Traumatic brain injuries are among the most dangerous types of injuries individuals may suffer. Traumatic brain injuries often present very few symptoms—therefore, victims may be unaware that they have sustained such a serious injury.
In addition, it may be easy to attribute the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury to another cause, such as stress or a lack of sleep. Any time an individual suffers a blow or jolt to the head, it is best to be evaluated by a medical professional.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries are disruptions in brain function that are caused by jolts, blows, or bumps to the head. They may also be caused by an object that penetrates the skull.
Traumatic brain injuries may be relatively mild in nature or they may cause serious disabilities or death. The number of Americans hospitalized for traumatic brain injuries has increased in recent years.
The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries are:
- Falls
- Being struck by or thrown against an object
- Traffic accidents
Many of these incidents occur due to the negligence of other individuals. In a negligence claim, it may be possible to obtain compensation for the costs associated with a traumatic brain injury.
Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The signs of a traumatic brain injury vary depending on the nature of the injury itself. If left untreated, or if a medical professional fails to recognize the signs of a traumatic brain injury, the victim may suffer permanent damage or even death.
Signs of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Headache
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Confusion
- Sensory changes
- Memory problems
- Changes in mood
- Seizures
- Dilated pupils
- A clear fluid that drains from the ears or nose
An individual who has any of these symptoms after suffering a head injury should seek immediate medical attention.
Damages in a Claim Involving a Traumatic Brain Injury
Depending on the nature of the traumatic brain injury, the damages in such a claim may quickly add up. Traumatic brain injuries often require lifelong care. They may require special hospital equipment in the home, wheelchairs, and in-home health aides. These expenses may reach millions of dollars in the victim’s lifetime.
Commonly claimed damages in traumatic brain injury cases include:
- Medical expenses, including the estimated cost of future medical care
- Medical equipment costs
- Round-the-clock medical care costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of employment benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, which may include claims for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Costs associated with remodeling a home to accommodate a traumatic brain injury, such as installing wheelchair ramps or special equipment. If relocation is required, associated expenses may also be claimed.
Of course, other types of damages may also be present in a traumatic brain injury claim. Your Texas personal injury attorney will carefully study the facts of your case and all of your expenses to ensure your current and future expenses are addressed.
How to File a Claim for a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury, the first thing you need to do is speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Upon reviewing the facts of the incident and your medical records, your personal injury attorney is able to file a legal claim on your behalf. You no longer have to worry about calls from insurance adjusters or other such individuals once your attorney takes over—you may instead focus on your health.
Texas only allows two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury claim. Gathering medical records and other types of evidence required to file the initial paperwork can be a lengthy process—therefore, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
Call Brooker Law, PLLC Today to Discuss Your Traumatic Brain Injury
The personal injury attorneys at Dallas, Texas firm Brooker Law, PLLC know that claims involving traumatic brain injuries are unique. With our assistance, you will obtain the maximum amount of compensation available under the law. To schedule a free consultation with our firm, contact or call (214) 217-0277 today.