What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Traumatic brain injuries are serious and potentially life-altering injuries that can occur due to several causes, including car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. In Indiana, TBIs are a common occurrence, with thousands of people suffering from these injuries each year.

In today’s post, we will provide an overview of what a TBI is, how it can occur, and its potential consequences. We will also discuss the importance of seeking medical attention following a head injury and the process of seeking legal help if the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe disruption in normal brain function resulting from a violent impact or penetrating wound to the head. While some TBIs are mild and temporary; others can be catastrophic, leading to a myriad of physical and cognitive impairments. 

Common Causes of TBI

Some common causes of TBIs include automobile accidents, motorbike crashes, heavy vehicle accidents, and pedestrian accidents, all of which contribute significantly to the rate of TBIs cases in the country. Such incidents are often a result of driver negligence or disregard for traffic laws. 

On the other hand, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, slips and falls are a leading cause of TBIs, accounting for approximately 50% of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Other common causes of TBIs include medical malpractice, sports injuries, and physical assaults.

The Cost of Neglecting Traumatic Brain Injuries

Often, these injuries stem from accidents caused by negligence, like medical malpractice, reckless behavior, or a lack of safety precautions. In this scenario, holding those responsible for negligence accountable is crucial in both recovering from your damages and fostering a safer environment for everyone.

Short-Term Consequences

According to the Indiana Department of Health, in 2019 over 43,000 people sustained a TBI, from which 32,853 were treated and released from emergency departments. The rest died or had to be hospitalized.

Except for those severe cases, many people experience short-term effects after a traumatic brain injury. These include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive dysfunction, all of which can cause annoying disruptions to daily life. 

Long-Term Consequences

A study found in the National Library of Medicine shows that individuals with TBIs are at increased risk of developing dementia later in life. In fact, cognitive impairment is a common long-term consequence of TBIs. Other long-term consequences include memory loss and even death.

TBIs can also cause emotional and behavioral changes, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability, which can have a significant impact on a person’s relationships and overall quality of life. On the other hand, individuals with TBIs may also experience physical changes, such as chronic pain, seizures, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Why It’s Important to Seek Medical Attention

Immediate medical attention is non-negotiable when dealing with a suspected TBI. Apart from ensuring the best chances of recovery, seeking medical help also plays a crucial role if you decide to pursue legal action. 

Prompt medical attention ensures that injuries are diagnosed, treated, and documented accurately. From a legal standpoint, seeking medical attention following a TBI is not just about safeguarding your health; it’s also about safeguarding your rights.

In fact, from documenting the extent of the injury to establishing a link between the injury and its potential causes, medical records can serve as strong evidence in a legal case.

Symptoms of TBI

Recognizing the symptoms of a TBI (which can range from mild to severe) can be the difference between timely intervention and prolonged suffering. These are some of the most common symptoms:

• Headaches
• Confusion and trouble concentrating
• Dizziness, balance problems, and coordination difficulties
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Memory problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping
• Slurred speech
• Numbness or weakness in limbs
• Convulsions
• Unusual behavior

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately.

How to Recover from Economic Losses After a TBI Caused by Someone Else’s Negligence

After a TBI caused by someone else’s negligence, you can pursue legal action and receive compensation for your injuries. The legal process for filing a TBI claim can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side who can help you navigate the legal process.

The Legal Process for Filing a TBI Claim

The process for filing a TBI claim can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. However, it usually involves a series of general steps. 

Usually, the process involves filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, gathering evidence to support your claim, and negotiating a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to pursue litigation and take your case to the court.  

How a Lawyer Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

A traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve after a serious accident. This is because lawyers have the necessary experience to help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Here at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we have handled personal injury cases in Indiana for over 40 years. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, we can support you through the journey of securing adequate compensation that covers your damages. Contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation.