A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from an external force that disturbs normal brain function. This disruption can result from sudden trauma or an object piercing the brain. The severity of Traumatic Brain Injuries can be categorized into three groups:
- Mild: brief to no loss of consciousness
- Moderate: may involve loss of consciousness lasting up to 24 hours
- Severe: includes the loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours
Why Are TBIs Referred to as “The Invisible Injury”?
While a victim usually suffers from symptoms such as cognitive or physical dysfunction, TBIs sometimes don’t have visible trauma. Because the symptoms are internal, medical professionals refer to them as invisible injuries. Due to the delicate nature of the brain, diagnosis is usually complex. Symptoms often only begin to appear days or even weeks after the accident, making it difficult to link them to the original incident. A delay may complicate treatment and management; that’s why it’s essential to see a physician as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel unharmed.
How Can a TBI Lawyer Help With Your Claim?
Our team understands the complex nature of TBI lawsuits, which is why we are willing to take your case to court. Let us handle negotiations with insurance companies that regularly seek to minimize the effects of a TBI on victims. We fight for fair compensation for your lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we know that a TBI isn’t just something that shows up on a scan. It’s an injury that can quietly affect your life. Maybe it started with a car accident that didn’t seem serious at first. You walked away thinking you were okay, but weeks later, you’re struggling with headaches, memory loss, or mood changes. That’s where we come in.
We take the time to understand what your life looked like before the accident and how it compares to what you’re experiencing now. We work with trusted medical professionals to properly document your injury, explain it in a way insurers and courts can understand, and make sure nothing gets brushed off as insignificant.
What Support Do You Need After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Recovering from a TBI can be a long journey, and support plays a critical role in the healing process, helping individuals regain their independence. While some individuals may return to normal life after an accident, others may require extensive treatment and ongoing therapy, including full-time home care, assisted living, or nurse support. These requirements can be permanent and come with significant financial burdens, which is why it’s important to ensure the responsible party is held accountable.
Rehabilitation services, such as physical or speech therapy, may help restore motor skills and coordination and improve your ability to perform daily activities. These treatments may take years to show results or may be required long-term.
A TBI can also affect emotional regulation. Emotional support providers, such as counselors, understand this type of injury and provide tools to help patients manage these challenges.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs, and don’t always involve high-speed crashes. Even a minor accident can cause your brain to suddenly jolt in your skull, resulting in injury.
Being examined by a doctor immediately creates a clear medical record linking your symptoms to the accident. This is important for both your health and any potential legal claim, as delays in treatment are often questioned.
When a TBI results from a car accident or any other traumatic incident, we gather reports, medical results, and witness testimony to establish where liability lies.
How Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Diagnosed?
Brain injuries are categorized into open and closed trauma, depending on the severity of the damage. Injuries can range from a mild concussion to a life-threatening contusion. The type of hemorrhaging within the brain may even cause focal brain damage. Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and the areas affected.
A scale used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness in a coma is known as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). A GCS tests the individual’s ability to open their eyes, respond to questions, and follow commands. Another method, the Ranchos Los Amigos Scale, measures awareness, cognition, and interaction with the environment.
Numerous tests are also used in diagnosing possible TBIs. Computed Tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for assessing head injury. It detects the presence of blood and fractures, both of which are important to identify in an emergency.
Treatment can range from symptom management for mild cases to structured rehabilitation programs for more serious injuries. Recovery plans are typically tailored to the individual and may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
How Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Affect Your Injury Claim?
Traumatic brain injuries affect memory, focus, and emotions, even when others cannot see the damage. We focus on what recovery really means for you, including ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income. Our role is to ensure you are not left to bear the financial burden of an injury you did not cause.
With 30 combined years of legal experience, we’re one of San Diego’s preferred personal injury law firms. If you suspect you may be a victim of a TBI, contact us to start your process towards the support and compensation you deserve.
