Car accidents can result in many injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) being one of the more common. These injuries are a serious concern—second only to falls, according to data from the National Library of Medicine. Every year, 1.7 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unfortunately, many of those victims develop long-term disabilities. Furthermore, a shocking 75% of those who suffer a TBI lose their jobs and will more than likely rack up expensive medical costs over their lifetime.
The Connecticut Department of Health reports that auto accidents accounted for 42% of TBI-related ER visits and hospital stays between 2008 and 2013.
For more information about traumatic brain injuries sustained during car accidents and what to do after, continue reading this article. However, we highly recommend that you speak with a lawyer if you have suffered a TBI in an accident.
A CT car accident lawyer, such as those on our team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, have the knowledge and resources to win your case. While some of these injuries can be minor, they can have serious long-term effects. Prompt action is important.
Why Car Accidents Result In TBIs
Because the head and neck are moved in an abrupt motion during a car accident, traumatic brain injuries are a common consequence of car accidents. When the head strikes a hard surface, such as a steering wheel or the windshield, you could suffer a TBI, and if it is severe enough, there could be brain damage. Suffering such an injury could have a heavy impact on you as a person, as well as your family, due to potential long-term medical expenses and the loss of your job if you're no longer able to work.
Even if the injury seems minor at first, it's important for anyone who has had a head injury in a car accident to seek medical assistance right away. Postponing treatment can make recovery more difficult and increase symptoms. Emergency medical attention is crucial.
Types of TBIs Suffered in CT Car Accidents
A car accident can result in a variety of TBIs. The type and degree of traumatic brain injury (TBI) will depend on the impact and location of the brain trauma. Typical TBIs that occur in a car accident include the following:
Concussions
Concussions are one of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They are defined as a shock, jolt, or impact to the head that causes physical or chemical alterations in brain tissue. It can also result in death in some cases. While whiplash can also cause concussions, direct head trauma accounts for the majority of cases. The symptoms of a concussion can last for hours, days, weeks, and sometimes, for a lifetime. This is why it's important to seek medical treatment, even if you think the TBI you suffered is minor.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
Diffuse axonal injuries are a kind of traumatic brain injury that arises from shearing or tearing of brain tissue during an accident. The brain's connections are broken by these injuries, which often damage neural pathways and connections. This type of TBI often results in a significant disability that could last a lifetime.
Coup-contrecoup TBI
These happen when a car collision causes the head to be violently shaken back and forth, causing the brain to move inside the skull. If the impact is strong enough, damage could occur each time the brain makes contact with the inside of the skull. When a whiplash injury results in two traumas at different sides of the brain, it is known as a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury. This type of damage can be lethal because of bleeding into the brain and significant swelling that exacerbates cerebral edema from the impact.
Proving a TBI
Typically, a neurologist or neuropsychologist has the knowledge and experience necessary to prove a traumatic brain injury (TBI). That physician can then add the brain damage suffered to your medical records. You could be entitled to compensation if a medical professional can link your traumatic brain injury to the car accident.
Damages could include medical costs and lost income, pain and suffering, economic harm, loss of function, loss of earning capacity, emotional distress, and loss of spousal companionship. The amount you get will depend on what your attorney can negotiate with the other party’s insurance company.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law Is Available To Help You
A traumatic brain injury could impact your life drastically. The extent of your injuries should be compensated accordingly. Let the team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law manage your claim and get you the money you deserve.
Give our office a call to speak with our CT personal injury attorneys about your case. We'll arrange a free consultation.