Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are among the most serious type of injury a person can sustain. They affect millions of American each year, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that some two and half million Americans sustained a TBI in 2010 alone.
TBIs occur when a person sustains a bump or blow to the head that results in a disruption in the normal functioning of the brain. The most common form of TBI is a mild concussion, which often can be self-resolving with little to no medical intervention. It is important to understand, however, that even mild concussions have the potential to result in serious medical complications, particularly in cases of multiple injuries.
TBIs can leave victims with significant medical expenses and the inability to work for an extended period of time, possibly resulting in lost income. In addition, some TBIs may develop complications that could affect them for years to come. Fortunately, these and other losses that people sustain after a TBI could be compensable through a Georgia personal injury claim. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers.
Immediate Medical Attention is Imperative
Seeking medical care immediately after a TBI is suspected is extremely important. In many cases, early medical intervention can result in a much better outcome for victims. In some cases, intra-cranial pressure occurs along with a TBI, potentially causing further damage to a victim’s brain. In addition to ensuring that your injuries are properly treated, seeing a physician will ensure that an official record of your injuries is generated. This can be extremely helpful in establishing causation and damages, should your TBI case become contested.
TBI Signs and Symptoms
In order to know when to seek medical attention, people need to be aware of the most common signs displayed by people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Some of the most common include the following:
- Dizziness;
- Nausea;
- Confusion;
- Slurred speech;
- Memory problems;
- Sensitivity to light and sounds;
- Varying degrees of consciousness;
- One pupil being more dilated than the other;
- Trouble communicating; and
- Emotional problems or depression.
Anyone exhibiting these or other symptoms should be seen by a medical professional promptly.
What Kinds of Accidents Cause TBIs?
TBIs can occur in a variety of ways, but some tend to be more common than others. Similar to other matters in which a physical injury is at issue, victims of TBI need to be able to establish that their injury was caused by someone else’s negligence in order to be able to recover compensation for their losses. Among the more common kinds of negligently caused accidents that may lead to a TBI are:
- Car accidents;
- Slip and falls;
- Motorcycle accidents;
- Pedestrian accidents;
- Sports accidents; and
- Bicycle accidents.
After an accident that results in a TBI, your attorney will conduct a thorough analysis of the facts of your case in order to determine whether and against whom you may be able to bring a legal claim.