Traumatic brain injuries are uncommon when compared to the total number and types of personal injuries. That said, they do still happen and impact the lives of nearly two million people every year in the United States. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can happen with an accident. If you or someone you know has experienced a TBI from an accident, it’s important to know your rights so that you can recover to the fullest and live as meaningful a life as possible with the injury.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injury, in its most simple explanation, is when the brain becomes bruised or damaged by some sort of external force to the head like a blow. Vehicle accidents are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can also be caused by the following:
• Fighting
• War related injuries
• Accidental falls
• Sports injuries
While this might seem like an obvious statement, a traumatic brain injury cannot be self-diagnosed or diagnosed by anyone. It must be diagnosed by a recognized medical professional. The process of diagnosis usually involves assessing various aspects of the patient including eye responses, verbal responses and motor responses. Swelling and bleeding in or around the brain might be checked for with CT scans or MRIs.
Treatment and Care for a Traumatic Brain Injury
Treatment, care and management of a traumatic brain injury will vary depending on the type of injury and the extent of the damage. Rehabilitation is generally a treatment method which includes speech and language therapy and physical therapy. If the TBI is serious enough, a neurosurgical intervention may also be needed to treat the condition in addition to rehabilitative therapies.
Traumatic brain injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Often there can be serious and lasting impacts on a person’s life. Traumatic brain injuries can make daily activities very difficult or impossible. A student, for example, may have a hard time keeping up with their studies. People with these types of injuries are unable to work because they become easily fatigued and overwhelmed. Sometimes activities that require careful coordination become impossible or if possible, extremely difficult.
Traumatic brain injuries can have a big psychological affect on a person as well. Mental health issues are common as those injured adjust to a life with significant limitations to the abilities, they were able to do prior to an accident. Depression and anxiety are common further impacting the life of a person who has experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Getting Legal Representation
You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury. To find out if you are, and how much compensation, you should consult an experienced Injury Lawyer in Richmond Hill. The lawyer will be able to assess the specifics of your accident and provide you will valuable legal advice to move forward with your life the maximum amount possible.