A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical condition resulting from a sudden, forceful impact to the head. This force can disrupt normal brain function, causing a range of short-term or long-term potentially life-altering consequences. TBIs can vary from mild concussions to severe injuries leading to permanent disability or even death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations across the U.S. in 2020. But this alarming statistic reflects only the most severe cases and underestimates the true number of TBIs that occur each year. Many milder cases are treated in emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, or sadly, go untreated altogether.
Common Causes of TBIs
TBIs can happen to anyone, in many different scenarios, but certain situations carry a greater risk. Many of these involve someone falling victim to another person or party’s negligence, whether that’s an employer or a property owner. In Alameda, common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Crashes and collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, or bicycles often result in blunt force trauma to the head.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Falling from heights or slipping on wet or uneven surfaces can cause a victim to strike their head, leading to a TBI.
- Workplace Accidents: Falls from scaffolding or being struck by falling objects at construction sites can result in TBIs.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football and boxing carry an inherent risk of concussions and other TBIs.
Signs and Symptoms of TBIs
The symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and may not appear immediately after the injury. It’s crucial to seek medical attention right away if you suspect you or a loved one has suffered a head injury, even if the symptoms seem minor. Here are some common signs and symptoms of a TBI:
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Numbness or weakness in extremities
- Seizures or convulsions
- Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
Even if symptoms seem mild initially, it’s crucial to seek a medical evaluation, especially if you experience worsening symptoms or symptoms that appear after a delay. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience a loss of consciousness for any length of time. A doctor can diagnose the severity of your TBI and monitor you for any potential complications.
Long-Term Effects of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries can have profound, long-lasting repercussions for survivors and their families. While some individuals with mild TBIs recover fully, others face lingering or permanent challenges. Here’s what you need to know about the potential long-term effects:
- Physical Impairments: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, TBIs can lead to physical disabilities such as impaired coordination, balance issues, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
- Cognitive Difficulties: TBIs can impact cognitive functions like memory, attention, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Survivors may experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, increased irritability, difficulty controlling impulses, or total personality changes.
- Social and Occupational Struggles: Changes in physical, cognitive, or emotional functioning can make it difficult to return to work, maintain relationships, or participate in social activities.
In addition, the CDC has shared statistics highlighting the lifelong impact of moderate to severe TBIs:
- 57% of sufferers are moderately or severely disabled five years after the injury.
- 55% of sufferers are no longer employed.
- 29% of sufferers are not satisfied with life.
The repercussions of a TBI can be far-reaching and may significantly impact every area of your life. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, an experienced TBI lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover the lifelong costs associated with your injury.
Types of Compensation for a TBI
The specific types and amount of compensation recoverable in a TBI case are case-dependent, but potential damages can include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, and other future related medical costs
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred due to the injuries, like transportation to medical appointments or modifications to your home for accessibility, if the injury affected your mobility
- Long-Term Care: Expenses for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care if the TBI leads to permanent disability
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery and potential loss of future earning capacity if the injury prevents a return to work
- Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to your vehicle, personal belongings, or other property occurring in the accident that led to your TBI
- Pain and Suffering: Damages recognizing the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the injury
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, these damages are meant to punish the responsible party and act as a deterrent
An experienced Alameda TBI lawyer can evaluate your claim, determine what damages apply, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact the Alameda TBI Lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers
The aftermath of a traumatic brain injury can be overwhelming and confusing. Dealing with complex medical care, lost income, and uncertain long-term effects adds an enormous burden to an already challenging situation.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges TBI victims and their families face. Our compassionate team has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process, securing the financial resources and support you need to rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in Alameda, contact us today.
