A head injury might seem minor at first. However, it can have serious consequences. What appears to be a simple bump could result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This injury may have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts.
Recognizing the symptoms of TBI is important for protecting your health and securing the care you need after an accident. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may also have the right to seek compensation. Keep reading to understand the common signs of a TBI and how a New York City personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Common Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can vary widely in severity. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to life-altering complications. Knowing the signs can help you identify the type of injury you or a loved one has sustained and seek appropriate medical attention.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild TBIs are often referred to as concussions. They can be challenging to recognize immediately. However, they may still significantly impact your daily life if left untreated. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings or irritability
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or sleeping more than usual
- Temporary loss of consciousness, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes
Even though these symptoms may seem minor, they can worsen over time. Hence, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience them after a head injury.
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Moderate to severe TBIs often present more intense and long-lasting symptoms. These injuries can result in permanent damage if not treated promptly. Symptoms of more severe TBIs include:
- Chronic or worsening headaches
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Persistent memory problems
- Vision impairment or loss, including pupil dilation in one or both eyes
- Numbness or weakness in the extremities, such as fingers or arms
- Seizures or convulsions
- Profound confusion or agitation
- Loss of consciousness lasting several minutes or more
While some symptoms overlap with mild TBIs, moderate to severe injuries require immediate medical intervention. Urgent care can help prevent further complications or long-term damage.
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Occur?
Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a jolt, blow, or penetrating injury to the head. These injuries can happen in various scenarios, often due to accidents or negligence.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of TBIs. During a crash, drivers and passengers may hit their heads against the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows.
Even with airbags, the force of a crash can cause significant trauma to the brain. Motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous when helmets aren’t worn or fail to provide adequate protection.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Falls are another leading cause of TBIs. If you slip on a wet surface in a grocery store or trip on uneven pavement, hitting your head during a fall can lead to significant brain injuries. These incidents often occur in public places like grocery stores, sidewalks, or workplaces.
Falling Objects
Being struck by falling merchandise or debris is another common cause of TBIs, especially in retail or construction settings. These incidents often occur due to improper storage or failure to secure heavy items.
Poorly secured merchandise or debris can strike individuals on the head, causing significant damage. In construction, heavy tools or materials falling from heights pose severe risks. It highlights the importance of workplace safety measures.
Sports and Recreational Activities
High-impact sports and recreational activities can also lead to TBIs. Football, hockey, and other contact sports are particularly risky. Cycling, skateboarding, and skiing accidents often lead to TBIs when proper protective gear like helmets is not used or fails to prevent injury.
These scenarios highlight the diverse ways TBIs can occur. Identifying risks and addressing negligence can help reduce the frequency and severity of traumatic brain injuries.
What to Do if You Suspect a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you believe you or a loved one has sustained a TBI, act quickly to protect your health and legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your first step should always be to seek medical care. Even if your symptoms seem minor, a thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out serious complications. Medical professionals may conduct imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans to assess the severity of the injury.
Document Your Injury
Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, medical appointments, and treatment plans. This documentation can provide evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Identify Potential Negligence
Understanding the circumstances is key if your TBI occurred due to another party’s negligence. For example, was your car accident caused by a distracted driver? Did a property owner fail to address hazardous conditions that led to your fall? Identifying the responsible party can strengthen your case.
Consult with an Experienced Lawyer
The aftermath of a traumatic brain injury can be overwhelming. Seeking legal representation safeguards your rights. It gives you the best chance of recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why You Need Legal Representation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can have life-altering consequences, from mounting medical bills to a reduced ability to work. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you could seek compensation.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you take the burden of dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures off your shoulders.
How We Can Help
At Mirza Law, we fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable. When you work with us, we’ll take the time to understand your situation and provide compassionate, personalized representation. We’ll investigate your case and handle negotiations with insurance companies. If necessary, we will also represent you in court to make sure you receive the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to stand by your side every step of the way.