Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are commonly sustained in accidents involving head trauma. These are serious injuries and can be difficult to diagnose, particularly when a patient is not forthcoming about any symptoms they may be experiencing. Proper diagnosis of a TBI can be critical to most effective recovery and is also likely to play a pivotal role in any personal injury claim you may bring as a result of injuries and other losses you sustain in an accident. We want you to have as many of the facts as possible so that if you or a loved one ever finds yourself possibly having a TBI as a result of an accident, you get the care you need and the monetary recovery to which you are entitled.
Important Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries
First, it is good to know some of the basics about TBIs. TBIs run a wide range of severity. Some TBIs are mild while others are moderate or severe. Mild TBIs may result in a loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes. Most TBIs end up being mild, but it is still important for them to be properly diagnosed as even mild TBIs can have serious health consequences. Symptoms may take days or weeks to present and can include:
- Trouble with coordination
- Depression
- Violent outbursts
- Mood changes
- Excessive sleep
- Sensory issues
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Seizures
In the case of moderate to severe closed TBIs, the injury victim may lose consciousness for more than an hour. Symptoms can include:
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Trouble speaking
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Combative behavior
- Depression
After an accident where you have sustained head trauma, be on the lookout for these symptoms. As there can be a delay in symptoms presenting themselves, be sure to monitor yourself for several days to a few weeks post-accident. Always be upfront with your doctor about any symptoms you have been experiencing. Accurately reporting your symptoms may lead to your doctor ordering a more thorough neurological examination or brain imaging studies to show if the brain’s surface has sustained any damage.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of a TBI can be critical to maximizing health recovery efforts. It can also be important for personal injury claim purposes. Treating a TBI can be expensive and there can also be costly follow-up care. Furthermore, sustaining a TBI can have a significant impact on your relationships, everyday life, and the activities you can participate in. These are all compensable losses and you can seek monetary recovery for such losses through pursuing a personal injury.
In a personal injury claim, you can recover damages that include:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Cost of future medical care
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
A damage claim is supported by things such as medical documentation. You can also support your damages claim by keeping a journal of how the accident and your injuries have impacted your life.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one have sustained a TBI in an accident, the trusted team at Cooper, Schall & Levy can help you recover proper compensation for the harm you have sustained. Contact us today.
