Traumatic brain injuries are considered a silent epidemic and can occur anytime, anywhere. All it takes is an external blow to the head or penetration of the brain by a sharp object. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.5 million Americans face traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually, making it one of the country’s leading causes of death and disability.
A brain injury is often a complicated form of personal injury, and there is a high chance of misdiagnosis by medical professionals. Even with the advancements in the medical field and medical technology, diagnosing a brain injury remains challenging since symptoms from the injury can take a few days or even weeks to appear.
Prolonging immediate medical care and treatment can worsen these symptoms, leading to complications and even disabilities.
Do You or a Loved One Suspect a Hidden Brain Injury?
If you received a brain injury from an accident due to a negligent person, contact Ehline Law and our brain injury attorneys today, as you may be eligible for compensation.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
The brain is responsible for the human body’s normal functioning, whether voluntary or involuntary functions. With so many intricacies, blood vessels, and nerves around the brain, even a minor injury can lead to long-term consequences.
The brain is responsible for registering pain or emotion and controlling life-sustaining organs like the heart and lungs. The brain is not only a complex organ but also a sensitive one. Any external force on the head or even the brain’s movement within the skull can cause a serious injury with life-altering repercussions.
Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bike accidents
- Falls/slips
- External force to the head
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Abuse.
Besides some of the causes mentioned above, brain injuries from sports-related accidents in the country are on the rise. In the United States, more than 200,000 children receive injuries due to sports-related activities, causing schools and other relevant organizations to create awareness about brain injuries among the youth.
Not Sure You Have a Brain Injury? Watch out for These Symptoms!
Although symptoms of a traumatic brain injury are often difficult to diagnose, it is essential to head to a medical center for examination immediately after your car accident, fall, or another type of accident. Accident victims must also track their symptoms and see if they manifest into something more serious.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Some of the mild traumatic brain injury symptoms include headaches, confusion, vomiting, loss of vision, irritability, lack of concentration, and dizziness. These symptoms are also common in other illnesses or injuries, so mild traumatic brain injury is more challenging to diagnose than severe brain injuries.
Symptoms from a brain injury can either manifest immediately or take time to develop slowly. You must receive medical care if you exhibit any symptoms after an accident. In severe brain injury cases, symptoms can occur immediately and may be life-threatening depending on the severity of the injury.
Severe Brain Injury Symptoms
Severe brain injuries can damage brain cells and tissue, causing impairment of bodily functions depending on how severe the injuries are.
Here are some of the symptoms of a severe brain injury:
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Breathing difficulties
- Paralysis
- Loss of bodily functions
- Slow pulse.
Traumatic Brain Injuries After an Accident: What Should You Do?
After an accident, you may not have any visible injuries outside, leading you to believe you’re okay. However, until a proper medical examination, it could be too soon to say that. Brain injuries take time to manifest, and physicians often misdiagnose symptoms of mild brain injuries as other minor illnesses or diseases.
Soon after an accident, visit a hospital for a medical evaluation. Prolonging treatments can further worsen the injuries and even negatively impact your claims. Patients with TBI have difficulties processing normal functions, while cognitive and behavioral issues can make it very difficult for them to integrate into society.
Besides social aspects, depending on the brain injury case, medical treatment bills, physical therapy costs, and lost income are some of the financial repercussions of a brain injury accident. Ensure you reach out to an experienced brain injury lawyer if you or your loved ones are dealing with brain or head injuries. Brain injury cases are challenging to take on your own, and you will need solid legal representation to recover the compensation.
Contact Ehline Law for Legal Help!
Whether you received a brain injury from a car accident or sports injuries, Ehline Law firm can help. Our specialized brain injury attorneys have substantial experience in and out of court. We are experts at protecting our client’s rights and helping personal injury victims recover fair compensation. Contact us at (213) 596-9642 for a free consultation with our legal experts today!
