Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur after an accident, such as a car accident or slip-and-fall accident. Although most people think TBI is caused solely by trauma to the head, TBI is actually an injury that occurs when the brain slams against the skull, which can happen when someone experiences a traumatic event – even if nothing physically strikes their head.
Understanding what TBI is and how it may present itself is not only important for seeking medical treatment, but it’s also important for holding negligent parties accountable. If someone else is responsible for an accident that caused your or a loved one to suffer TBI, you can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages.
What Are the Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury?
There are many potential symptoms of TBI that may appear immediately following the incident or even weeks later.
The most common signs of TBI after an accident include the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Sleep difficulty
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Changes in behavior, especially a sudden interest in high-risk behavior
- Mood swings
- Difficulty with concentration
In addition to these common symptoms, other signs may be apparent or develop later on. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, an injured person can experience seizures, loss of balance or coordination, tingling or numbing sensations, changes in taste and/or smell, slurred speech, and other cognitive impairments.
When Do the Signs of TBI Appear?
It’s important to note that TBI is not always immediately apparent after an accident. Symptoms may present themselves weeks later as the brain continues to heal and recover from the incident.
For this reason, it’s important for those who have been involved in a serious accident of any kind to be monitored closely by medical professionals even if they don’t appear to show signs of injury right away. A doctor can run tests to determine whether there has been a brain injury or not. Doing so quickly can help ensure that victims receive proper care and treatment for their condition in a timely manner.
What to Do When You Suspect an Accident Caused TBI
You should never hesitate to seek medical treatment and legal assistance when you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from a traumatic brain injury. When TBI is caused by someone else’s negligence, the responsible party can be held liable to pay the other party’s medical bills, treatment costs, therapy expenses, and other damages.
Should you require assistance in pursuing compensation for these damages, the Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser. With more than 20 years of legal experience, we have what it takes to help our clients pursue legal action and achieve meaningful results.
For more information, request a consultation with our attorney when you contact the Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser online today.