What constitutes a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Traumatic Brain Injuries are usually the result of a blow or injury to the head. Though any TBI is a serious medical issue, some cases are more severe than others. A “mild” TBI can produce temporary loss of consciousness, change of mental state, or variations in mood or behavior. Severe cases can lead to extended periods of unconsciousness, severe mental health issues, and even death.
What causes TBI?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCICP), the leading causes of TBI are:
- Falls (28%);
- Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (20%);
- Struck by/against events (19%); and
- Assaults (11%).
How do I recognize the symptoms of TBI?
The signs and symptoms of TBI may not be immediately apparent because of the complex nature of brain injuries. Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. TBI patients may look completely normal, but have subtle or extreme changes in behavior or mental status.
If you or a loved one is experiencing the signs and symptoms listed by the CDC/NCICP, seek medical help immediately. In addition, if the event causing TBI could be the result of someone else’s negligence, schedule a consultation with a qualified injury attorney to see if you are eligible for compensation.
What are the long-term effects and costs of TBI?
Over the long run, TBI can affect any function of the brain, such as language, speech, movement, thinking, and emotions. These conditions may improve or worsen over time and may mean the patient requires assistance with daily tasks and functions.
Long-term medical care and daily assistance can be extremely expensive, especially when the TBI patient can no longer work to support her or himself. Nationwide, the costs for TBI patients total in the tens of billions of dollars. For this reason, it is important to contact a lawyer with experience in brain injury cases to recover damages to help pay for these long-term costs.
The financial pressures of caring for a TBI patient can be extremely difficult for his or her family. In addition, the psychological and behavioral impact of brain injuries can strain even the healthiest, caring relationships.
