The effects of a TBI can permanently impact your quality of life.
In a car accident, you might suffer a blow to the head and not be aware of the serious nature of the injury. You might feel dizzy or have trouble seeing in the moments afterward. You might feel like you can “shake it off” and ignore medical treatment.
That would be a mistake. Brain injuries require immediate attention. Don’t delay seeing a doctor or medical professional. Tragically, some victims die because they wait too long to seek medical treatment.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
As March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are putting a spotlight on the serious nature of these injuries and how they happen. A Connecticut attorney knows that car accidents are among the top causes of concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, pedestrian accidents and accidents involving bicyclists and motor vehicles are the third leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If you are a loved one was in an accident, be aware of the following signs of a TBI:
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Blurred or double vision
- Dizziness
- Sleeping problems
- Mood changes such as frustration or irritability
What are the different types of traumatic brain injuries?
A head injury could involve penetration or non-penetration:
- Penetrating brain injury: This type of TBI involves a piercing of the skull, where an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain.
- Non-penetrating brain injury: These TBIs are known as closed-head injuries and tend to be more common in car accidents. For example, a pedestrian who is hit by a car might strike their head on the windshield of the vehicle. The force might be strong enough to move the brain within the skull and cause damage.
The impact of a brain injury can be catastrophic. A person might lose consciousness and could suffer brain death, which is a lack of measurable brain function. Some TBI victims might fall into a coma that could last for a few days. Some coma victims die or move into a vegetative state, which means they are unaware of their surroundings.
How an attorney can help after a brain injury
Accidents involving traumatic brain injuries should not be treated lightly. If you believe you suffered a blow to the head, seek medical attention immediately. Sometimes accident victims are not aware they struck their head but might start showing delayed symptoms such as a headache later on. Don’t delay seeing a doctor to get an assessment.
Because a brain injury can significantly impact your life, it’s also wise to talk to an accident attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. However, insurance companies may try to downplay the injury to avoid paying the financial compensation you need and deserve. That's why it's crucial to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer who can protect your rights and aggressively advocate for your best interests.
Don't wait to seek legal assistance if you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else's negligence. Tell them you mean business! Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli to see how we can help you.