Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur after any kind of accident and often lead to long-term consequences. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, it’s important to assess if a brain injury might have occurred. Not only is this essential for pursuing a legal claim against the party responsible for the accident, but it can save someone’s life as well.
While you’ll need a medical expert to diagnose a traumatic brain injury, there are some important warning signs anyone can notice. Once you know how to look for these signs, you can be better prepared to seek medical attention.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex medical condition caused by a jolt, blow, or penetrating injury to the head that disrupts normal brain function. These injuries can range from mild, such as a concussion, to severe, resulting in long-term complications or even death.
Common Symptoms of TBI
TBIs often occur in accidents such as falls, car crashes, sports injuries, or violent assaults. The impact of a TBI can vary widely, affecting physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of a person's life. It's essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of TBIs promptly to ensure proper medical treatment and legal recourse if the injury was caused by another party's negligence.
Physical Symptoms
TBIs often cause physical symptoms. Pay close attention to these and seek medical help any time after an accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
Here are some common physical symptoms of TBI to note:
- Persistent headaches: Regular and persistent headaches, especially those worsening over time, could indicate TBI.
- Nausea or vomiting: Frequent episodes of nausea or vomiting shouldn’t be ignored.
- Fatigue or drowsiness: Persistent fatigue or excessive drowsiness, even after rest, might be indicative of TBI.
- Difficulty sleeping: Disturbed sleep patterns or difficulty falling and staying asleep can signal underlying brain trauma.
- Sensory problems: Issues like blurred vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or changes in taste or smell should be noted.
Cognitive & Emotional Changes
In addition to physical changes, a TBI victim can also exhibit cognitive and emotional symptoms. Because these may not be as obvious as physical symptoms, it’s all the more important to be vigilant.
Look for any of these signs if you suspect someone is suffering from TBI:
- Confusion or disorientation: Feeling confused, disoriented, or experiencing memory lapses after an injury warrants medical attention.
- Memory problems: Difficulty recalling recent events or forming new memories could be indicative of a TBI.
- Difficulty concentrating: Problems with focus, attention, or multitasking may be a sign of underlying brain injury.
- Mood swings or irritability: Uncharacteristic mood changes, irritability, or emotional instability could be linked to a TBI.
- Anxiety or depression: Persistent feelings of anxiety, sadness, or hopelessness post-injury should not be overlooked.
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes are like cognitive and emotional changes, but they are often much more specific to the individual.
Pay attention to the following TBI symptoms if someone you know well was in an accident:
- Increased agitation or aggression: Unexplained agitation, hostility, or aggressive behavior could be linked to brain trauma.
- Impulsivity: Acting recklessly or making impulsive decisions without considering consequences may signal a TBI.
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or isolating oneself from friends and family may indicate underlying psychological distress post-TBI.
- Lack of interest in usual activities: Losing interest in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed might indicate changes in brain function post-injury.
Speech & Language Difficulties
TBI victims also commonly experience difficulties with speech after an accident. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident, listen to how they speak for signs of TBI. You might consider having them read from a book or magazine to make it easier to listen for strange speech patterns.
Here are some speech and language-related signs of TBI to note:
- Slurred speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly or slurring speech could be a warning sign of brain injury.
- Difficulty understanding others: Trouble comprehending spoken or written language, or responding appropriately to conversations, warrants medical evaluation.
- Problems expressing thoughts verbally: Difficulty organizing thoughts, finding the right words, or expressing ideas coherently could indicate underlying brain trauma.
Why You Should seek Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these warning signs after an accident or injury, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial. Additionally, consulting with a personal injury lawyer specializing in TBI cases can ensure you receive proper legal support and representation.
A knowledgeable lawyer can navigate the complexities of TBI cases, advocate for your rights, and help you work toward recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Us for Legal Support
Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law, has the legal experience necessary to help personal injury victims seek damages from the parties responsible for their injuries. The immediate medical costs of TBI can be staggering, and what it may cost in lost wages, future lost wages, and other damages can amount to even more.
Rest assured that we have what it takes to help you pursue your claim and seek compensation to account for what your injuries have and will cost you.
For more information, contact us online and request an appointment.