Traumatic Brain Injuries

Many of us take for granted the ability to speak, drink a cup of coffee, or remember our phone numbers. Our marvelous brains allow for these activities to occur with hardly a thought. But when the brain experiences serious injuries, activities as simple as breathing, blinking, and swallowing have the potential to lose their automaticity. If your loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to an accident, and it has resulted in serious deficits, a local personal injury attorney may be able to help you to secure the financial assistance necessary to progress through the months and years ahead.

How Do Brain Injuries Occur?

Brain injuries may occur in a variety of ways, some of them quite surprising.  Although the skull provides protection from trauma in many circumstances, the causes of TBI are as varied as the individuals who sustain them:

• Oxygen loss that may occur after drowning or choking;
• Exposure to insecticides, solvents, or other chemicals;
• Blunt trauma that might be related to falls, sports, or collisions;
• Infections;
• Tumors;
• Severe shaking;
• Gunshot wounds to the head;
• Strokes;
• Hypoxia.

Facts about TBI

Traumatic brain injuries are more common than many realize, resulting in significant health impacts, including death in some circumstances.

• 7 million people experience some level of TBI in this country annually;
• TBI contributes to the deaths of over 30 percent of individuals who experience injuries;
• TBI is the direct cause of death for over 50,000 people every year;
• Roughly three-fourths of TBIs are concussions;
• More men suffer from TBIs than women;
• The number one cause of TBIs in this country are falls, particularly for children under age 4 and for seniors;
• Traffic accidents lead to more TBI fatalities than any other type of accident.

TBI Symptoms

Individuals who suffer TBI may display a variety of symptoms, which vary based on the severity and location of the injury.  While some symptoms may be mild and transient, others can be very severe and long-lasting:

• Headaches;
• Blurred vision;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Personality changes, including cantankerousness;
• Sleep difficulties;
• Memory problems;
• Functional limitations;
• Unconsciousness;
• Loss of bladder/bowel function;
• Breathing complications;
• Paralysis.

Following a TBI

After suffering any brain injury, a person should always seek a medical evaluation.  Recovery will require plenty of rest, protection from further injury, and the avoidance of  activities that require long periods of concentration. In some cases, medications, surgery, and/or physical therapy may be necessary.

In the Aftermath of TBI

If your loved one has experienced a TBI that could have, and should have been avoided, due to a car accident, a violent act, improper supervision at a pool or sporting event, or other similar circumstances, the experienced and effective legal team at the Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A. in Kissimmee can help you recover the damages you deserve. Contact us today for a confidential consultation related to your situation.

Resource:

pbni.com/traumatic-brain-injuries/