Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are a significant public health concern. This affects approximately 2.8 million people each year. Out of this population, around 50,000 fatalities occur, 282,000 individuals require hospitalization, and the remaining 2.5 million, constituting nearly 90%, receive treatment and are subsequently discharged from an emergency department.
These injuries can result from various accidents. In this blog, we will search TBIs’ types, causes, and symptoms with the help of a team of reliable traumatic brain injury lawyers.
Types of TBIs
Many factors determine the severity of a head injury. These include loss of consciousness, specific neurological symptoms at the time of the injury, memory loss related to the injury, and abnormalities detected in head CT or brain MRI scans.
TBIs manifest in several types and grades:
| Types | Description |
| Mild concussion (mTBI) | Concussions, constituting the most prevalent type of TBI, account for three out of every four TBIs annually. These mTBIs can involve brief alterations in consciousness, such as feeling “dazed” or experiencing loss of consciousness for less than 30 minutes. Individuals with mTBIs can endure confusion for about a day, distinct from challenges with attention or memory. |
| Moderate TBI | Characterized by a loss of consciousness lasting over 30 minutes but less than a full day, moderate TBIs are accompanied by confusion that can persist for up to one week. |
| Severe TBI | Individuals suffering from severe TBIs lose consciousness for more than a full day, typically exhibiting changes on head CT or brain MRI scans. |
| Uncomplicated TBI | Regardless of the severity (mild, moderate, or severe), head CT or brain MRI scans appear normal in uncomplicated TBIs. |
| Complicated TBI | In contrast, complicated TBIs are identified when head CT or brain MRI scans reveal changes such as bleeding. |
In terms of the nature of the injury:
| Types | Description |
| Closed TBI | Most TBIs are closed, indicating that an external force causes a blow or jolt to the head without penetrating the skull. This impact leads to brain injury and subsequent swelling. |
| Open TBI | Alternatively known as penetrating TBI, this injury occurs when an object, like a bullet or knife, penetrates the skull. If the object directly enters the brain, it causes direct damage to brain tissue. |
| Nontraumatic TBI | Referred to as anoxic brain injury, certain TBIs result from non-traumatic incidents such as strokes, seizures, choking, and near-fatal drownings. These events deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to cerebral hypoxia. |
Causes of TBIs
TBIs can occur in various situations, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian incidents are common causes of TBIs.
- Falls: Especially common among the elderly and children, falls can result in serious head injuries.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, soccer, and boxing pose a risk of TBIs.
- Assaults: Physical assaults or violent incidents can lead to severe head trauma.
Symptoms of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries can have a broad array of physical and psychological effects. Certain signs or symptoms can appear immediately following the traumatic incident, while others could manifest days or weeks later.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Indications and symptoms associated with mild traumatic brain injury will encompass:
Physical Symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Speech difficulties
- Dizziness or a loss of balance
Sensory Symptoms
- Blurred vision, ringing in the ears
- Disgusting taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Cognitive, Behavioural, or Mental Symptoms
- Brief loss of consciousness for a few times
- No loss of consciousness but in a condition of being dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Memory or concentration issues
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or, conversely, increased sleep duration
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can exhibit any of the signs and symptoms associated with mild injuries, along with additional manifestations that can become apparent within the initial hours to days following a head injury:
Physical Symptoms:
- Prolonged loss of consciousness, ranging from several minutes to hours
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- Draining of clear fluids from the nose or ears
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
Cognitive or Mental Symptoms
- Profound confusion
- Agitation, combativeness, or other abnormal behaviours
- Slurred speech
- Coma and other consciousness disorders
Children’s Symptoms
In infants and young children with brain injuries, communication of symptoms like headaches, sensory problems, confusion, and related issues could be challenging. Observing a child with traumatic brain injury, you will notice:
- Changes in eating or nursing habits
- Unusual or easy irritability
- Persistent crying and difficulty being consoled
- Altered attention span
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Seizures
- Displays of a sad or depressed mood
- Drowsiness
- Loss of interest in favorite fun activities
The Role of Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Traumatic Brain Injury lawyers are important in helping individuals navigate the legal complexities surrounding TBIs. Their responsibilities include:
Legal Consultation
TBI lawyers assess the circumstances surrounding the injury, providing a preliminary evaluation of the case’s viability.
Gathering Evidence
Lawyers work to collect relevant evidence, such as accident reports, and eyewitness accounts, to build a strong case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
TBI lawyers engage with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for their clients. Negotiating with insurance adjusters can be challenging, but experienced lawyers understand how to maximize settlements.
Litigation
TBI lawyers are prepared to take the case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. They represent their clients during legal proceedings, presenting evidence and arguments to support their claims.
Common Pitfalls in Brain Injury Cases
There are several pitfalls that you need to be mindful of and can be mitigated when experiencing a traumatic brain injury:
Delayed Symptoms
One common pitfall is the delayed onset of TBI symptoms. Some symptoms will not manifest immediately, making connecting them directly to the traumatic event challenging. This delay can complicate the process of establishing causation.
Underestimating the Long-Term Impact
Another pitfall is underestimating the long-term consequences of a TBI. Individuals can settle for compensation without considering future expenses, rehabilitation costs, and strong loss of earning capacity.
Inadequate Documentation
Failing to thoroughly document the injury and ongoing symptoms can weaken a TBI case. Comprehensive documentation is essential for building a strong legal argument.
Call a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer for Immediate Help
Navigating the legal landscape of Traumatic Brain Injury cases can be complex, but recognizing the role of traumatic brain injury lawyers can empower victims to seek fair compensation. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI, consult with Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton for convenient processing.
Call us today, and let us help you streamline the process in this challenging situation.
FAQs
Determining if you have a valid Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) case is all about connecting your injury to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. For your case to be valid, you need to show that what the other person did directly caused your injury.
To make sense of this, getting help from a TBI lawyer is super important – they’re professionals in understanding TBI cases. By talking to a TBI lawyer, you can determine how strong your case is and what legal options you have for compensation.
This teamwork approach helps you look closely at what happened, making sure your rights are protected and allowing you to take the right legal steps based on your specific traumatic brain injury.
Essential evidence includes accident reports, eyewitness statements, and any documentation of ongoing symptoms. The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger your case.
A pre-existing condition may complicate matters, but it does not preclude you from filing a traumatic brain injury lawsuit. TBI lawyers can help establish the link between the traumatic event and the worsening of your condition.
Insurance companies are involved in TBI settlements, as they can be responsible for compensating the injured party. TBI lawyers negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation.
Yes, alternatives such as mediation or arbitration exist. These methods can offer a more reasonable and cost-effective resolution, but the decision depends on the case’s specifics.
Delayed symptoms can still be valid grounds for a TBI lawsuit. It’s significant to seek medical attention promptly, document the symptoms, and consult a TBI lawyer to assess the legal options.
Yes, legal guardians or family members can often file a TBI lawsuit on behalf of an incapacitated individual. Consult with a TBI lawyer to understand the specific legal procedures in your jurisdiction.
TBI cases involving children can require special consideration due to the feasible long-term impact on the child’s development. Courts can focus on the need for educational support and rehabilitation services.
