When the human brain is injured, it may be referred to as traumatic brain injury (TBI). These brain injuries can happen in several ways. It may be a forceful, one-time blow or jolt to the head, or it may be caused by an actual piercing of the brain by a foreign object. It’s important to note that not all brain injuries caused by an outside force may result in TBI.
Our firm has helped many individuals pursue compensation for TBI. Symptoms include temporary or short-term memory or other brain functions, including information processing and retention, communication, and movement. Of course, a more serious TBI can result in permanent disability and even death.
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Primary TBIs cause damage that is immediately noticeable and/or felt. Secondary TBIs worsen over time, which can range from hours or days to weeks and months.
Two Main Categories of Brain Injuries
If an object, such as a bullet, penetrates the brain, a brain injury is referred to as “penetrating.” A “non-penetrating” TBI results from a blunt force or jolt that damages the brain, causing it to move sharply and forcefully.
- Non-penetrating TBIs may result in several ways. Some of the most common are falls, car accidents, or blunt force.
- Secondary brain injuries develop over time after the initial trauma. For example, excessive swelling due to the injury itself causes its own set of severe problems.
Other Brain Injury Terms
- Concussion: Alteration in brain function that isn’t usually visible. These often occur in sports or other physical activities or falls.
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): A severe, neurologic progression of deterioration that is linked to repetitive head trauma. In professional football, CTE is a primary concern.
- Sub-concussive: repeated minor impacts to the brain that have a cumulative effect on brain function.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Not all people have the same or all of the possible symptoms associated with brain injuries. It’s therefore vital to get immediate medical assistance if someone has suffered a head injury and has even one of the following symptoms:
Outward Physical Signs of TBI
- Bleeding from the ear
- Convulsions
- Loss of balance or movement issues
- Nausea/vomiting
- Slurred speech
Behavioral Signs of TBI
- Blurred vision
- Change in consciousness (whether entirely unconscious or intermittently)
- Confusion
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Hearing changes such as inability to hear or ringing/buzzing
- Inability to sleep or excessive sleep
- Lack of energy; listlessness
- Memory issues
- Mood issues (changing rapidly) or aggression
Hypothetical Case Scenario: Undiagnosed Head Trauma
A minor car accident left Mario, a young, healthy male, with no injuries that he could observe or feel. He had been rear-ended, and his car suffered extensive damage. Mario decided to decline medical aid. Other than being a little shaken up, he felt fine. A couple of weeks later, Mario noticed he was waking up with headaches that, at first, went away within an hour or so after getting out of bed. Then, they started to last longer into his day. He also noticed he was finding it more and more difficult to stay awake during his night shift as a security guard, which was never a problem before the accident. His fatigue eventually became an issue, and he had to request day shifts. His wife also observed that he was growing increasingly short-tempered during this time but attributed it to his fatigue and headaches.
Mario and his supervisor became concerned when he forgot routine procedures and processes at work. His wife also noticed the same type of forgetfulness at home. Mario made a doctor’s appointment, and from there, he was referred to a neurologist. After X-rays and an MRI showed brain trauma, the neurologist diagnosed him with post-concussive syndrome. The doctor traced his symptoms back to the car accident. The subtle brain trauma had gone unnoticed that day, but Mario’s brain had sustained an injury as a result of the impact of the two cars.
Mario filed a claim against the insurance company of the at-fault driver with the help of a personal injury attorney. Since Mario had been hit from behind at a red light, it was a relatively smooth process that mainly entailed negotiations with the insurance company. Mario’s attorney handled the entire process, including negotiations and Mario received compensation for his medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The settlement allowed Mario to catch up on medical bills and take time off work until he was fully recovered and could return.
Get Help from an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney at Eason & Tambornini
If you have sustained a head injury, get checked by a medical professional immediately. If you think you may have reason to file a claim, call our offices at (916) 438-1819 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. There are no up-front fees and you will pay nothing unless you win a settlement.