When an individual sustains an injury, it should always be taken seriously, but some injuries are more severe than others. Among the most severe and life-altering injuries is a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Traumatic brain injuries are classified into two types: open and closed. An open TBI occurs when a foreign object, such as a bullet, penetrates the skull and enters the brain. In contrast, a closed TBI happens when a sudden blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in damage to brain cells.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls account for over one-third of all TBIs. Additionally, 17.3% of TBIs occur in traffic accidents, where the head may be jolted back and forth or make contact with the steering wheel, window, or other parts of the vehicle. While falls and car accidents are the leading causes of TBIs, they are not the only contributors. Alarmingly, the cause of 21% of traumatic brain injuries remains unknown.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)?
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can vary based on the severity of the injury, whether mild, moderate, or severe. In cases of mild TBI, the victim may or may not lose consciousness, and if they do, it is typically brief. Mild TBI symptoms can include confusion, memory loss, and disorientation immediately following the incident. Other symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, mood swings, sensitivity to light, and dizziness may appear in the hours or days following the injury.
Moderate and severe TBIs often share similar symptoms, though severe TBIs are more serious. A person with either of these injuries will lose consciousness, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the injury’s severity. Additional symptoms of moderate or severe TBI may include seizures, loss of coordination, clear fluid discharge from the nose or eyes, vomiting, slurred speech, and numbness.
While it's easy to recognize a moderate or severe TBI due to the immediate loss of consciousness, identifying a mild TBI can be more challenging. Mild TBI victims may not lose consciousness, and their symptoms may not manifest until hours or even days after the incident. Because of this, it's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after any head injury or whiplash-type motion to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Treatment Options for TBIs
Although there is no specific treatment for mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI), seeking medical attention remains crucial. Even though mild TBIs can't be cured, a doctor can assess and monitor the condition to ensure it doesn’t worsen. Additionally, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to manage symptoms such as insomnia, pain, and anxiety associated with mild TBIs.
Treating moderate and severe TBIs requires more intensive care than monitoring alone. Doctors focus on stabilizing the patient’s condition, ensuring sufficient oxygen levels, and maintaining healthy blood pressure before proceeding with further treatments.
In many cases, victims of moderate or severe TBIs will need immediate surgery upon arrival at the hospital. Surgery is often performed to relieve pressure inside the brain by removing a portion of the skull, which helps reduce brain swelling. If a skull fracture is present, surgeons may need to repair it immediately.
Recovery from a TBI is highly individual, and there are no guarantees of a full recovery, especially for moderate and severe cases. While some patients regain consciousness, others may remain in a coma. For those who wake up, extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy are often necessary to regain lost skills and function due to brain damage. While some patients experience significant improvements through rehabilitation, others may only see minimal progress.
How to Seek Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) victims often face overwhelming medical costs, which can reach thousands, or even millions, of dollars. For severe TBIs, the lifetime cost of care is estimated to range from $85,000 to $4 million. Given that most TBI victims cannot afford these expenses, the law allows individuals to seek compensation from the party responsible for the injury.
For instance, if you’re involved in a car accident caused by another driver, and you suffer a TBI, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically liable for covering your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, securing the compensation you deserve can be a complex and challenging process, especially if you try to navigate it without the assistance of an experienced attorney.
At Tulekyan Law, we have experience with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Our skilled personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on your recovery. We lean on our network of resources and knowledge of TBIs to advocate for our clients.
Contact us today for a free case consultation to discuss your case.
