What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury that alters the normal function of the brain. Every year, approximately 1.7 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild, such as a concussion, to moderate to severe, causing amnesia or permanent problems. Some injuries can even result in death.
The second leading cause of a traumatic brain injury are car accidents. The injury can result from a direct impact such as hitting a windshield, or can result without a direct blow, like in cases of severe whiplash.
Other traumatic brain injuries result from falls, being struck by or against an object, and assaults.
In South Carolina, an estimated 61,000 people are living with a traumatic brain injury. It is the leading cause of death for individuals ages 1-44 in our state.
What are the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?
Often, the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be subtle and may not appear until days or weeks following an injury. Some commons signs and symptoms to look for include:
- Headaches or neck pain that doesn't go away
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting or reading
- Getting easily lost or confused
- Feeling tired all the time, lacking energy or motivation
- Mood changes that include feeling sad or angry for no reason
- Changes in sleep pattern including sleeping a lot more or less
- Light-headedness, dizziness, loss of balance or nausea
- Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Ringing in the ears.
If you think you know someone who is demonstrating the signs or symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, you should contact a health care provider immediately. Getting help as soon as possible after an injury occurs can help speed up the recovery process.
What are the effects of a traumatic brain injury?
The effects of a traumatic brain injury can result in long term problems that can effect one's thinking, sensing, communication and understanding and can effect one's emotional state as well, resulting in depression or personality changes. These injuries can also develop epilepsy in an individual and increase one's risks of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Long term effects can lead to long-term medical costs and care. Almost half of individuals who are hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury end up with at least one unmet need a year after the injury first occurred. These needs range from memory and problem solving difficulties, trouble managing stress and controlling one's temper, emotional upsets and problems with job skills and performing at work.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you should be spending time resting and not worrying about your medical bills or going back to work too quickly. If your inury is a result of another's negligence, an attorney can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical costs, lost wages and other needs.
Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers has been helping those injured in the Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and surrounding areas. Each case is carefully constructed with the idea that it may need to go to trial in order to bring about fair compensation.
Why You Should Choose Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers After A Traumatic Brain Injury Accident In South Carolina
A traumatic brain injury accident claim is the legal right a victim has if he or she is injured by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another. If you live in, or were visiting South Carolina, sustained an injury, and need to file an accident claim, contact Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers.
At Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our attorneys strive to treat each client as an individual, not as another case or another settlement. It is wise to consult with a traumatic brain injury attorney following any injury to the head. You have the right to be compensated for your losses, contact Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers to see if we can help.
Have You Suffered A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
If you've suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, or Florence office locations.
