What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury that is often caused by a sudden event or accident. Brain injuries are quite different than all other injuries that the body can sustain. Our brain handles so many functions of the body, and creates who we are. Thus, injuries to the brain are more serious and long-lasting than those such as a broken bone or punctured lung.
TBI can cause changes to our cognitive functions and personality. Injuries to the brain do not heal in the same way as others, and can often depend on the injury, or the individual’s brain. Symptoms to the brain may appear right away or could take time to be seen. There may be instances where a person with TBI is not aware that a brain injury has occurred.
What are the symptoms of TBI?
The symptoms of TBI will depend on the severity of the injury. The effects can have a profound impact on the mental function and quality of life of the person with TBI. Sometimes, even in cases with normal diagnostic results, a person with TBI will have attention problems, memory issues, and mood swings. In more serious cases, TBI sufferers will have a loss of consciousness, sometimes lasting more than 30 minutes. They may also have: mental and cognitive deficits, speech impairments, emotional issues, and loss of use for portions of their body. They may have memory loss, seizures, confusion, restlessness, change in sleep patterns, blurred vision and ringing in the ears.
It is clear that TBI causes a substantial interference in the life of the person who is suffering from the condition. Family members may also have concerns about their loved one who they believe has a TBI and is not aware of their own condition. Seeking legal help from a traumatic brain injury attorney may enable them to protect these rights, and assist the sufferer in learning more about their condition.
Common Causes of TBI
It is often the case that a traumatic brain injury results from someone else negligently causing an accident of some kind. The type of events that are likely to cause traumatic brain injury include car accidents, firearm use, falls, assault, medical malpractice, pedestrian or bicycle accidents, and sports and recreational accidents.
There are also many instances of TBI where there is no direct impact to the head. Many people don’t realize that a brain injury can be sustained through whiplash, even when it is caused by a minor accident. If you experience symptoms, but don’t recall a head injury, keep this in mind and seek help from a doctor and a traumatic brain injury attorney.
<h2>Why Hire a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney?</h2>
When you are injured in any of the ways listed above, you may sustain a traumatic brain injury and not realize it depending on the severity of the injury. A traumatic brain injury attorney can help if you believe you are suffering from TBI, but have not obtained a diagnosis of such. Your lawyer may be able to connect you with doctors who specialize in these injuries, and can ensure that you receive any compensation you may be entitled as a result of your injuries. Receiving compensation through the use of a traumatic brain injury attorney is important for many reasons beyond simply receiving the money.
<h3>How Compensation With the Help of a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Help</h3>
A recent study published by the Journal for Brain Injury (Volume 31, 2017; Issue 8) found that financial compensation “had a protective effect against late mortality following rehabilitation for severe TBI.” Ensuring that TBI sufferers receive compensation, and increases their access to rehabilitation, and may increase the life expectancy for those with TBI.
This means that while receiving compensation for TBI can help you financially, it may also help you live longer, increase your quality of life, and aid in your physical and emotional recovery. A traumatic brain injury attorney can assist you in dealing with insurance companies, physicians who are unfamiliar with lesser-known cases of TBI, and defense attorneys who may deny the existence of your TBI or your right to compensation.
Contacting an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney early on is key to not only preserving your case, but also ensuring that you receive treatment for your injury as soon as possible. This attorney can help investigate your claim, file appropriate pleadings, and coordinate with your physicians and treatment providers. Your lawyer should also be someone who understands the effects of TBI, and their impact on the rest of your life.
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