Traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering. They can lead to headaches, seizures, and trouble communicating, among other conditions. A person can suffer a TBI in various situations, like auto collisions, falls, or sports. If someone else's negligence caused the accident, the injured party might be able to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
At Bertram & Graf, L.L.C., we help the people of Kansas City pursue the justice they deserve. Contact us at (888) 398-2277 today.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Causes
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that occurs when a person's head is exposed to significant force. This could be anything from a violent blow to excessive shaking or penetration with an object.
Nearly any situation in which the head experiences violent contact or a jolt can lead to traumatic brain injury.
Causes of these injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Slips and falls
- Car accidents
- Violence
- Sports
- Combat
A TBI is a serious issue that may require ongoing medical care and attention to facilitate recovery.
Different Types of TBIs and Their Symptoms
TBIs can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Each level can have a different effect on the individual.
Symptoms of mild TBIs vary from person to person but can include the following:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Speech issues
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
Moderate to severe TBIs often have more serious effects than mild TBIs that can linger and even become permanent.
Commonly experienced symptoms of a moderate to severe TBI include the following:
- Persistent headaches
- Frequent nausea or vomiting
- Discharge from the ears or nose
- Loss of coordination and movement
- Confusion
- Difficulties with speech
- Potentially dangerous responses like slipping into a coma or becoming brain dead
Possible Long-Term Effects of a TBI
Whether mild or severe, TBIs can cause serious harm to the individual.
After a mild TBI, the person might temporarily experience problems with thinking and remembering due to the disruption of brain cells. When the injury is more severe, physical damage to the brain can result, as well as bruising, tissue tears, or bleeding. This can lead to long-term health effects that could be fatal.
The injury's location and its severity can impact the long-term issues it will cause. Memory loss, seizures, paralysis, fatigue, communication problems, and mood swings are conditions that could arise. Getting immediate medical help to manage your symptoms and regain health is essential.
Rehabilitation and Recovery After Suffering a TBI
After suffering a TBI, rehabilitation and recovery are of utmost importance. Treatment plans can vary significantly depending on the extent of the injury.
The individual might need to reduce their day-to-day activities to help ease symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Rehabilitative services can include:
- Physical medicine
- Psychotherapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
Finding a personalized treatment plan that allows for gradual progress in recovering from a traumatic brain injury is important.
Taking Legal Action
A personal injury claim might be in order if someone else's negligence caused the TBI. But it's important to remember that these cases can be complex and tricky to manage without legal help. It might be beneficial to find an experienced lawyer who can assist in identifying the cause of the accident, determining fault, and building a strategy for getting fair compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Stress from an accident-related TBI is enough already. Make sure you get guidance from an attorney who can lighten the load wherever possible.
To discuss your Kansas City case, schedule a consultation with Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. by calling (888) 398-2277 or submitting an online contact form today.