The human brain is incredibly complex and intricate, but it is also quite vulnerable. There are still so many aspects of the brain that we do not understand, and injuries to the brain can lead to long-lasting—and, in many cases, unknown—consequences. In recent decades, efforts to understand how a traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects a person’s behavior, cognitive function, and overall well-being have shed some light on how to treat TBI victims. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and some symptoms may not emerge until well after the injury occurs. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in a car accident or similar incident that was not your fault, you have the legal right to seek compensation from those responsible for your injury. It’s worth taking a glance at how TBIs occur, how they are diagnosed and managed, and how you can pursue compensation with the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney.
Definition of TBI
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a TBI is any brain injury, typically caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head, that impairs the brain’s normal function. Severe TBIs can lead to death, with an estimated 155 individuals across the U.S. dying from TBIs each day. In 2014, TBIs were diagnosed in roughly 288,000 hospitalizations. When making a diagnosis, a doctor will categorize the TBI as either “mild” or “severe.” Those who are diagnosed with mild TBI may suffer a temporary loss of consciousness or other symptoms, while severe TBI victims may face permanent symptoms, such as the loss of motor function, hearing, vision, or significant cognitive impairment.
TBI Risk Factors
The most recent data shows that falls are the leading cause of TBI in the U.S. Children and people over the age of 65 are the most likely to fall and become injured, so TBI rates among these groups are higher. Car and truck accidents are also responsible for TBI injuries, particularly for individuals between the ages of 15 and 44. Those who wish to protect themselves against TBIs should always wear a seatbelt while traveling in a moving vehicle, and older adults should make sure their eyesight or medications are not contributing to the likelihood that they will trip and fall.
A Long Road to Recovery
As more research is done into how to best support the recovery of a TBI victim, it’s essential to work with your physician to ensure that you are receiving the care you need during this challenging time. You will likely be encouraged to rest, avoid bright lights, and give your brain plenty of breaks throughout the day. If you have a severe TBI, you and your family may be facing additional hurdles, such as physical therapy, surgery, and other expensive interventions. The sheer physical and emotional costs associated with TBIs can be overwhelming, especially as the medical bills pile up. That’s why it’s helpful to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you recover compensation that can go towards paying down those medical bills, lost wages, and other financial hardships you’ve incurred as a result of the incident.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, we are passionate about obtaining justice on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury stemming from an accident that was someone else’s fault, we are here to help you win the compensation you deserve. Together, we will build a solid case to ensure that you receive what you need in order to make your future a little brighter. Call our Vancouver office today at (360) 737-1478 to get started.
