Being involved in an accident and suffering any level of injuries or harm can present one of the most frightening and challenging experiences you will ever face. This can especially be true if you sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of an unfortunate incident. Your long-term health, your employment, and even your relationships with family and friends could be in severe jeopardy, depending on the extent of your injury.
Far too often here in Texas and across the nation, victims of motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, work-related accidents and even sports-related incidents suffer traumatic brain injuries. In many of these cases, the injury symptoms are immediately apparent, while in others, the injury’s full extent does not become apparent for days, weeks or even months. Regardless, if you sustained your TBI through no fault of your own, you most likely have the right to pursue compensation for rehabilitation costs, medical bills, lost wages from missing work and more.
Two ways a brain injury can occur
There are two types of injuries that have the potential to cause a traumatic brain injury. Closed head injuries happen when there is no fracture or piercing of the skull. These type of injuries typically involve internal damage to brain tissue and blood vessels that resulted from some form of violent movement of the head. Open head injuries, on the other hand, occur when some kind of object penetrates the head. These injuries need urgent attention and often cause brain bleeding and swelling.
How a brain injury can affect victims
There are a myriad of potential ways in which a brain injury can affect someone, ranging from a mild concussion to a life-threatening coma. Some of the most common symptoms reported by victims include the following:
- Psychological issues, including depression, anxiety and a noticeable lack of motivation
- Day-to-day functionality problems, such as the inability to operate a vehicle, dress, bathe or eat
- Cognitive deficits, including amnesia, losing track of time, confusion and a minimal attention span
- Motor skill issues, such as the inability to stay coordinated and balanced, decreased stamina, and weak or paralyzed areas of the body
Any combination of these symptoms can create an extremely difficult time for you, both emotionally and financially. Fortunately, if your traumatic brain injury was the result of another party’s reckless or negligent actions, you have the right to seek justice in the form of a personal injury civil claim. A successfully litigated lawsuit can result in monetary damages for your pain and suffering along with many of your unfortunate expenses.