Thousands of people are affected by traumatic brain injuries annually. In fact, there are more than 214,110 individuals in the U.S. that were hospitalized due to brain injuries in 2020, according to the CDC. The following year (2021), there were 69,473 TBI-related deaths. These numbers highlight the need for education about TBI symptoms, causes, and treatment options, especially long-term.
A traumatic brain injury (or TBI, for short) alters brain function, which in turn affects a person's ability to carry out routine, daily tasks and can have a major impact on an injury victim's life, both personal and professional. Injuries sustained in car accidents, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can have long-lasting consequences for not just the victim but also their loved ones. We offer more on this sometimes devastating injury in the following article. However, once such an injury is sustained, consulting with a lawyer is highly recommended.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is well versed in traumatic brain injuries. We have qualified and experienced attorneys in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as “a sudden injury that causes damage to the brain[] [which] may happen when there is a blow, bump, or jolt to the head.” One of the main causes of TBIs is motor vehicle accidents, as reported by the CDC.
Some traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen in low-speed accidents without any head impact, contrary to popular belief, though these types of injuries typically occur during a high speed accident. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are difficult to diagnose because, unlike fractures, imaging studies do not always always reveal the injuries. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and cure, or prove if you are filing a claim.
Traumatic brain injury symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how serious the injury you have sustained. For a minor TBI, symptoms may include:
- Vertigo
- Increased fatigue
- Difficulty talking
- Headaches
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Alterations to your taste or smell perception
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Depression
In the case of mild to severe traumatic brain injuries, symptoms may include:
- Seizures
- Uncontrollable vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Strong confusion
- Slurred speech
- Clear fluid draining from ears or nose
- Coordination issues
- Exhibiting signs of hostility or agitation
- Coma
Long-Term Effects of Victims of TBIs
While many victims recover from traumatic brain injuries and suffer only minor or temporary symptoms, there are some people who will face long-term issues in the aftermath of a serious TBI.
The long-term effects of a severe TBI can range from loss of memory and the inability to concentrate, to depression and paralysis. Some of the possible long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBIs), according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, are:
- Memory issues
- Paralysis
- Inability to concentrate or problem solve
- Loss of your sense of time
- Tremors
- Changes to taste, smell, hearing or touch
- Inability to read or write
- Inability to speak or comprehend speech
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Coma
- Seizures
- Changes to personality
Treatment for Victims of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Healing from a traumatic brain injury can be difficult. In the case of victims who have long-term symptoms, helping a victim adjust to their new way of life is the best treatment.
Possible treatments for traumatic brain injury, include:
Rest
No matter how bad your TBI is, you should take a day or two to recover. However, some individuals might require more time to recover before going back to their jobs and everyday life.
Therapy
To aid with TBI symptoms, physical, occupational, and speech therapists can all be useful rehabilitation techniques.
Surgery
To treat internal brain hemorrhage or swelling, certain victims may require surgery.
Counseling
Serious emotional changes are frequently associated with brain injury. Counseling might be helpful to certain patients in meeting their emotional requirements during their recovery.
Ongoing Care
In many cases, patients with the most severe traumatic brain injuries need round-the-clock care, which can be extremely expensive.
Talk to a Lawyer If You or a Loved One Has Suffered a TBI
We are conscious of the trauma that you and your family could be going through. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law also understands the importance of your case and how important fair compensation will be in the recovery of a TBI-related injury.
In order to prove your injuries, we will take over any communication with insurance companies on your behalf and collect and review witness statements, medical records, and other data from healthcare professionals. We provide every case with this level of client care.
Give Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law a call to speak with our personal injury attorneys about your case. We can schedule a free consultation.