TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
A traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a violent blow or trauma to the head or body. Shattered pieces of skull from impact during an accident can cause TBI if they penetrate brain tissue.
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury, but falls, sports injuries, explosions, physical violence and gunshot wounds are common causes of TBI as well. Head trauma can also occur at birth, leading to a number of conditions that may affect a child for the rest of his or her life.
Common Causes of Traumatic Injuries
Our attorneys understand the specific challenges these injuries pose to you and your family. Our skilled, compassionate legal team is there for you every step of the way and can help you recover fair compensation for damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Long-term care
- Past and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Punitive damages
TBI is a major cause of death and disability
TBI-related deaths in the United States in 2020 resulted in over 64,000~ That equals to nearly 176 TBI-related deaths daily.
TBIs can affect the lives of all age groups. Data suggests there are some groups at greater risk of dying from a TBI or long-term health problems after the traumatic brain injury. These include:
- Ethnic minorities/Race
- Veterans and Service members
- Homeless populations
- Inmates at correctional and detention facilities
- Domestic Violence Survivors
- Rural Populations
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injury can have a wide range of physical, emotional and psychological effects. Although some signs or symptoms of TBI may appear right way, others may not be evident until days, weeks or even months later. That’s why it’s vital to seek the counsel of an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer immediately following an accident.
Signs and symptoms of mild TBI may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Speech problems
- Insomnia or increased sleeping
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred or double vision
- Ringing in the ears
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Olfactory changes
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Cognitive problems
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries may include the following symptoms as well:
- Loss of consciousness for extended periods of time
- Persistent, worsening headaches
- Continued vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Facial paralysis
- Fluid drainage from the nose or ears
- Vertigo
- Trouble waking from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Profound confusion
- Agitation, aggression or other unusual behavior
- Intellectual, cognitive and social problems
- Swelling of the brain
- Fluid on the brain
- Coma
- Vegetative state
- Brain death
Infants and young children with brain injuries may not be able to communicate some symptoms, so it is essential to seek proper diagnosis and treatment of TBI for both you and your child if you’ve received a blow to the head or body.
Long-Term Effects Of TBI
These conditions may linger for a few weeks or months after a traumatic brain injury but can also be permanent and require costly lifelong treatment and ongoing care. Research suggests that repeated or severe TBI may also increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia.
Contact A Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced and compassionate traumatic brain injury lawyers at Pepper & Odom Law Firm will help you navigate the complex insurance claims and court system, fight for your rights and protect your interests. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation or call 601-202-1111 in Mississippi or 205-250-1107 in Alabama.