Brain injuries can be devastating to the victim and their family. Traumatic brain injuries can change everything for the victim – from their ability to earn an income to their personality traits.
Brain injuries can impact a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Family members may need special accommodations around their homes to care for and protect individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Anyone who has suffered a brain injury due to negligence by another person must secure the compensation they need for their medical care.
Defining A Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries happen when an external force injures the brain. Two types of accidents can cause brain injuries: external and internal injuries.
External or Open Head Injuries
External injuries occur when an object penetrates the skull and causes injury to the brain. These injuries are associated with skull fractures, bleeding, and swelling. The object may penetrate the brain, and surgery may be required.
Internal or Closed Head Injuries
Internal brain injuries are the more common type and result from the brain’s movement within the skull. This is very common in car accidents where a person is shaken back and forth during impact. Exceptionally loud noises or explosions can also cause brain movement and injury.
Injuries associated with closed head injuries include concussions, coup or contrecoup injuries, and brain bleeding or bruising.
Closed head injuries are severe and often lead to secondary medical conditions. The more common secondary conditions include;
- Brain swelling and pressure
- Infections in the meningeal layer
- Loss of oxygen to the brain (Hypoxia)
- The onset of seizures (epilepsy)
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes to brain chemistry
Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury
Every person experiences traumatic brain injury differently. It is important to understand that the following list contains common signs of brain injury but not all. Depending on the type of injury received, a person can suffer from one or more.
- Common signs of brain injury include:
- Loss of consciousness, even if it is only briefly
- Clear fluid leaking from ears or nose
- Dilation of one pupil
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Headache that does not get any relief from pain medications
- Loss of bodily functions
- Inability to control emotions, especially anger
- Experiencing a sensitivity to light or sound that you did not happen before
- Seizures
- Slurred words or not making sense while taking
- Changes in behavior
- Loss of memories or inability to form new memories
Compensation Available For Brain Injury Victims
Traumatic brain injuries can require extensive, if not lifelong medical care. When you are seeking compensation for this type of injury, it is essential to have an attorney managing your claim. You want to ensure maximum compensation for this injury so the victim can continue getting the necessary care.
Some of the forms of compensation that may be available to the brain injury victim include:
- Cost of current and future medical care for the brain injury
- Cost of occupational therapy
- Cost of behavioral therapy
- Coverage for CT scans, MRIs, and other continued testing
- Coverage for any necessary surgeries
- Long-term medical care or in-home care
These forms of compensation would be in addition to standard forms of compensation, which include:
- Loss of income and benefits
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering
Your attorney will explain to you what forms of compensation are available based on the facts of your case.
Speak With A Brain Injury Attorney Today
Traumatic brain injuries are severe medical conditions with lasting symptoms. Injury victims face long-term recovery periods and mounting medical costs. It is only fitting that the responsible party covers this injury’s expenses.
Do not place yourself at risk by trying to manage the insurance company on your own. Take advantage of the services of an experienced brain injury lawyer to protect your rights and secure maximum compensation.
Click on Find a Lawyer, and we will connect you with local brain injury attorneys that can help you during this most challenging time.