A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the most severe injuries in an accident. Considered a significant cause of disability and death, a TBI can affect how the brain works. Some common causes of a traumatic brain injury include a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury such as a knife or gunshot to the head.

If you or a family member has suffered severe head trauma in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your damages. Contact our experienced brain injury lawyers at (707) 564-1900 for a free consultation.

A traumatic brain injury is classified as minor, moderate, or severe. Since not all brain injuries show symptoms right away, it’s essential to understand the three types of TBIs below:

A concussion is the mildest form of a TBI. Concussions can happen in a traffic accident. Even collisions at low speeds can result in concussions when the head gets thrown forward and snaps back. Symptoms of a concussion can include:

• headaches
• cognitive issues
• confusion
• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• nausea
• slurred speech
• vomiting

A moderate traumatic brain injury can cause long-term health issues and permanent disability. Symptoms of a moderate TBI may not appear until hours or weeks later. They can either stay the same or get worse over time. Symptoms of a moderate TBI include:

• bad headaches
• light and sound sensitivity
• migraines
• problems sleeping
• seizures
• unconsciousness

Those who survive a severe traumatic brain injury often experience long-term health issues. An individual with a severe TBI often remains unconscious for longer than a week. Physical symptoms of a severe TBI are similar to those of a moderate injury. However, cognitive defects may also be apparent such as:

• amnesia
• difficulty concentrating
• lack of impulse control
• lack of motivation
• less awareness
• memory loss
• personality change
• poor judgment
• reduced attention span

Those suffering from moderate and severe brain injuries are often in intensive care. When a brain injury is more severe, it is usually due to one of the following conditions:

• Brain hemorrhage: out-of-control bleeding between the brain tissue and skull or within the brain tissue.
• Diffuse axonal injury: tearing of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers.
• Edema: swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the brain.
• Fractured skull: a break in the skull bone.
• Hematoma: a collection of blood outside of blood vessels.
• Recurrent concussions: multiple concussions, such as injuries from contact sports.

Watch the animated video below to learn more about the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury affects people of all ages. Although anyone can experience a TBI, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that certain groups of people are at a greater risk of experiencing long-term health issues or even death after the injury. According to the CDC, the groups more likely to be affected by a TBI include:

• ethnic minorities
• homeless people
• people in jail or prison
• people living in rural areas
• people with low income
• survivors of domestic abuse
• veterans and service members

Those suffering from severe brain trauma may become permanently disabled and unable to return to work. Medical expenses following a TBI can be tremendous and continue into the future. By filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party responsible for your injury, you may be able to claim compensation to cover your current and future expenses.

Since 1982, our experienced injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com have assisted those with brain injury in obtaining the compensation they deserve. Whether your loved one remains at home or enters long-term facility care, it may be possible to recover the compensation needed to care for your loved one. This can help with your financial strain and give you and your family justice.

Recovering damages from a TBI is essential, especially in severe cases, because a brain injury can be debilitating and life-altering. If you or a family member has suffered a severe head injury in an accident and need free, friendly advice, please call our skilled Rio Vista brain injury lawyers today at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. See a list of our past cases on our verdicts and settlements page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 8.18.23] Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay cha llo [cs 766]}