Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are devastating, and are most often the result of an automobile accident or a slip and fall accident. In fact, a traumatic brain injury can occur in any accident where there is trauma to the head. Often referred to as the silent epidemic or invisible injury, a traumatic brain injury sometimes exists even when there are no visible signs of injury. Physically the injured person appears normal, but the brain has suffered a traumatic injury.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The Mayfield Clinic defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as “sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head.” Even though TBI is the leading cause of death for individuals ages 1 to 44, it is not always properly diagnosed. An undiagnosed or misdiagnosed brain injury can make it difficult for accident victims to receive the proper care they need.
Why is it Difficult to Diagnose a Traumatic Brain Injury?
When there are no physical signs of head injury and there has been no loss of consciousness, doctors may not recognize that a brain injury has occurred. In some instances, TBI may be overlooked because an accident victim has life-threatening injuries that are of more immediate concern to doctors. In addition, sometimes TBI symptoms do not appear right away. This is true, for instance, with injuries that cause the brain to swell. As swelling continues after an accident, the severe damage to brain cells may not occur for several days when the ever-enlarging brain begins to press up against the skull.
TBI symptoms may also be missed because they can be similar to symptoms associated with certain illnesses or other types of injuries. An accident victim suffering from headaches, nausea, anxiety, fatigue, or poor attention, can easily be misdiagnosed. Pain and other medications given to an accident victim can also make it difficult to diagnose a traumatic brain injury, as they mask some of the TBI symptoms.
A personal injury accident victim who is treated and released but experiences physical symptoms (headaches, nausea, fatigue, or sleep issues ), sensory issues (sensitivity to light or sound, blurred vision or ringing in the ears), or cognitive issues (trouble with memory or concentration, mood swings, feeling depressed or anxious) should contact a medical provider with experience in traumatic brain injuries. Having the right experts is essential in evaluating, diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries. In addition, if you or a family member has been in a traumatic brain injury accident, you should seek the advice of a personal injury attorney. Attorneys with experience in traumatic brain injury cases can be very helpful in putting together the necessary medical team – Neurologists, Neuropsychologists and Neuropsychiatrists – as well as pursuing damages from the party at-fault for the accident.
Contact an Experienced Long Beach Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney to Assist You with Your Claim
“Your Injuries are Personal to Me”
My law practice exclusively represents personal injury victims and does so with a deep understanding of their suffering and an absolute commitment to their recovery. I take your injuries personally, and that is why I directly handle all aspects of every case to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.
Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. You are under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover damages for your injuries. I offer bilingual services as part of my comprehensive approach to legal representation and I am available 24/7 to talk to you about your case.