When people think of car collisions or slip-and-falls, they assume some of the only injuries one can sustain are broken bones or muscle strains. However, traumatic brain injuries are commonly associated with these accidents due to their violent nature. If you believe you have sustained a traumatic brain injury after an accident or premises liability incident, you’ll want to keep reading to learn the signs you need to be aware of and discover how a Broward County personal injury attorney can help you get the justice you deserve after you’ve suffered from another party’s negligence.
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when someone sustains a violent blow or jolt to the head. This can cause the brain to bounce off the inside of the skull resulting in injury. Similarly, the brain will undergo chemical changes to compensate for the injuries you’ve sustained, which can damage the brain cells. In severe cases, the brain may swell, which can cause further damage.
These injuries have a number of causes, from recreational sports to workplace accidents. Any time you hit your head, such as in a car accident, smack your head on the ground when you trip on someone’s property, are hit with falling merchandise at a store or are injured on the job, you risk sustaining a traumatic brain injury.
What Are the Common Symptoms?
There are many symptoms of brain injury that everyone should be aware of, including physical, sensory, and mental signs. The symptoms also vary depending on the severity of the injury. Typically, TBIs are either mild or moderate to severe.
Generally, a mild TBI can present through the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Concentration problems
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Light sensitivity
- Changes in sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Slurred speech
In more severe instances, you can experience any of the aforementioned symptoms as well as any of the following:
- Worsening headache
- Continual nausea
- Numbness in fingers or toes
- Confusion
- Irritation
- Fluids from the nose or ears
- Pupil dilation
What Should I Do if I Sustain a Head Injury in an Accident?
If you hit your head during an accident, ensuring you receive medical treatment is essential. Unfortunately, many people might not know they have a severe injury, as the symptoms may not manifest immediately following the injury. Ensuring you go to the doctor as soon as possible can help you receive the necessary medical treatment to put your health first.
You should also contact an attorney to discuss your legal options, as you may be entitled to compensation if your injury was caused by another party’s negligence. For example, if a drunk diver crashed into you or you were injured in an accident due to a negligent store manager forgetting to mark a wet spot on the floor, you can receive funds for the damages you’ve suffered. For example, if you incur a significant number of bills from doctor’s visits or lose income from time spent not working, you may be able to recover damages.
If you’ve suffered a TBI, ensuring you contact an attorney as soon as possible is essential to protecting your best interest. At the Finizio Law Group, we will do everything possible to help you receive the compensation you deserve when injured by a negligent party. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.