Concussions And Head Injuries Are Major Cause Of Death And Disability
Concussions and head injuries are unfortunately common, and often are the result of serious accidents. Every year, head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result in about 2.5 million emergency department visits and hospitalizations. They also are a major cause of death in the United States and contribute to about 30 percent of all injury deaths annually.
Individuals who suffer a concussion, head injury, or traumatic brain injury can become injured in any number of ways. Some of the most common causes of injuries include falling from a height, falling onto a hard surface, car accidents, assaults and fights, sports injuries, and being struck by an object.
The severity of a head injury can range from “mild” to “severe,” depending on the nature of the injury and the amount of force that was involved in creating the bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. Also, the nature and extent of any resulting disability is extremely variable, just like each individual. Generally, however, some possible areas where an individual may have functional difficulties include:
- memory and processing impairments;
- movement and motor coordination impairment or paralysis;
- vision problems;
- hearing impairments;
- personality changes or emotional instability; and
- depression, agitation, or other psychological changes.
Concussions are one type of traumatic brain injury. Like other types of head injuries, they disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and affect the way it works. Some of the danger signs related to a concussion include:
- a headache that gets worse or does not go away;
- weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination;
- repeated vomiting;
- slurred speech;
- convulsions or seizures;
- confusion or inability to recognize people or places;
- unusual behavior;
- confusion, agitation, restlessness, or inappropriate anger;
- loss of consciousness;
- drowsiness or inability to wake the concussion victim; or
- not eating or nursing for children, or constant crying.
Seek Immediate Medical Care For Head Injuries Or Concussions
Individuals who have suffered from a blow to the head are encouraged to seek medical attention. The health care professional may further refer the victim for help from a specialist such as a neurologist, neuropsychologist, neurosurgeon, or rehabilitation specialist (such as a physical therapist, speech pathologist, or other health professional).
Getting help as soon as possible after a concussion or head injury may help to speed recovery and will also provide documentation of the nature or extent of the injury. It also is important to receive medical treatment at a facility where the health care providers are up to date on the most current treatments for post-concussion or brain trauma victims.
Tallahassee Legal Help For Concussion And Head Injury Accident Victims
Individuals who survive traumatic brain injury can face long term disability. If you or someone you love has been injured by someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, it is important to contact a Tallahassee personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights to pursue litigation against any wrongdoers.
Because an individual’s brain is so unique and vital, individuals who suffer concussions and head injuries need to make sure they obtain the maximum amount available in any litigation or settlement. The accident lawyers at Barrett, Fasig & Brooks are experienced at fighting to make sure our clients receive what they deserve for ongoing medical costs, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other accident costs. Call us today at (866) 346-4186 or use our online contact form for prompt, personal legal help in the Tallahassee and Southern Georgia area.