Brain injuries can occur in many different circumstances. Whether you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle collision, slip and fall accident, or another accident, it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. The personal injury lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad in eastern Pennsylvania handle all types of brain injury cases. They believe that educating clients about what to look for can help mitigate the damage caused by head trauma and save lives.
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Also known as TBI, traumatic brain injury occurs when the head is hit by something or is snapped back and forth and the brain strikes the inside of your skull. TBI can range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage, which can be life-threatening and result in long-term physical, cognitive, and mental issues.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms of a TBI may be apparent immediately after an accident or in the following days and weeks. If you’re involved in an accident, promptly seeking medical care can help to ensure a TBI is properly diagnosed and treated. Even a seemingly minor head injury can turn out to be serious, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and go to the ER or see a doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Mild TBI
Someone who experiences a mild brain injury may seem dazed, disoriented, or lose consciousness for a short period. Other symptoms of a mild brain injury include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in vision, taste, or smell
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Mood changes
- Depression or anxiety
- Memory lapses
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep issues such as insomnia or sleeping more often
Although some concussions aren’t as severe as others, they still take time to heal and may have short- and long-term effects.
Moderate to Severe TBI Symptoms
After an accident, a victim who suffers a moderate to severe brain injury may be unconscious for minutes, hours, or even days. However, in some cases a victim may not even be aware that they have a brain injury, so seeking medical care after a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of accident is vital. Documentation of a victim’s injuries also is important evidence that can be used in a personal injury claim.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, signs of a more serious brain injury include:
- Continued or worsening headache
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Trouble waking from sleep
- Seizures
- Clear fluid drainage from the ears or nose
- Weakness or numbness in the fingers and toes
- Lack of coordination
- Extreme confusion
- Agitation
- Coma and other consciousness disorders
It’s especially imperative to be proactive about seeking medical care for infants and young children who are involved in an accident. They may not be able to vocalize their symptoms, so parents should look out for all of the common symptoms associated with TBI.
Regardless of a victim’s age, there are multidimensional tests that medical professionals use to determine if a brain injury occurred and how serious the damage may be. Diagnostic imaging such as CT scans or MRIs also can help assess damage to the brain.
Repercussions of Brain Injury
It’s easy to underestimate the physical, emotional, and financial costs of a TBI. Victims of serious brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries may require surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. They may be unable to work and suffer from physical, cognitive, and social difficulties for the rest of their lives. Even those who suffer mild TBI may need to take time off and have a loved one monitor their symptoms.
Talk to a Brain Injury Lawyer After an Accident
It’s vital to consult a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in handling brain injury cases. Most personal injury attorneys offer free case evaluations and having an experienced professional by your side significantly increases your chances of recovering the full and fair compensation you or your loved one needs and deserves.
An attorney can assess your claim, help you understand how the law applies in your case, and advise you of your options. If you and your lawyer decide to move forward with your case, you won’t incur any up-front costs and won’t owe attorneys’ fees unless they make a financial recovery for you.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
For nearly 40 years, the personal injury attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad have helped victims of TBI and their families recover compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. To schedule a free consultation, call our Bath office at 610-867-2900 or contact us online. With offices in Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, and Monroe counties, we make it easy for injured victims throughout eastern PA to get the quality legal counsel they deserve.