Symptoms of traumatic brain injury may not appear until months after an accident and can impact your rights to compensation in a claim.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)s can occur as a result of motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian involved crashes, slips, trips, and falls, or other types of accidents. TBI is one of the most common personal injuries, and even a seemingly minor bump or blow to the head can have a long term impact on your health. It is important to get immediate medical attention any time this type of injury is suspected and to understand all the consequences it could have on you and others in your life before settling on a claim.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to three million people visit hospital emergency rooms with traumatic brain injuries each year. Any type of bump, blow, or sudden jolt to the head can end up disrupting neural pathways that carry information to and from the brain.
When TBI occurs as the result of an accident, victims are not always immediately aware of their injuries or the severity of the situation. The CDC reports that while loss of consciousness can occur in some cases, other symptoms are less dramatic and can take days, weeks, or even months after an accident to fully appear. These include:
● Headaches;
● Vision disturbances;
● Dizziness, loss of balance, and feelings of vertigo;
● Weakness or tremors in certain areas of the body;
● Problems remembering names or places;
● Difficulty coordinating tasks;
● Diminished comprehension of reading materials;
● Problems vocalizing words or ideas and comprehending what others say;
● Sleep disturbances;
● Eating disorders;
● Mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and fits of rage.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to detect the degree of harm caused by brain injury. You should report any symptoms you do experience immediately while being alert for new problems that develop. It is often helpful to enlist the help of family and friends, as well, who may notice symptoms to which you are oblivious.
Long Term Impacts of TBI
When another person is responsible for an accident you were in that resulted in TBI, he or she may be held accountable in a personal injury claim. However, prior to settling your case, it is important to understand the extent of your symptoms and the consequences they could have on your future.
According to Brainline, TBI symptoms that are not immediately obvious can have major ramifications in every area of your life. These include:
● Problems forming relationships;
● Inability to engage in social activities;
● Difficulties in performing certain tasks on the job and in maintaining employment;
● Increased likelihood of alcohol abuse and mental health issues.
Contact Our Brownsville, TX Personal Injury Attorney
It is important to realize that when accidents happen, you have only one chance to get the compensation you need to recover in a claim. Before accepting a settlement that is likely less than what you deserve, reach out to the Law Office of Raúl A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C. To request a consultation, contact our Brownsville, TX accident attorney today.