Traumatic brain damage may lead to life-long disabilities and make it difficult for people to return to work.
When people are involved in auto collisions, big or small, they run the risk of receiving a brain injury. In fact, any type of sudden impact to the head may result in brain injuries. Due to the brain’s delicate structure, a single blow may cause the soft tissue to reverberate within the skull cavity and hit against the hard skull bone. Not only can this cause superficial and deep bruising within the brain, but it may lead to bleeding and gradual brain inflammation. There are many effects of brain damage, and some may have a long-lasting impact on a person’s behavior, ability to work and overall quality of life.
The facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 153 people die every day from traumatic brain injuries (“TBI”). Brain damage is involved in approximately 30 percent of all injury deaths in the United States. In fact, there are roughly 2.8 million TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths that occur in the United States each year. While falls are the leading cause of brain injuries, motor vehicle accidents are the third-leading cause.
Identifying the damage
Depending on the extent of the damage that has occurred, people may notice immediate symptoms. In some cases, however, the signs of brain damage may not appear for days, weeks or even months after the accident occurred. Studies show, however, that even mild brain damage can cause somewhat permanent damage in the brain if it is not treated.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are a wide-range of symptoms of moderate to severe brain damage. These include the following:
· Seizures or convulsions.
· Inability to sleep or awaken from sleep.
· Tingling in the extremities or muscle weakness.
· Loss of coordination.
· Slurred speech.
· Sensory deficiencies, such as trouble hearing, seeing or communicating.
Mild cases of brain injury may result in persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, trouble concentrating and behavioral changes.
Since the symptoms of TBI are so unique to the individual, it may be hard to pinpoint brain damage as the source of these symptoms.
Treatment
Once brain injuries have been diagnosed, it is important for people to receive a combination of medical treatment and therapy. A team of health care professionals may be part of the patient’s treatment plan, which may include occupational therapists, speech therapists, physicians, psychologists and rehabilitation therapists.
Do you need legal assistance?
If your traumatic brain injury is the result of another person’s negligence, reckless behavior or failure to follow the rules, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages from work, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you need legal assistance, please feel free to contact us. We are located in Seattle, Washington. Our practice focuses on representing people who have sustained serious injuries.
