The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a penetrating head injury. Everyone is at risk for a TBI. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2014, the CDC reported approximately 2.87 million TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the US, including more than 837,000 children.
Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by a number of things, but they are a key factor in many car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck and 18-wheeler accidents, workplace accidents, and premises liability accidents. When you or a loved one suffers a TBI as a result of these accidents, the costs of your medical care and any other negative impacts deserve to be paid for by those who caused your injury.
A concussion occurs when a bump, blow, hit to the body, or a violent shaking causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
Brain penetrations are the result of the skull and brain being penetrated by a sharp or fast-moving object such as a knife, a bullet, or a piece of shrapnel.
Medical professionals define a contusion as bleeding on the brain. Contusions usually occur after suffering a direct blow to the head. Oftentimes, contusions can only be resolved through surgery.
Similar to a concussion, a diffuse axonal injury occurs when the brain is damaged due to being vigorously shaken. When this happens to an infant, it is referred to as “shaken baby syndrome” and is potentially life-threatening.
While the more mild types of TBI will usually heal over time with the proper treatment and effective rest, serious traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting negative impacts on your health, sometimes for the rest of your life. For example, it’s not uncommon for severe TBI sufferers to develop chronic migraines, vertigo, and light sensitivity. TBIs can also lead to depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, or even personality changes. There have even been some studies linking severe TBI to increased risk of developing long-term neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
If you have suffered a TBI as the result of an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Beginning treatment as soon as possible gives patients the best chance for a full recovery. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury and your doctor’s recommendations, and multiple treatments are also often used in conjunction with one another. However, it is important to watch for any symptoms that may worsen as time goes by.
If your TBI was the result of an auto accident, construction accident, workplace accident, slip and fall, or other kind of accident where another party was negligent, you should contact an attorney immediately to seek compensation from those who hurt you.
Why Should I Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Houston?
Treatment for brain injuries can add up to millions of dollars in medical expenses. Many people never fully recover or lead a normal life. And if you do make a full recovery, you are often stuck under a mountain of medical debt from your treatment. If another party was responsible for the accident that caused your brain injury, you could be entitled to full financial compensation. To fight for your right to compensation, you need an experienced and aggressive attorney who specializes in Traumatic Brain Injuries.
You need Attorney Sgt. Pike.
The most important part of getting to the truth of your TBI injury is getting to the truth of your accident. Just like any car, truck, workplace, premises liability, or construction accident, Sgt. Pike will deploy his team of experts to investigate and analyze the scene of the accident. They’ll gather witness testimony, photo and video evidence. They won’t rest until they have all the facts so that those who injured you are held accountable for their actions.
The level of compensation that you can expect from a traumatic brain injury suit depends on the severity of your injury. This is why it’s imperative to document as much as possible, from medical bills to lost wages to pain and suffering. Then, with all the evidence in hand, Sgt. Pike and his team can win the highest possible settlement for your injury.