A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs after a blow or jolt to the head. Any accident that involves blunt force trauma to the head, such as a car accident, sports accident, or something similar, may result in a TBI.
When most people think of a TBI, they may picture a serious head injury that involves decades of rehabilitative care. However, TBIs can be much more subtle and even at times “invisible.”
From our team of personal injury attorneys at the Austin, Texas-based Stewart Law Firm, here’s what to know about TBIs – and how they’re related to concussions.
The Invisible Injury – TBIs in Texas
A TBI is also known as an “invisible injury” because it’s often difficult to detect, even on modern imaging equipment. Additionally, the symptoms of a TBI may not present for days, weeks, or months after an accident.
This does not mean, however, that the long-term implications of a milder TBI are not serious. In fact, many symptoms of a mild TBI last the remainder of a victim’s life, particularly if the victim experienced a delay in their diagnosis.
Concussions are often referred to as mild TBIs. The symptoms of such an injury include the following:
- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
- No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed or confused
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Dizziness or loss of balance
It’s in your best interest to schedule a doctor’s appointment after an accident in which your head experienced blunt force trauma, even if you do not feel any current symptoms.
How Common Are TBIs in Texas?
Every year 1.5 million Americans sustain these types of injuries. While an average of 230,000 do survive, the sad truth is that roughly 50,000 people die from these injuries and another 80,000-90,000 experience long-term disability.
Unfortunately, even for those who do manage to go on to live successful lives after a TBI, more often than not their medical bills stack up quickly.
The brain is flexible and adaptable. It responds to environmental changes and can heal itself in a process known as “neuroplasticity.”
That’s why there’s a good chance of survival if you seek medical care immediately. If you merely rely on the brain’s self-healing power, however, you’ll be worsening the consequences.
The following are varying types of TBIs based on severity:
- Mild
- Moderate – Most mild or moderate TBI cases can be treated with medicines like diuretics, antiseizure, or coma-inducing drugs.
- Severe – Severe injuries may need surgery to remove clotted blood, repair skull fractures, stop bleeding in the brain or open a window in the skull.
After treatment for more severe injuries, some patients will need to relearn some necessary skills, such as talking, walking, eating, etc. You’ll need a rehabilitation specialist such as a physiatrist, occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, etc.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Traumatic Brain Injury in Texas?
If you or someone you love has recently suffered a head injury caused by the negligence of another, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for your damages, which includes:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost work wages
- Pain and suffering
Our Autin-based brain injury attorneys have seen the impact brain injuries can have on victims firsthand, which is why we always encourage victims to seek a proper medical evaluation as soon as they can.
Additionally, working with our team at the Stewart Law Firm can increase your chances of recovering just compensation from any and all liable parties. This will help you down the line if you have to undergo extensive medical treatment or miss large amounts of time at work.
Contact the Stewart Law Firm Today
You can absolutely recover from a TBI. No matter the case, we’re here to help you through this process. Contact The Stewart Law Firm today at (512) 326-3200 to schedule a consultation with our team.
