The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year. A traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, occurs when a blow or jolt to an individual’s head causes a disruption in normal brain function.
The after-effects of TBI vary in proportion to the severity of the initial injury, but have the potential to have a significant impact on a person’s life. In some cases, TBI victims will incur significant medical expenses and may be unable to work for an extended period of time, resulting in lost income. Additionally, people who sustain particularly severe TBIs may develop disabilities that keep them from living independently and may necessitate around-the-clock medical care.
Fortunately, Georgia law allows people who are injured in accidents caused by the negligence of someone else to recover for their injuries and other losses. The Atlanta injury attorneys of Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC are committed to helping people who are hurt in preventable accidents obtain justice through the civil court system. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at (404) 869-8600.
What kinds of accidents can cause a TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in any accident that has the potential to cause injury to the head. Some of the more common types of accidents that often result in TBIs include the following:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Sports accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Boating accidents
- Falls from heights
- Falls down stairs
After an accident, it is important for victims to record as much information about the way the accident occurred as possible. If the accident occurred due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, victims should take pictures of the condition as soon as possible.
In addition, anyone who has been injured in an accident that they believe was the result of someone else’s negligence should obtain contact information from anyone who happened to witness the accident.
What are the symptoms of a TBI?
TBI symptoms vary based on the severity of the injury. For example, a mild TBI, also known as a concussion, often is characterized by fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, and issues with memory. People who sustain severe TBIs, on the other hand, may experience issues with cognitive function, sensory perception, motor function, and emotion. Because all TBIs are serious injuries, anyone who suspects that they have sustained one should seek medical attention immediately, regardless of the apparent severity of the injury.
What kinds of damages are available in a TBI case?
Georgia tort law allows people who are injured in accidents that are caused by the negligence of another party to recover for both their economic and non-economic losses. The kinds of damages that are often available in a lawsuit arising from a TBI include past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of quality of life, and loss of future earnings. Additionally, punitive damages may be available in some cases.
Contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation
Anyone who has sustained a TBI or other injury in an accident that was caused by another person should retain an attorney immediately. Call our office today at (404) 869-8600 to schedule a free consultation.