Pursuing Legal Action After a Traumatic Brain injury
If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury or TBI, you have likely noticed a significant impact on their life. All too many people realize that they have a TBI too late because the symptoms are often mild at first, especially resulting from concussions.
You should take a traumatic brain injury seriously, no matter how subtle the symptoms may seem. Nearly one-third of all injury-related deaths in America are related to TBIs, meaning that many people file lawsuits on behalf of their loved ones or to assert wrongful death.
This guide will help you understand how and why to respond when a loved one has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury or died as a result of one.
Traumatic Brain Injury Causes
Traumatic brain injuries are linked to bumps, hits, and jolts to the head. Millions of people each year suffer from TBIs to some degree, and most do not require extensive treatment.
Concussions are the most common, and they typically result from a hard fall or hit to the head. Next are brain contusions, which are essentially bruises to the brain. Skull fractures and intracranial hematomas also result from hitting the head against objects like steering wheels, windshields, seats, and dashboards.
Symptoms of TBIs develop in the days and weeks following the accident, and they often include a headache, nausea, ringing ears, and neck pain. More severe TBIs may come with symptoms like seizures, dilated pupils, inability to wake up easily, slow reflexes, and confusion.
Understanding the cause of a TBI is essential, as your next steps may include hiring a lawyer to receive compensation for your loved one’s injuries and recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
Recovery from a TBI can be expensive, especially when you take into account the x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other tests that become involved. Some injuries require physical therapy and medication. Nobody wants to become the victim of an accident, only to be then forced to deal with surmounting medical bills.
Physical recovery from a TBI is not easy either, and it is certainly not like any other type of injury. Doctors often cannot provide specific outcomes, and many people are never able to return to their favorite activities or even to work due to permanent disabilities.
Traumatic Brain Injury Legal Recourse
Your loved one is possibly going to undergo extensive testing and treatment in the days, weeks, months, and years following an accident. In many cases, people are unable to act for themselves and require somebody to act on their behalf. Your loved one’s struggle could mean that you need to hire an attorney for them.
An attorney will help you manage your case or your loved one’s case after a car, truck, boating, or work accident. Several parties may be held legally responsible.
Vehicle Operators – The driver behind the wheel of a car, truck, or boat may be legally responsible for hitting your loved one, whether you were in a vehicle or a pedestrian. About half of all TBIs link to car accidents.
Employers – Work accidents happen all the time, perhaps a result of poor safety standards or negligence. Suing an employer is often the first choice in this type of situation.
Manufacturers – Many accidents are simply caused by a defect in a product, such as a boat or a car. Suing the manufacturer may be the best course of action.
The Law Office of Jason M. Welborn can help you take the next steps. No victim of an accident should be forced to live with the consequences of a TBI, including lost wages and extensive medical bills. Call us today to talk over your options.