Do You Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 190 Americans died from a brain injury each day in 2021. More than 214,000 were hospitalized. Brain injuries affect children, teens, adults, and the elderly. They can happen at school, at home, on the road, or while practicing a sport.
One of the most common causes of a traumatic brain injury is a motor vehicle accident. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury after an auto accident, the skilled team at Rockview Accident Lawyers can help you seek compensation. Contact our Victorville traumatic brain injury lawyer today at (562) 550-7676.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury. It is a serious injury that causes damage to the brain tissue and alters the brain’s function. The three main types of TBI are mild (concussion), moderate, and severe. Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
Some of the most common causes of TBI are:
- Falls: According to the CDC, falls account for nearly half of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Older adults over the age of 65 and children are the highest risk groups for a fall-related TBI.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents account for a majority of TBI-related deaths in youths and young adults. The impact of a crash can lead to a closed brain injury, which is non-penetrating injury to the brain.
- Struck by/against an object: Many mild traumatic brain injury cases in the U.S. come from sports-related injuries, particularly in contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse.
- Firearm-related suicide and assault: These traumatic brain injuries can result from domestic violence, shaken baby syndrome, or suicide. They can be classified as both open and closed brain injuries.
Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Depending on the force of the impact, a person may or may not lose consciousness after a traumatic brain injury. Some symptoms may not appear immediately, but hours or days after the injury. After an accident where you sustained a head injury, it is crucial to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Although a concussion is generally not life-threatening, it is still serious and requires immediate medical attention.
To diagnose traumatic brain injuries, doctors may use a variety of tests such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, CT scans, and MRI scans.
Some of the common symptoms of a TBI are:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Seizures or convulsions
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Problems with speech or communication
- Changes in taste or smell
Treatment for a TBI
Treating a TBI will depend on the severity of the injury. For a concussion, physical and mental rest will allow the brain to recover. For moderate and severe TBI, treatment will require more intensive treatment, hospitalization, and therapy. Recovering from a traumatic brain injury can take anywhere from a few days, to weeks, to months.
Treatment for traumatic brain injuries may include:
Medication
Certain medications like SSRIs, anticonvulsants, and stimulants can help reduce swelling, limit seizures, and prevent secondary injuries.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the brain, minimize damage, and reduce swelling.
Rehabilitation
Most people who suffer a serious brain injury will need rehabilitation. This could be relearning basic skills or improving cognitive function. It will begin in a hospital setting, and then move to a rehabilitation center or outpatient center. A brain injury survivor may need help from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or a combination.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy is a type of therapy meant to help patients improve their thinking, learning, and memory problems. This can be especially helpful for those who have post-concussive syndrome (PCS), which occurs when concussion symptoms persist for months or years after any kind of brain trauma.
When You Should Talk to a Lawyer
Traumatic brain injuries can have a major and long-lasting impact on your life and your family. There are many cases where people do not feel like themselves after a brain injury. If your injury was caused by the negligence of another person, like a speeding driver, then you should speak to an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer.
Traumatic brain injury attorneys can help you determine the at-fault party and obtain fair compensation for your medical bills, treatment, and lost wages from the insurance company. Navigating the legal complexities of a brain injury lawsuit can be challenging. A lawyer can ensure you are not deceived by the other party’s insurance company and will help your case stay on track.
We Handle Brain Injury Cases
At Rockview Accident Lawyers, we understand how serious brain injuries are. If you sustained brain injury after a motor vehicle accident, consult with our traumatic brain injury lawyers. Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries in personal injury lawsuits that may require months of rehabilitation. With an attorney on your side, you can recover the maximum amount of compensation for your medical expenses, physical pain, and lost income.
Our personal injury law firm represents clients across Victorville and San Bernardino County. To schedule a free consultation with our legal team, call us at (760) 628-0818 or fill out this quick online contact form.
