When the brain is damaged by sudden trauma, such as a hit or impact to the head, this is known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A vast spectrum of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms can arise from mild to severe TBI.
When you are injured in an accident such as a slip and fall or a car collision, a resulting TBI is possible. It may be immediately apparent or take weeks to become obvious. Knowing the causes of TBI can help you understand if recent changes in your brain function might relate to an accident you didn’t cause.
Let’s go over the most common reasons for traumatic brain injuries and how a lawyer can help you get compensation if your damage was the result of someone else’s carelessness.
What Are Some Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Brain injuries can be very complicated, even if they initially seem minor. When you hit your head, you often get injuries that don’t show up right away. Getting medical help right away could be the key to a full recovery. Some signs that you may have experienced a TBI can be:
- Problems concentrating
- Stuttering
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Impaired balance
- Memory problems
- Unusual drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Headache
- Changes in personality
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What Leads to Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Forces from impacts can cause the brain to be shaken and/or suffer from direct impact with an object, resulting in bruising, tearing, and swelling of the brain tissue.
Other medical conditions that can lead to traumatic brain injuries include internal bleeding due to low blood pressure, lack of oxygen to the brain caused by stroke or extended seizures, and fluid buildup within the skull.
Any of these issues can contribute to damage in both short-term and long-term effects on memory, learning ability, behavior changes, physical dexterity, and more. Here are some of the main causes of traumatic brain injury:
Falls
About 40% of traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurrences are caused by falls. The house, the office, and the public all present potential fall zones. Falls in public places can be slightly embarrassing for many, but it’s critical to be evaluated by medical professionals in order to diagnose any medical consequences.
Wet floors, loose carpets, and uneven pavement are common causes of slip and fall accidents. It is possible to hold negligent property owners liable for your injuries if they caused your fall.
Automobile Accidents
Among the leading causes of traumatic brain injury are motor vehicle accidents. Brain injuries are common in car accidents because the head is jolted suddenly, and the brain can hit the skull. Several things, including speeding, inattentive driving, alcohol use while driving, and hazardous road conditions, can lead to car crashes.
Your collision may be the responsibility of the negligent driver or another party. The city department in charge of roads and traffic lights could also be at fault. An attorney could evaluate the circumstances surrounding your TBI and advise whether you have a case based on negligence.
Sports Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common among athletes, especially those participating in contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that can produce cognitive and emotional problems in athletes who suffer from repetitive head injuries.
If you or your child sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) because of a defect in a piece of sports equipment or protective gear, you may be able to hold the manufacturing company or another party responsible for your medical care and other losses.
Assault
Gunshot wounds and other forms of physical violence are other prevalent causes of traumatic brain injury. These wounds can be very severe because they are frequently the result of deliberate attacks and may have lasting effects on the victim.
You may seek monetary damages from the individual responsible for your assault. Another possibility is holding the property owner liable for failing to provide adequate lighting or security. If you were attacked on someone else’s property, they might have to pay for your medical bills and other damages.
Construction Accidents and Workplace Injuries
Falls, falling items, and dangerous working conditions are major causes of traumatic brain injury among workers. Loss of income, medical expenses, and other costs are all possible outcomes of these incapacitating injuries.
You may be eligible for damages after suffering a traumatic brain injury if your condition was brought on by someone else’s carelessness or the malfunction of some piece of machinery.
What if I Have Been Offered a Settlement for an Accident that Caused My TBI?
Even if an insurance adjuster gets in touch with you and offers you a settlement, it probably won’t be enough to cover the costs you’ve incurred. Never accept a settlement before your treatment is complete, given the likelihood of further medical complications.
They may seem nice and caring, but they use many different tactics to limit their liability and turn down your claim. If you accept their settlement and later decide it is inadequate, you cannot sue them again for further damages.
The insurance company’s bad faith can be handled by a South Florida traumatic brain injury attorney who will battle for your rights. If a fair settlement cannot be negotiated, they will represent you in court and defend you against false accusations of wrongdoing.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me With a TBI Claim?
Investigation to Find the Cause of Your TBI
Your attorney can perform an in-depth investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of your traumatic brain injury. This could mean evaluating medical records, talking to witnesses, and consulting medical professionals.
Damage Calculation
Lawyers can also explain the long-term costs of your injury, such as ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. This can help you understand your needs and prevent you from accepting a settlement that will not meet your requirements.
Aggressive Negotiation
Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible to people who have suffered a TBI. A lawyer can speak to the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you get the right amount for your injuries.
Representation
Insurance companies understand the costs associated with a TBI, and they will fight to pay out as little as possible. When their client causes a traumatic brain injury, it is well known that the financial stakes can be very high.
In the event it becomes necessary to take legal action, a personal injury attorney can argue on your behalf and fight to get you the compensation you need.
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Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm to Learn More About Filing a TBI Claim
If another person’s negligence caused your traumatic brain injury, you may be able to pursue compensatory damages for your ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Contact Viles & Beckman today to learn more about how we may be able to help you with a TBI legal claim.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form