Traumatic Brain Injuries

Accidents are an unfortunate reality for many people. Even the most well-meaning and attentive individuals may find themselves suffering an injury at the hands of a negligent party. A momentary lapse in attention is all it takes to collide with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist. If you have suffered an injury in an incident caused by someone else’s recklessness or negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation. The financial damages you recover will allow you to pay off expensive medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs stemming from the accident. While many injuries exhibit visible symptoms right away, traumatic brain injuries are much more challenging to diagnose. These types of injuries may take days, weeks, or even months before symptoms present themselves, and scientific research suggests that traumatic brain injuries can impact your life for a considerable period of time—even permanently, in some cases. If you have been the victim of an accident in Portland or Vancouver and you suffered any type of head injury, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you have done so, reach out to the dedicated and caring personal injury attorneys at Henderson Taylor Law Firm PLLC to discuss your options for pursuing and securing the compensation you deserve.

The Lasting Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are still not completely understood. However, medical professionals tend to classify TBIs as either mild or severe. Individuals who suffer a mild TBI typically experience a loss of consciousness for under thirty minutes, although the symptoms can become severe and linger for over a year. If the TBI causes the victim to lose consciousness for over an hour, it would constitute a severe form of TBI. The effects of a severe TBI can develop suddenly and last for a long amount of time; in some cases, victims may experience symptoms and cognitive impairment for several years. Since symptoms associated with TBIs may be hard to detect, it is common for medical professionals to overlook TBIs and fail to diagnose them. Even if you do not feel that your injuries are severe enough to justify immediate medical attention, you should still schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. The healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination to determine whether you have experienced a TBI. The sooner you can identify the nature of the injuries, the more effective your treatment options can be.

Pursuing an Accident Claim for a TBI

Accident victims who have suffered a TBI may wonder whether they are entitled to recover compensation from the party responsible for the incident. A successful personal injury claim relies on clear documentation that establishes the specifics of the injuries and their associated costs, which can be somewhat challenging for TBIs (as the symptoms can be harder to identify and document). Your best strategy is to seek medical attention from a doctor who can screen you for a TBI and document the nature and extent of your injuries and conditions. Keep track of all the medical records created by each visit, including follow-ups. These records will help to strengthen your personal injury claim by demonstrating the degree to which the negligent party’s actions have impacted your life, both physically and financially. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers are ready to help you gather the most compelling evidence that justifies your right to recover the compensation you need to support your recovery.