a TBI.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a TBI?
If you suspect that you or someone else has suffered a TBI, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose, so it is important to let a medical professional assess the situation. Once diagnosed, the individual may require ongoing treatment and support. TBIs can have a major impact on one’s life, so it is important to get the help you need as soon as possible.
Contact an Attorney
Traumatic brain injuries can be devastating and life-changing. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident that resulted in a TBI, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. We offer free consultations, so do not hesitate to contact our office to set up a meeting with an attorney.
