It is easy to see some injuries sustained following an accident, such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones. However, victims might not realize they also suffer from internal injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). That is because victims can see exterior wounds and they often feel immense pain from a broken bone. Conversely, they might not be able to tell if they have a TBI or other internal injury.
Too many accident victims assume they have only a headache following an accident and leave a head injury untreated. However, this may result in severe complications or death in the future. Some medical professionals even refer to TBIs as the silent epidemic.
Remember, you might be entitled to financial compensation if your TBI resulted from another person’s negligence. Obtaining compensation for your injuries and losses may be hard to do independently, especially while you recover. Instead, contact a Sacramento TBI attorney. They can handle your case, investigate the accident, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
What Are TBIs?
A traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet, can also cause a TBI. Remember, you do not need to hit your head to sustain one. A TBI may form from having your head violently whipped back and forth. The degree of damage will depend on several factors, including what caused the injury. Common causes of a brain injury include:
- Falls
- Automobile accidents
- Violence
- Sports injuries
It is also important to remember that anyone is susceptible to a TBI, regardless of age and health.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
After an accident or blow to the head, we always recommend seeking medical attention. Now is not the time to tough it out; your headache or dizziness might be a brain injury. Waiting too long to treat it may leave you with permanent injuries. You should schedule a doctor’s appointment right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Clear fluids draining from your ears or nose
- Convulsions or seizures
In addition to physical symptoms, you may experience sensory symptoms, including blurred vision, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, or agitated behavior. Victims can also suffer from cognitive issues, such as confusion, difficulty sleeping, or memory loss.
Why Are Brain Injuries Dangerous?
Simply put, many people do not know they suffer from a traumatic brain injury. Since they cannot see the injured area, they assume they are fine. That is why doctors and other professionals refer to it as a silent epidemic.
A brain injury, especially one left untreated, may lead to swelling in the brain. Skulls cannot stretch to accommodate swelling like other parts of the body can. Swelling leads to pressure buildup in the brain, causing your brain to press against the skull. Brain swelling is very difficult to treat, and the damage is often irreversible and fatal. A diffuse axonal injury is also dangerous as it causes damage to brain cells. The damage limits their function, which may cause more brain swelling.
Brain injuries can even lead to various mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims that cannot recognize the signs of a mental illness often turn to drugs to cope. In more devastating situations, the individual may result to suicide.
Speak to an Experienced TBI Attorney in California Today
A traumatic brain injury can be deadly. Fortunately, you can recover from a TBI if you recognize the signs and symptoms and consult a doctor right away.
Even so, recovering from a head injury can be expensive. Medical bills can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. You might even be out of work, only adding to your stress. If you believe that another person’s negligence contributed to your injury, contact The Law Offices of J.G. Winter.
Attorney Jeremy Winter will launch a thorough investigation into the accident and circumstances surrounding the case. He is a fierce advocate for those injured by other’s reckless and negligent actions and will fight for you to receive the compensation necessary to cover accident-related costs. To schedule a free consultation, call (844) 734-2626 or complete our contact form.
