A head or traumatic brain injury can have serious consequences, leaving many victims with lingering pain and suffering. In severe cases, victims may need lifelong care. The physical, emotional and financial burden can be overwhelming. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it is possible to recover damages by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury is the result of an external force – a violent blow or jolt to the head or body, or an object penetrating the skill, leading to brain malfunction. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms can range from a painful headache to total paralysis.
A mild traumatic brain injury can cause a temporary dysfunction, but physical and psychological effects are not uncommon. On the other hand, serious injuries can lead to bruising, bleeding or tissue damage that may result in permanent impairment or death.
What causes brain injuries?
Brain injuries are often caused from falls off of ladders, down stairs, slips in the bathtub, as well as falls out of bed. Car accidents, motorcycle collisions and bicycle accident can also result in brain injuries, as can playing sports, including football, boxing, soccer, hockey and baseball. Finally, traumatic brain injuries can also be caused by criminal acts of violence and explosions.
How are brain injuries treated?
A mild traumatic brain injury may only require rest and over-the-counter pain medication. Nonetheless, injury victims should be closely monitored for persistent or worsening symptoms.
Victims should avoid physical activities until a doctor clears them to return to work or school and resume recreational activities.
Moderate to severe injuries often require immediate emergency care to ensure the victim has adequate blood and oxygen supply. In some case, surgery may be necessary to minimize damage from inflammation, bleeding or oxygen loss. Moreover, some victims may even need rehabilitation to relearn basic skills such as walking or talking. In sum, traumatic brain injuries can have serious and long lasting ramifications.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit?
Traumatic brain injuries can be a tremendous burden for the victims and their loved ones, and the burden can be even harder to bear when the injury was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another individual or entity. If you have suffered a brain injury, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Moreover you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you recover damages such as lost wages, past and future medical expenses, the cost of rehabilitative care, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and other losses.