A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results when there is a severe bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain functioning, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The injury to the brain might only be temporary, or it could cause permanent damage or even death.
TBIs are a major problem in the United States. In 2013, there were 2.8 million TBI-related emergency visits, hospitalizations, and deaths, according to the CDC. In fact, TBIs contribute to almost one-third of all injury deaths. Anyone injured in a car accident, injured while playing contact sports like football, or injured in a bad fall could be at risk of a TBI.
A TBI-related death might happen years after the injury, which is why it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. In addition, if you have sustained a TBI due to someone else’s negligence and show any signs of the symptoms below, it is imperative that you reach out to an attorney who can help you file a personal injury claim to recover the compensation that you deserve.
Symptoms of a TBI
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury depend on its severity. These are some of the signs and symptoms of a mild TBI, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Losing consciousness for a few seconds or minutes;
- Confusion or disorientation;
- Headache;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Feeling fatigued or drowsy;
- Difficulty speaking;
- Insomnia or sleeping more than usual;
- Dizziness or balance issues;
- Blurred vision;
- Ringing sensation in the ears;
- Difficulty focusing;
- Light sensitivity; and
- Feeling depressed or anxious.
The signs and symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI can include any of the symptoms described above, in addition to:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes or hours;
- Coma;
- Persistent or worsening headaches;
- Seizures;
- Weakness or numbness in the fingers and toes;
- Pupil dilation;
- Slurred speech;
- Unusual behavior like combativeness; and
- Profound confusion.
Seek medical attention immediately if you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms after receiving a blow to the head. Keep in mind that these are not the only signs of a TBI, so watch out for any unusual behavior or symptoms.
Contact Us Today for Assistance
Recovering from a TBI can be a truly difficult process, and often requires consistent medical care. As such, victims of a TBI due to someone else’s negligence may be faced with piling medical bills and other related costs, and may even be unable to work for a period of time. In this situation, it is best to reach out to a skilled legal professional for help filing a personal injury case.
Contact our office in Long Beach, California, for a free consultation if you sustained a traumatic brain injury because of another person’s negligence. Our personal injury attorneys will help you recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.