When you are in an auto accident or fall and hit your head, there is potential for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is among the most serious injuries that you can sustain and should not be taken lightly. Reach out to a Memphis traumatic brain injury lawyer for guidance if you are looking to be compensated for your losses. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney like David E. Gordon can be your advocate in court during this difficult time.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. This is a common injury in motor vehicle collisions. Sometimes these injuries to the brain are referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries. But even a mild brain injury can affect the person’s brain cells temporarily. This means that they might be unable to recall their phone number, how to use an appliance, or some other basic fact.
These types of injuries usually only last a short time, with the functions of the brain returning to full use within a few days or weeks. More serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding, and other physical damage to the brain. This can leave long-term damage, including difficulty speaking or walking, and in some cases can lead to death.
Brain damage can occur in almost any kind of accident where the head is hit. This includes car accidents, and, especially, motorcycle accidents when the biker’s head smashes into any part of the other vehicle or onto the ground, even if they were wearing a helmet. Many people are aware of the head trauma that football players experience even with their helmet on. Auto accident collisions tend to be even more impactful than sports collisions. A Memphis TBI lawyer like David recommends that a person who hit their head in an accident seek medical help.
Symptoms of TBI
A person with mild traumatic brain injury could have sensory problems such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or a bad taste in their mouth, as well as sensitivity to light or sound. They might have a feeling of depression or anxiety.
Other common signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include:
- loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
- a state of being confused or disoriented
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- fatigue or drowsiness
- problems with speech
- difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- loss of balance
A person experiencing these symptoms should contact a local traumatic brain injury attorney immediately.
Moderate to Severe Brain Injuries
Someone with a moderate brain injury might have any of the signs and symptoms of the mild injury, in addition to a loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours, persistent headache or a headache that worsens, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, fluids draining from the nose or ears, inability to awaken from sleep, weakness or numbness in fingers and toes, or loss of coordination.
A person with a mild to severe TBI could experience profound confusion, combativeness, slurred speech, and it is possible they could even be in a coma and have related disorder of consciousness.
The Significance of Brain Injuries
Although medical experts use terms like mild, moderate, and severe to describe the effect of the injury on the brain function, even a mild injury to the brain still requires prompt attention. The brain is the center of all human function. It not only controls a person’s thoughts and their reasoning but it controls their ability to speak and use their arms and legs. When brain function is impaired, it might affect any other aspect of their functioning. If there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following an accident, no matter how minor, the injured individual must seek emergency medical care.
Protect Your Future with a Memphis Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
A serious TBI can impact your lifestyle and potentially prevent you from earning an income. As a result, it is important to get it treated by professionals. A Memphis traumatic brain injury lawyer can lead you through the process and help file a lawsuit. Contact the Law Office of David E. Gordon for more information.
