A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs after a sudden injury that causes damage to the brain. It can range from the mild, such as a concussion or brief loss of consciousness to the serious, such as loss of memory or brain function.
How do TBIs commonly happen, and what effects can they have on people?
Traumatic brain injuries can result from many different accidents and personal injuries. Car accidents and commercial vehicle or truck accidents are just one example. Falls and injuries at work or on the premises of someone else can also lead to a traumatic brain injury.
The effects of a TBI can vary across the board, but this type of injury often causes significant long-lasting issues. Cognitive effects are common, including memory loss, mental confusion, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and difficulty speaking or recognizing common things. Mood and behavior changes are also common, including anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, and impulsivity. Physical effects can include vision changes, headaches, balance disorders, and nerve injuries, among many other symptoms. A traumatic brain injury can result in serious damages, including the following:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and psychological trauma
- Lost wages
- Loss of bodily functions
- Significant changes to quality of life
What Should You Do if You Have Suffered a TBI?
There are three stages of a TBI, and each one requires specific steps.
- Immediately after the accident:
- Document the events as appropriate while you are at the scene. If your injury is from a traffic accident, for example, call the police and ensure a report is taken. If you suffered a work injury, fill out all necessary reports to document it.
- Get checked out for your injuries right away. Go to the emergency room as necessary.
- If possible and safe, take pictures of the scene of the accident. Take down contact information for any witnesses.
- In the days following the accident:
- Watch your symptoms carefully. Call your medical team right away with any worsening or elevated symptoms.
- Get a proper diagnosis of your injuries. Consult with any neurological doctors or other specialists as appropriate.
- Keep meticulous records. This includes your symptoms, pain or discomfort levels, and the medical care and treatments you are receiving.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. Discuss your case, your symptoms, your rights, and your options.
- In the weeks and months to come:
- Continue receiving medical treatment for your injuries. The effects of a TBI can be long-term, and some symptoms may not manifest until weeks or months after the injury.
- Work with your attorney. They will help you prepare a claim against any wrongdoers who are liable for your injuries so that you can seek fair and reasonable compensation for your damages.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit?
A TBI lawsuit is filed to compensate the victim of a traumatic brain injury for the damages they suffered as a result of their TBI. Traumatic brain injury lawsuits are a form of personal injury law, and they usually require the victim to file a claim for negligence. As part of that claim, you will need to prove that the wrongdoer was responsible for your injuries, and you will also need to prove what types of damages you have suffered.
There are many different issues that can complicate a traumatic brain injury claim. For starters, some of the long-lasting effects of a TBI can take many months to manifest, necessitating additional medical treatment, and it is important to work with your lawyer to value and calculate your damages accurately. A TBI lawsuit will involve significant evidence, expert opinions, and building a case that presents the evidence to the jury or the insurance company.
How Can an Experienced Attorney Help if You have Sustained a TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries must be taken seriously: they can cause long-term suffering and countless potential complications. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help value your damages resulting from your TBI, as well as help establish liability for your injuries by the wrongdoer. They will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf in order to obtain a fair and reasonable settlement. Should those negotiations fail, they will advocate on your behalf in court, presenting your case to the jury.
If you have been involved in an accident, you don’t have to fight to recover from your injuries alone. Our aim is to educate you about your options so that you can protect your rights and interests against the other party and their insurance company. At the Francis Firm, our goal is to obtain a fair settlement that will allow you to continue on the path to recovery. To set up a free, fully confidential consultation, call our Southlake law office today at 817-329-9001 or contact us online.