How a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Support Your Recovery
Traumatic brain injuries rank among the most common causes of death and disability in adults. But the designation of traumatic brain injury (or TBI) is an umbrella term that covers a vast variety of injuries. TBI’s can range from bumps on the head to cracks and penetrative injuries to the skull and brain. Their effects can last a lifetime and drastically reduce a person’s quality of life. Today’s blog will provide an overview of these injuries, and inform effected parties how an experienced and dedicated traumatic brain injury attorney can help you claim the compensation you are entitled to.
Defining the Types of TBI
In medical terms, a traumatic brain injury occurs when the head and skull experiences contact with a sufficiently powerful external force to give the brain a damaging jolt. These TBI’s generally fall into one of two categories.
- Closed Brain Injury – A closed brain injury is defined as a non-penetrating injury to the brain with no break in the skull. When a sufficiently powerful force acts on the head and neck area, the brain may shake within the skull and impact against its ha rd walls. This can cause bruising and tearing of sensitive brain tissues and blood vessels. These injuries are generally associated with falls and car accidents (where they’re often dismissed or minimized as “whiplash”). Though a growing percentage of closed brain injuries come as a result of sports, especially among young people and children.
- Penetrating Brain Injury – A penetrating brain injury occurs when there is a break in the skull, most often as a result of a direct and possibly intentional assault by a weapon or other implement.
TBI Symptoms to Watch Out For
Traumatic brain injuries generally benefit immensely from prompt diagnosis and treatment. But given the various forms these injuries can take, there’s a broad slate of symptoms to keep an eye out for. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms in the aftermath of your TBI.
- Headache
- Convulsions/Seizures
- Blurred/Double Vision
- Clear fluid draining from nose or ears
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance
- Confusion/Disorientation
- Difficulty Waking Up
- Frustration/Irritability
- Light/Sound Sensitivity
- Bad Taste in Mouth
- Unusual Mood Swings
- Fatigue/Drowsiness
Special care should be taken when monitoring children that may have sustained a TBI. It may be difficult for young children to make their symptoms explicit to an adult. Parents and guardians should make note of irregular changes in mood, habits, and sleep schedule.
The Reality of TBI Recovery
Traumatic brain injuries often result in prolonged periods of recovery and rehabilitation. It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from TBI to struggle with cognitive deficits, fine motor skills, and psychiatric ailments. In severe cases, the injured individual may even enter a comatose or vegetative state. Given the difficulties inherent in treating brain injury, affected individuals may experience a permanently reduced quality of life and earnings potential. In these cases, it is essential to seek the assistance of a traumatic brain injury attorney.
How A Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Help
In the aftermath of a TBI, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. Medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and physical pain can drag the injured down, along with their families. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. The traumatic brain injury attorney at Malloy Law can assess your case free of charge and advise you of the best course of action. Our experienced and diverse team will pursue maximum compensation on your behalf, working tirelessly to win the full value of your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Malloy Law prides itself on a culture of individualized attention towards our clients and a policy of empathy for the injured. We have the expertise to understand your unique injury, support your recovery, and secure your financial future. Contact us today for a free consultation.