Over 1.4 million people suffer a brain injury every year, and it is estimated over 3 million people in the United States need long-term or life-long assistance as a result of a brain injury.
If you have suffered a brain injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speak to an attorney today to discuss your legal options.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries are classified as either mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild TBIs
After a mild traumatic brain injury, the victim may lose consciousness for a few seconds or several minutes. However, some victims never lose consciousness even after they have suffered this injury. The victim will probably appear dazed or confused immediately following the incident, however some victims will not exhibit any major symptoms for days or weeks.
Many people do not exhibit obvious symptoms after suffering from a mild TBI, and therefore do not seek emergency medical assistance. However, this is a mistake. If you have been involved in any type of mishap where you have hit your head, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Moderate TBIs
A moderate traumatic brain injury may occur after a powerful blow to the head or a violent shaking movement. The victim will almost always lose consciousness after a moderate traumatic brain injury, and he may be unconscious for as little as a few minutes or as long as a few hours. His state of confusion and disorientation will last for a long period of time—sometimes up to several weeks. The victim may also experience physical and behavioral side effects as a result of the brain damage.
Severe TBIs
Severe traumatic brain injuries usually occur after a crushing blow to the skull or the penetration of the skull with a foreign object. Brain tissue is severely damaged during this type of life-threatening injury. Victims will usually be hospitalized for long periods of time. If they come out of consciousness, they will need extensive rehabilitation and therapy to relearn how to walk and speak. Even if victims receive immediate treatment, recovery is not guaranteed. Most severe TBI victims never return to their pre-injury state. Those who do improve will still experience behavioral, physical, and cognitive side effects as a result of the injury.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can occur during almost any type of trauma, but the most common causes include:
Traffic Crashes
Whether you are in a car, on a motorcycle or bike, or a pedestrian walking down the street, if you collide with another vehicle, you may suffer a traumatic brain injury. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are at a higher risk because they do not have as much protection as motorists do.
Slip and Falls
Many people who have been involved in a slip and fall suffer from traumatic brain injuries. These injuries occur when the victim falls backwards or forwards and his head makes contact with the ground. Anyone can slip and fall, but it is most common among older adults and young children.
Swimming Pool
Swimming pools are another common cause of traumatic brain injuries. If a swimmer dives into the shallow end of the pool and hits his head, this could result in a traumatic brain injury.
Regardless of how you suffered the injury, if it was caused by another person’s negligence, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.
If You Are A Victim…
Brain injuries can completely disrupt a victim’s life. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, speak to the team of attorneys at the Trial Lawyers for Justice. Call 866-854-5529 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.