Traumatic brain injury is one of the most severe and tragic injuries a person can suffer. Life-altering consequences can include decreased mental and physical function, loss of memory, nervous system damage, communication difficulties, vision problems and learning disorders.
What Types of Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injury?
A leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is slip and fall accidents. This is especially common in the elderly and can even result from nursing home negligence. Some of the other causes of TBI include:
• Automobile accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Acts of violence, such as assault and battery, gun shots
• Medical malpractice
• Shaken Baby Syndrome
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury classifications include:
• Oxygen deprivation or acquired brain injury – results when the brain does not get sufficient oxygen, causing brain cells to be damaged.
• Closed head injury –can occur when the brain bounces against the inside of the skull when the head suffers a blow or it jerked or shaken excessively.
• Open head injury – happens when the skull is compromised and the brain is punctured, typically from an object.
Warning Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms that a TBI has occurred can be obvious or subtle and include:
• A headache that doesn't go away and increase in pain intensity
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Numbness in arms and/or legs
• General confusion
• Blurry vision
• Slurred speech
• Shifts in temperament or behavior
• Ringing in the ears
Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury
After a person sustains a traumatic brain injury, daily, work and family life can change dramatically. Any recovery may take years. And unfortunately, medical expenses and the reality of short- and long-term loss of income can shatter financial security well into the future.
However, if the TBI was caused by another party's negligence or wrongdoing, a victim may be able to receive monetary compensation for:
• Past, current and future medical costs
• Emotional and physical suffering
• Loss of income now and in the future
• Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation costs
