Facing the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury can be overwhelming for victims and their families.
Even what may seem like a relatively mild head injury may lead to further complications down the line. Some even cause permanent disability, severely reducing the victim’s quality of life.
At Peerali Law, our Santa Clarita brain injury lawyers have experience handling challenging cases like this.
We recognize the complex nature of situations where symptoms may not always be immediately apparent, and our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process.
If you’re wondering what to do after a brain injury, get medical attention and then call us at 818-688-4050 to tell your story.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when there’s a sudden and powerful blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain functions. This can happen in a variety of ways, but it’s most common in falls, car accidents, and sports.
TBIs range from mild to severe. In a mild TBI, there might be temporary confusion or headaches, while severe cases often lead to long-term problems with thinking, memory, or even changes in personality. I
t’s important to get medical attention if there’s any suspicion of a head injury, as prompt care can make a big difference in the outcome.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of a brain injury is crucial to minimizing damage. The longer it takes to diagnose, the higher the likelihood of permanent damage. If you experience a head injury, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Fatigue,
- Headaches,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Dizziness,
- Light sensitivity,
- Memory issues,
- Depression,
- Anxiety,
- Speech difficulties,
- Sleep disturbances,
- Blurry vision, and
- Convulsions.
If you suffered a head injury and are experiencing these symptoms, you would be wise to seek medical treatment. But know that a traumatic brain injury doesn’t necessarily present all of these symptoms. You may experience one symptom or any combination of symptoms.
In fact, symptoms may not even show up immediately after the injury. But understanding the range of potential issues helps you detect a TBI early, and helps you know when it’s time to seek appropriate medical intervention.
If your doctor confirms a brain injury after an accident caused by someone else, we recommend reaching out to a Santa Clarita brain injury lawyer. They will assess your case and let you know if seeking compensation is in your best interests.
Causes
Brain injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are most often caused by slips and falls. In fact, falls usually cause nearly half of all TBI hospitalizations in the US, or about 100,000 annually. However, they are also frequently associated with car accidents and sports injuries.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a TBI can be challenging. Since the damage is mostly internal, doctors are likely to use imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, to detect fractures, bleeding, or swelling. If they can’t make a determination based on those scans, they may try alternate methods like a neurological exam or a blood test.
In a thorough neurological examination, they assess motor skills, reflexes, coordination, perception, and other functions controlled by the nervous system. In contrast, a blood test helps identify proteins associated with a recent brain injury.
These are just a few of the tests used to identify a TBI. There are several different methods that doctors may use if they can’t make a definitive diagnosis. Cognitive tests, EEGs, and other tests might also be necessary.
Why Traumatic Brain Injuries Are One of the Most Serious Personal Injuries
Out of all personal injuries, TBIs can often be the most severe. While this doesn’t necessarily apply to all cases, it is far more common to have long-term issues than a quick recovery with more serious TBIs.
Uncertain Recovery
While immediate medical attention is crucial, there are limited treatments for many types of brain injuries. Treatment plans vary based on the severity of the injury and specific symptoms, but they can range from rehabilitation for cognitive or motor impairments to surgery for life-threatening conditions.
However, even with the best medical care, the outcomes for TBI patients can be uncertain. Some patients face long-term consequences, including cognitive impairment, emotional challenges, or a decreased quality of life. This adds to the emotional and financial burden experienced by TBI victims and their families.
Profound Impacts on Day-to-Day Life
TBIs can have a profound and varied impact on victims, affecting not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being. Even mild TBIs can result in memory loss, depression, and fatigue, while severe cases may lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, or even death.
In fact, the CDC found that the outcome of traumatic brain injuries varies greatly. Around 22% of patients with severe brain injuries in the U.S. die within five years of receiving the injury. Only a quarter of patients see improvement in their condition within that same timeframe.
The wide range of potential outcomes makes traumatic brain injuries particularly challenging for victims and their families to cope with, as the effects may last a lifetime and necessitate ongoing therapy or treatment.
Hard to Detect in Certain Circumstances
One reason why TBIs are among the worst personal injuries is the nature of the damage. Unlike external injuries that may be easy to identify, brain damage doesn’t always show up on medical tests immediately.
Symptoms may be subtle, delayed, or may not even manifest until weeks or months after the initial trauma. This makes it challenging to diagnose and treat TBIs promptly—and a delayed diagnosis could lead to long-term consequences for the patient.
How Our Brain Injury Attorneys Can Assist with Your Claim
Contacting a brain injury attorney may seem intimidating. We understand the stress that comes with filing an injury claim or a lawsuit.
However, we believe that you deserve compensation for your injury if a negligent person causes it. We help victims primarily pursue two types of damages: economic and noneconomic.
Economic damages are any tangible losses you incur from your injury. This includes both past and future associated costs, such as the following:
- Medical costs,
- Prescriptions,
- Lost wages,
- Lost earning capacity, and
- Property damage (if applicable).
In contrast, noneconomic damages are intangible losses that can’t be directly measured by referring to invoices or receipts. This includes pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of life’s enjoyment.
At Peerali Law, our Santa Clarita brain injury lawyers also want to make sure you can focus on recovery. That’s why we help with every aspect of your claim, from collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to negotiating with the defense and handling legal paperwork.
We’ll also advocate for you in court if the other side refuses to be reasonable in reaching a settlement.
Seek Justice with Peerali Law
Remember that you don’t have to face a traumatic brain injury alone. Our experienced team at Peerali Law is here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
If you or a loved one receives a traumatic brain injury, schedule a free consultation with one of our brain injury attorneys.
Your recovery begins with the right support, and we want to help in any way we can. Call us at 818-688-4050.