Traumatic brain injuries can have permanent and dramatic consequences, often causing physical pain, emotional trauma, financial burdens, and more. With support from BD&J’s brain injury attorneys in Riverside, you can navigate the claims process and receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What Is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force, such as a sudden blow to the head, damages the brain and disrupts normal function. TBI is a broad term that describes a range of brain injuries which vary in severity and long-term consequences. No matter the severity, you should always seek medical care if you suspect a head injury. Consider these TBI classifications:
- Mild: May cause minor, generic, or subtle symptoms that often resolve with rest but may persist.
- Moderate: Can damage one or more areas of the brain, resulting in prolonged or more significant symptoms and complications that may require hospitalization.
- Severe: Major injuries that cause irreversible and life-altering emotional, cognitive, or physical conditions and necessitate long-term medical care, rehabilitation, assisted living, or other needs.
How TBIs Differ From Other Head Injuries
TBIs are distinct from other head injuries in how they affect brain function long-term. Other injuries or illnesses, such as infections or skull fractures, may not cause brain damage directly. Some accidents or illnesses can lead to TBI if they cause medical complications that damage the brain, such as brain hematomas, brain contusions, edema, and hypoxia. TBIs can also occur without obvious external signs.
In contrast, scalp lacerations, skull fractures, mild concussions, and other head injuries can happen without causing lasting or significant brain function impairment.
Symptoms of TBIs
TBI symptoms can be physical, cognitive, or emotional, and they vary depending on the nature of the injury. Injuries to certain areas of the brain may create specific symptoms associated with that area’s primary function.
For instance, damage to the cerebellum is most likely to cause coordination problems, since this area is responsible for balance and other motor functions. Compared to localized TBIs, damage to multiple parts of the brain can cause a wider range of symptoms and be more debilitating.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of TBIs include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Seizures
- Paralysis or weakness
Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms
TBIs may lead to varying cognitive and emotional symptoms, such as:
- Memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Anxiety and depression
- Irritability and mood swings
- Insomnia, drowsiness, and other sleep disturbances
Common Causes of TBIs
Accidents involving sudden impacts, violent jolts, or similar injuries to the head are the most frequent causes of TBIs. These types of accidents are most likely to disrupt normal brain function, either through direct impact, penetrating injuries, or secondary complications such as swelling or oxygen deprivation.
Here are the most common causes of TBIs:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions involving vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians can cause rapid movement within the skull, damaging brain tissue and potentially causing severe TBIs.
- Slip and fall accidents: Many moderate to severe TBIs result from slips and falls, whether from an elevated surface, a crack in the sidewalk, or a wet surface.
- Workplace accidents: Certain workplaces, such as construction sites, have a higher risk of injury from falling objects, machinery, and crushing.
- Sports injuries: Sports are increasingly correlated with TBI, such as football, boxing, rugby, and other high-contact sports where athletes are more likely to suffer blows to the head.
- Assault or violence: Physical assaults are common causes of TBI. Infants are also vulnerable to shaken baby syndrome, an especially dangerous form of TBI.
How a TBI Can Impact Your Life Long-Term
The severity and location of a TBI determine its symptoms, how long they last, and the total impact on your life long-term. Even mild TBIs can cause lasting symptoms, while moderate and severe TBIs may have life-altering effects, sometimes leading to permanent disabilities.
Physical Effects
Whether from persistent headaches, migraines, nerve pain, or other sources, chronic pain is one of the most common long-term effects of TBI. Mild TBIs may cause little to no motor function or coordination problems, which otherwise typically resolve within 12 months of the initial injury. In more severe cases, however, TBIs may lead to long-term or permanent fatigue, balance issues, tremors, or even paralysis.
As a result of these physical effects, TBIs may interfere with your ability to participate in previous professional or personal activities. Some people may face challenges in returning to work, participating in hobbies, driving, or other physical activities, which often leads to a decline in overall quality of life.
Cognitive Effects
TBI victims may struggle with impaired cognitive functions that are essential for everyday life, potentially experiencing challenges with memory loss, concentration, and problem-solving. These challenges may be a barrier for returning to work, particularly for professions that rely on critical thinking and information processing. They can also affect personal relationships, independence, and emotional well-being.
Emotional Effects
Many TBI victims experience depression, anxiety, and other changes in mental health. Damage to the brain’s emotional control centers may directly cause these changes, but mental health struggles can also be a secondary consequence of cognitive or physical challenges that affect quality of life. The emotional effects of TBIs may further exacerbate these frustrations by making it harder to hold a job, participate in social activities, or maintain close relationships.
Damages or Compensation You Can Receive in a TBI Case
Compensation depends on the severity and effects of the TBI and its impact on your life.
Medical Expenses
Emergency care, specialist visits, long-term treatment, accessibility equipment, and other medical expenses add up quickly with TBIs. Compensation may account for medical expenses you’ve already incurred and future costs for ongoing care.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
TBIs may prevent you from working, leading to lost wages and financial instability. If your injury prevents you from returning to your profession in the same capacity or at all, compensation may also cover loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Damages may compensate for chronic pain, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and other pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering doesn’t have a fixed amount, but it’s usually calculated based on the impact of the injury on your life.
What to Do After a TBI
Taking the right action following a TBI influences the strength of your case later on. Follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention. Prompt medical care ensures proper treatment and documents your injuries as soon as they occur. Follow your treatment plan, such as taking medications as directed and attending follow-up or therapy appointments.
- Document the incident. Take photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries, obtain witness statements or incident reports, and document your medical records and symptoms.
- Consult a personal injury attorney. A brain injury attorney can navigate insurance claims, gather medical evidence, and help you claim fair compensation.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Personal injury attorneys support TBI victims in receiving the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. They handle the most complicated and stressful parts of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovering. Contact BD&J Injury Lawyers to learn how we can help.
