Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed in March.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that can have life-altering consequences. TBIs include concussions, skull punctures, and brain hemorrhage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability in the United States, with about 2.8 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurring each year. And among the leading causes of TBI are car accidents, slip and falls, and other personal injury accidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in East Texas due to someone else's negligence, it's important to understand your legal rights and options. To see how we can help you, contact Weinstein Law for a free consultation.
Causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head disrupts the brain's normal function. This can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
TBIs can result from a variety of causes, including:
- Falls. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury, especially among older adults and children. Falls can occur on slippery surfaces, stairs, or from heights.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries. Even if the victim is wearing a seatbelt or helmet, the force of impact can still cause the brain to move inside the skull, resulting in a TBI.
- Sports injuries. Athletes who play contact sports like football and hockey risk suffering a TBI from a blow to the head or a jarring hit to the body.
- Assaults. Physical assaults, domestic violence, and other forms of violence can cause traumatic brain injuries.
Brain injury symptoms and signs
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. If you notice signs of a TBI after an accident, seek immediate medical treatment. Some of the common TBI symptoms include:
- A headache that gets worse or doesn't go away.
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting.
- Feeling confused or disoriented.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Blurred vision or other vision problems.
- Sensitivity to light or sound.
- Losing consciousness or feeling dazed and confused.
Remember that TBI symptoms are sometimes delayed. So even if you feel fine, it's critical that you get medical attention right away after any accident that may have caused a head injury.
TBI treatment options
Mild TBIs may only require rest and over-the-counter pain medication — but you should always get checked out by a doctor rather than simply assuming that's the case. More severe TBIs may require hospitalization and surgery.
- Rest. Rest is crucial for allowing the brain to heal after a TBI. Therefore, avoiding physical activity and limiting screen time may be recommended.
- Medication. Over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve headaches and other symptoms. However, prescription medications may also be required to help you maintain your health.
- Rehabilitation. For more severe TBIs, rehabilitation may be necessary to help the victim regain their physical and cognitive abilities.
- Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the brain or relieve pressure on the brain.
A traumatic brain injury can be costly, resulting in high medical bills, lost wages, lower quality of life, and other damages. Medical bills for a TBI can be substantial, including emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. In addition to medical bills, a TBI can result in lost wages, as the victim may need to take time off work or may be unable to work at all. Unfortunately, many types of brain injuries never truly heal, which can have life-altering consequences.
Call a car accident lawyer who knows how to handle brain injury claims.
Weinstein Law understands the traumatic and devastating impact a serious head or brain injury can have on victims and their families. Based in Athens, TX, our law firm has helped many in this situation obtain the financial compensation and justice they deserve.
If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury after an accident, contact Weinstein Law for a free case consultation. Our firm proudly serves clients in Henderson County and communities throughout East Texas. We will listen to the details of your case, explain your potential legal options for compensation, and help you decide what to do next.
Don't wait to reach out. A statute of limitations applies to accident injury claims and lawsuits in Texas. A member of our team is available to hear from you anytime, day or night. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation today.