Head injuries are among the most serious injuries an individual can sustain. They often happen instantly but can last for a lifetime or even lead to disability or death. Unfortunately, doctors are yet to come up with a way of repairing brain tissues, meaning that the consequence of severe injury can be permanent. Currently, over 1.5 million cases of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are reported yearly in the U.S. Many of them are caused by some type of impact, such as a collision, a crash, a blow, or a fall. When such an injury occurred due to another’s negligence, you should seek compensation with the help of an experienced Little Rock personal injury lawyer at Denton & Zachary, PLLC.
What Are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)?
A TBI is caused by an external blow or bump to the head. Some are mild (concussions), while others are serious and can result in bruising, bleeding, or other physical damage to the brain. Indirect forces like shockwaves during an explosion can also jot the brain violently. Besides, bullet wounds or injuries that penetrate the skull and brain also form part of TBIs. Medical practitioners may categorize TBIs as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms exhibited. While many brain injuries are classified as mild and aren’t life-threatening, they still can have lifelong effects on a victim.
What Are the Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI symptom may take a while to manifest – days or even weeks. Nonetheless, they will start showing gradually as the injury worsens. It is therefore critical to watch on any sign, no matter how subtle it is. The physical signs of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Loss of consciousness
- Sleeping difficulties
- Oversleeping
- Speech problems
- Body weakness
- Loss of physical sensations
- Sensitivity to noise and light
The cognitive symptoms of TBIs include:
- Memory/concentration problems
- Diminished decision-making abilities
- Confusion
The behavioral indicators include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Sexual dysfunction
- Personality change
- Emotional outbursts
Symptoms in Children
Infants and children are less likely to communicate physical symptoms like headaches, confusion, etc. However, you can observe these:
- Seizures
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Drowsiness
- Change in eating habits
- Inconsolable crying for long periods
- Sad mood
- Loss of interest in favorite activities or toys
What Are the Common Causes of TBI?
The common type of accidents that lead to traumatic brain injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – car, bus, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, motorcycle, tractor
- Strip, trip, and fall accidents
- Violence
- Sports accidents
Even though many of these may cause mild symptoms, generally, TBIs account for up to a third of injury-related deaths in the U.S. And if another person caused the accident due to negligence, you deserve compensation to cover your medical bills, the emotional pain you’ve had to endure, lost wages, and any other losses. A skilled Little Rock brain injury attorney also serving Conway, AR, can help you pursue your personal injury suit in Arkansas. Depending on the type of accident, a TBI can be caused by:
- An Open Injury
A foreign object penetrates the skull, e.g., a bullet. The damage will probably occur along the route the foreign object traveled. - A Closed Injury
An external force hits the head, but it doesn’t break or penetrate the skull. Such an accident may be hitting a car’s dashboard. - A Deceleration Injury
The brain is slammed against the skull due to a sudden deceleration motion. The damage will likely occur in the area the brain hits the skull. - A Chemical Injury
A good example is the inhalation of pesticide fumes, which affects the normal functioning of the brain. - Hypoxia
The brain can be deprived of oxygen, e.g., in a swimming pool accident.
How Can I Recognize a Brain Injury?
Some injuries are obvious, like in the case of an open injury. However, some, like closed injuries, may not be apparent. Some symptoms may be visible immediately, while some take a while. If you have suffered a head impact, it’s vital to get checked by a doctor. Talk to a compassionate personal injury lawyer near you who will ensure you get the best medical treatment following an accident.
Why Should I See a Doctor?
If discovered and treated early, brain injuries are likely to heal. But ignoring even a minor brain injury in Arkansas can worsen with time and affect the whole brain. A doctor will use imaging techniques like CT and MRI scans to assess your brain’s state.
Are There Long-Term Effects/Complications of TBIs?
Persons who suffer brain damage may experience some future complications and long term effects. Some of these problems include:
- Depression
- Speech problems
- Emotional problems
- Psychosis
- Coma
- Blood clots/stroke due to blood vessel damage
- Parkinson’s disease
Some TBIs may lead to a vegetative state or cause death. If a loved one passed away due to a brain injury, an Arkansas wrongful death attorney may help surviving family members seek compensation.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Brain Injury?
Compensation for a TBI in Arkansas include:
Economic Damages
- Medical costs
- Future medical bills for therapy, medical care, rehabilitation, etc.
- Lost wages and lost earning potential
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
You may receive these damages to punish the negligent party and discourage negligent behavior in the future.
Dedicated Legal Help in Time of Need
A TBI can be devastating whether it happened to you or a loved one. While financial compensation can’t cure an injury, it facilitates the recovery process. Give yourself peace of mind by allowing the compassionate personal injury lawyers at Denton & Zachary, PLLC, to pursue the TBI claim on your behalf. Remember, you only have three years to file a traumatic brain injury claim in Arkansas. A skilled brain injury lawyer in Little Rock will help you file the claim as soon as possible and avoid being locked out by the Statute of Limitations.
Learn more on how to get started by calling (501) 725-8099 today!