Traumatic Brain Injuries: What to Do if You’ve Been Injured
A traumatic brain injury is an injury that occurs when there is a sudden physical trauma to the brain. Most often, traumatic brain injuries are caused by impact during fall, work-related accidents or auto accidents. The effects of a traumatic brain injury differ for each individual and can vary in intensity over time. Traumatic brain injury can affect a person’s cognitive and neurological functions and can completely change a person’s life. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it’s important that you seek both medical and legal advice.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Identifying the symptoms early on can help victims seek proper care for their injury and avoid complicating the damage. There are two types of traumatic brain injuries: closed head injury and open head injury. A closed head injury occur when the brain sustains a blow caused by a sudden change in movement or momentum. In a closed head injury, the brain’s blood vessels are stretched and damaged. If an injury is severe, symptoms will be present almost immediately, while symptoms of a mild closed head injury may not show up for days or weeks after an injury. An open head injury, or a penetrating head injury, occurs when an object penetrates the skull and injures the brain. They can be caused by a puncture wound or a skull fracture. The damage may cause bleeding and swelling in the brain. Victims of open head injuries have an obvious wound that require medical attention.
Because the signs of closed head injuries are not always obvious, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, which include:
- Unconsciousness;
- Confusion;
- Persistent low grade headache;
- Nausea; and
- Vomiting.
Traumatic Brain Injury Victims Should Assess the Impact of their Injury
Traumatic brain injury victims should seek immediate medical attention. Getting immediate help cannot prevent permanent damage, however, a medical professional can help prevent further damage to the victim. A doctor will evaluate the injury and help a victim figure out how the injury has affected their brain’s functions. After seeking medical attention, traumatic brain injury victims should asses the impact of the injury on their daily life (eg. ability to earn a living, extent of recovery costs). Depending on the circumstances, taking a general assessment of the impact of the injury will allow a victim to determine the potential compensation in a legal action.
Traumatic Brain Injury Victims Should Consult a Lawyer
If the injury was a result of someone’s carelessness, or negligence, traumatic brain injury victims may be able to file a lawsuit under Florida law. Discussing the accident with a lawyer is important since oftentimes medical insurance will only cover certain expenses. Damages awarded from a negligence or personal injury lawsuit will help victims ensure they do not drain their finances as they recover.
Contact an Attorney
Traumatic brain injury victims deserve compensation to help cover injuries, current and future medical costs. If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury, first seek medical attention, and then contact the Miami traumatic brain injury attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. We can discuss your accident with you and help you determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is the best decision for you and your family. Please contact us at 866-936-9761 to discuss your case.
