Motor-vehicle accidents, slip or trip and fall accidents and other kinds of devastating mishaps can cause a variety of injuries. Sometimes people are fortunate to get away with minor cuts, bruises or sprains, otherwise, catastrophic injuries can result, causing long-term or permanent damage to the brain or spine.

A common cause of disability/death in adults, TBI presents a global socio-economic health problem. The incidence is increasing globally and that could be because of the higher use of motor-vehicles in developing countries where safety norms are yet to be fully realized and enforced. Statistics show the decline of TBI cases in more developed countries, though the incidence due to motor-vehicle accidents is still very high. Demographically, young males suffer more instances of TBI although in terms of severity, women are more severely affected.

If you or a dear one has sustained such injury, getting the right medical help immediately is of paramount importance. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer without delay. You may be entitled to compensation from those whose fault or negligence caused the accident. 

What Is TBI?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most serious types of brain injuries that result from sudden, external impact which cause damage.

This is an umbrella term that describes numerous types of injuries to the brain. They can impact any area of the brain, and the damage can be confined to a focus area or it can be spread over a larger area. The severity can also vary, from a mild concussion to catastrophic injury that causes disability, coma or death.

Types of TBI include:

• Closed Brain Injury: When there is an internal injury to the brain caused by motor-vehicle accidents, falls or sports. Shaken-baby syndrome is a typical example where blood-vessels and tissue are damaged, with no external signs.

• Penetrative Brain Injury: Is caused by an external object piercing through the skull or from the neck, eye, face etc. Typical examples include bullet injuries or falling on sharp objects etc.

• Diffuse axonal injury:  occurs when the long nerve fibers (axons) are torn or damaged due to impact. This is one of the most difficult injuries to detect, as it may not show up on CT or MRI scans.

• Primary brain injury: is the immediate trauma to the brain as a result of motor-vehicle accident, fall or gunshot wound

• Secondary brain injury: occurs when changes develop over hours/days after a primary impact. 

Effects of TBI

• Headache/nausea/vomiting
• Dizziness/Loss of balance
• Blurred/Double vision
• Motor/Sensory problems
• Difficulties in abstract thinking/concentration/making judgments/decisions
• Perception/Spatial/time difficulties
• Paralysis/Coma
• Mood/behavior/personality changes
• Loss of cognitive abilities
• Communication and language problems
• Social and functional deficit
• Epilepsy
• Death

Some amount of recovery may be possible in younger people with a better general health profile. However, it can be a lengthy and expensive process.

The person may need help with:

• Self-care
• Mobility
• Nutrition/Medication
• Communication
• Socialization
• Pain management
• Mental health
• Family support
• Education
• Counseling

An experienced personal injury lawyer who has knowledge and expertise in dealing with TBI claims can work with the medical team to ensure that a robust claim is presented. This helps to get the best possible settlement that takes care of present and future needs.