Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most common and fatal injuries from car accidents and slip-and-falls. Each year, TBIs are the cause of 2.5 million emergency room visits. TBIs can range from relatively minor brain injuries to severe, life-threatening fractures. The severity, complications, and required treatments of TBIs depend on how the injury occurred and the location of the injury in the brain. Though mild TBIs—such as minor concussions—often heal on their own with time and rest, more severe TBIs do not resolve despite medical care and treatment and can have lifelong consequences.
If you have incurred a TBI from a car accident or a slip-and-fall, it is best to consult a skilled personal injury lawyer. Outlined below are the four most common TBIs and their associated symptoms.
Concussions
A concussion is a TBI that is caused by an impact to the head, whiplash, or shaking of the skull. Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion include headaches, memory loss, and disorientation. To treat concussions, doctors will usually advise injured patients to rest, stay off their phones and other devices, and avoid participating in physical activities that could worsen the injury. While concussions are relatively minor injuries, they can have negative impacts if they are sustained for a long period of time. Additionally, if you get a second concussion before the first one heals, it can have significant damaging effects on your brain.
Brain Contusions
In the same way that you get contusions on your skin, a brain contusion occurs when the brain tissue is bruised—usually from impact to the head. Caused by the breakage and leakage of small blood vessels, brain contusions cause pressure in your brain to build, which results in a variety of symptoms, such as tiredness, disorientation, and emotional distress. In severe cases, the swelling caused by the contusion can prevent your brain from receiving proper oxygenation.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
Some accidents result in an object piercing the victim’s skull. The resulting brain injuries from these kinds of accidents are classified as penetrating brain injuries. When an object comes into contact with your head and penetrates the skull, it can cause serious injury to a concentrated or large area of your brain.
Anoxic Brain Injuries
Anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain does not receive the proper oxygen supply it needs to function properly. After a couple of minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin to die, which can cause significant damage. Since oxygen is supplied to the brain by blood, anoxic brain injuries usually occur from a blockage in blood flow. Heart attacks, serious traumas, and clots are just a few blockages that can cause an anoxic TBI.
Receiving Compensation for Accident-Related TBIs
TBIs are both physically and financially devastating. If your TBI resulted from an accident caused by a negligent party, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation for your damages. Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Loss of wages
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Disability
When you consult a skilled personal injury lawyer, they will look at the specifics surrounding your case and determine the best strategy for pursuing financial compensation.
Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI as a result of a car accident or slip and fall, it is imperative to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer. At Setareh Law, we are dedicated to representing plaintiffs across California who have suffered devastating injuries from various accidents.
With over ten years of experience helping our clients navigate the claim process, we have a proven track record of getting our clients the justice they deserve. We understand the stress of being injured by a negligent party and will exhaust every available resource to help ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted attorneys, complete an online contact form or call today at (310) 659-1826.