When someone injures their head in an accident, it can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The brain is protected by the skull, and if there is a trauma to the head, the brain can receive an injury. A traumatic brain injury can be temporary or permanent. However, under both circumstances, an injury to the brain impacts a person’s ability to function at a normal level.
Since there are many unique aspects of an Oak Lawn traumatic brain injury case, it is best to seek help from a seasoned attorney. A skilled traumatic brain injury attorney could review the facts of the case and help injured claimants recover compensation for damages.
Following any accident, but particularly one in which someone injures their head, it is essential to seek prompt medical treatment. An injury to the head may not be apparent immediately. The symptoms may take time to manifest themselves. It may be a delayed onset, or there may be hidden symptoms. If there is an injury to the brain, it can result in bleeding. This requires an emergency surgery and is potentially life-threatening. The standard of care following any head trauma is to provide the injured individual with a CAT-scan. If there is no bleeding, the follow-up treatment is important as well.
Without medical attention, a traumatic brain injury lawyer will be unable to prove the case in court. Beyond the legal reasons for seeking medical attention, it is always advisable to make sure that an individual is okay by being checked out by a medical provider following an accident.
A traumatic brain injury can result from any accident. A person does not have to strike their head on something to sustain a traumatic brain injury. Being in a car accident and having their head shaken by the impact is enough to result in a traumatic brain injury. It is common for clients to sustain a concussion in an automobile accident even if they do not strike their head on anything. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injuries are often diagnosed by the effects they have on an individual. There are not many tests that will show whether someone has a traumatic brain injury. It is typically diagnosed by the complaints of the individual. A person with a traumatic brain injury will often experience dizziness, headaches, or loss of memory. In a serious traumatic brain injury, an individual may lose the ability to function at the level they were accustomed to before the catastrophic injury.
A traumatic brain injury can impact all aspects of an individual’s physical wellbeing. It can result in physical effects such as loss of mobility, even to the extent of paralysis. It can impact vision as well as the other senses. The brain controls all the physical aspects of an individual. A traumatic brain injury can impact the ability to function at the level they were accustomed to before the injury.
While not all traumatic brain injuries result in physical symptoms, most will result in psychological conditions. Common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include depression and change of mood. This can also manifest as anxiety. The classic symptom following a traumatic brain injury is post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
Each of these symptoms will affect an individual differently. However, they are important in diagnosing the existence of a traumatic brain injury. Since most traumatic brain injuries do not appear on tests such as x-rays, CAT-scans, or MRIs, a clinical diagnosis is often arrived at based on the complaints.
A traumatic brain injury is one of the most serious injuries someone can sustain in a personal injury case. It can be difficult to diagnose, and it can be difficult to treat. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer will be in the best position to evaluate and prove the damages in a case.
Simply because an individual is experiencing symptoms of a traumatic brain injury does not mean that their case will lead to a recovery. A lawyer must still prove the injuries as well as the relation to the accident itself. Since TBIs do not show up on tests as broken bones do, it is important to have a lawyer who understands the unique aspects of an Oak Lawn traumatic brain injury case. Call today to discuss your case with a seasoned attorney.