What To Do If You Suspect a TBI After an Accident
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most common types of harm sustained by accident survivors. Traumatic brain injuries can range in severity but should always be reviewed by a highly trained medical professional. Even a mild TBI can impact a person’s daily activities, causing headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or speech problems. Getting an accurate, early diagnosis may be critical for your recovery.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we represent individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries in Newport News and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated legal team understands the profound, potentially long-term health implications associated with this kind of injury. We fight for our clients to receive the maximum compensation possible. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, contact our office at (757) 530-5273 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Are Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the head sustains some kind of trauma that affects the brain. They are typically categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on the extent of the harm. Receiving a prompt diagnosis may be vital to your recovery. It is imperative that you seek immediate medical treatment after any accident with injuries.
Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Car accidents
- Sports injuries
- Explosions
- Violence
- Being struck by an object
As noted by the Mayo Clinic, signs of a traumatic brain injury may not appear immediately after the initial head injury. It may take hours, days, or even weeks for the physical and psychological effects to become noticeable.
What Are Signs and Symptoms of TBIs?
Signs and symptoms of a TBI differ depending on the severity of the injury. However, a mild traumatic brain injury can still cause serious health problems, including nausea and vomiting, sensory problems, difficulty sleeping, and depression or anxiety.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are signs and symptoms of a moderate to severe TBI:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Weakness or numbness
- Coma
- Slurred speech
- Repeated vomiting
- Convulsions or seizures
- Confusion
If your head trauma was caused by another person’s negligence, you need to consult with a catastrophic injury lawyer. A lawyer can help determine whether you have a valid claim for damages. It is essential to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit based on personal injury.
How Are TBIs Diagnosed?
All brain injuries should be diagnosed by a medical professional. Left untreated, a TBI may become life-threatening. Immediate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are often critical.
A doctor may use several exams or tests to accurately diagnose a TBI:
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Intracranial pressure monitoring
Getting an accurate diagnosis for a traumatic brain injury can help ensure that you receive the treatment you need to prevent further damage. It can also play an important role in determining the amount of compensation that you will receive.
Hiring a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
If you sustain a traumatic brain injury after an accident, contact our office at (757) 530-5273 for a free consultation. Let us help you get the recovery you deserve after a serious accident with injury. Do not wait. Call today to get started.
