What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes brain damage. This can be an accident, a fall, a blow to the head, and more. TBI is one of the leading injuries in soldiers in the War in Iraq. It is estimated TBI may affect up to two million people in the U.S. each year.
What causes a brain injury?
When an external force causes the brain to move violently in the skull, and it hits up against the cranium, damage can occur to both the skull and the brain. Bruising and internal bleeding, as well as tissue damage is common in a TBI. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, direct blows, physical violence and more can cause an injury.
What are the symptoms of a TBI?
Because some of the symptoms of a TBI mimic other medical conditions, they can be difficult to treat. People may think they are just tired or depressed and that those feelings will pass, and may avoid having a medical exam because these are common in their life. However, some of the more common symptoms include:
- Persistent mild to severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Lasting fatigue
- Sleep disruption
- Distraction, or trouble remembering things, making decisions, or concentrating
- Light sensitivity
- Loss of certain senses such as taste and smell
- Changes in mood
- Slowness of speech, reading, or thought
What are the long terms effects of a TBI?
This is often difficult to predict because the way in which people recover is different. Some people will recover quickly with seeming little change. Others will take a much longer time to recover and have many of the tell-tale symptoms. Days, weeks, months, or even years may pass before full recovery. In many cases, the victim will never recover. Sometimes the symptoms may not show up right away. A TBI may include coma, a minimally responsive state, a vegetative state, or even brain death.
Can I claim compensation or file a lawsuit if I or a loved one has suffered a TBI?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. If you feel the liability lies squarely with another, and believe that it was negligence that caused the TBI, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
If you feel that a TBI suffered by you or a loved one is the fault of another party, please contact the Stanley Law Offices in Syracuse, Binghamton, and Waterford, New York, or Montrose Pennsylvania for an initial consultation.
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