Many types of injuries are serious, but none are likely more severe than a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury, TBI, is an injury to the brain that is caused by a strong blow to the head. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI, the first and most
important consideration is your health. Treatment of TBI can be extensive, and recovery may be lengthy and expensive. When the injury is due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury, TBI, is an injury that occurs to the brain tissue. The injury may cause bruising, bleeding, or tissue damage, and other physical harm to the brain. TBI injuries range from minor to severe and life-threatening. One of the most common TBI injuries is a concussion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.5 million people per year suffer traumatic brain injuries in the United States. About 50,000 people die from TBI and 85,000 suffer long term disabilities.
TBI Symptoms and Treatment
TBI symptoms may occur immediately following a blow to the head or they may show up later. Symptoms of mild TBI include headache, loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, speech difficulties, problems with speech, dizziness, sensitivity to light, mood changes, depression, and memory or concentration issues. Moderate to severe TBI symptoms are similar to mild injuries but may be worse. You may suffer a loss of consciousness, seizures, clear fluids draining from the nose or ears, difficulty waking up from sleep, loss of coordination, confusion, slurred speech, agitation, and coma.
It can be more difficult to diagnose TBI in children. They may have a change in eating or nursing habits, irritability, continuous crying, inattention, seizures, sleepiness, and disinterest in regular activities. When you or your loved one suffers a severe blow to the head, you must monitor the person and seek medical attention as quickly as possible. In some severe cases, the person will require immediate life-saving surgery to reduce pressure on the brain.
What Causes TBI?
A direct or indirect blow to the head can cause a brain injury. Some of the common causes of TBI include falling, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, violent actions, and explosions or blasts such as in combat. TBI can occur from penetrating wounds such as gunshots or shrapnel. Vehicle accidents can result in TBI, especially when the person is unrestrained and hits his head on the windshield or is ejected from the car. Airbags and seatbelts help to reduce the incidence of TBI in accidents, however, a significant number of head injuries still occur.
When you or a loved one suffered a TBI you may have a long and difficult road to recovery. The negligent party may owe you money for your medical bills, which can be astronomical. You may also be owed compensation for your rehabilitation, ongoing medical and care needs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you were hurt in a vehicle accident, or any other type of accident, contact our legal team at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. to discuss the details of your case today.