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What You Need To Know About Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe consequences of car accidents, significantly altering the lives of victims and their families.

A TBI occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction.

These injuries often result from a blow or jolt to the head.

The symptoms can range from mild, such as temporary confusion and headaches, to severe, leading to prolonged unconsciousness, amnesia, and even permanent brain damage and conditions like cerebral palsy.

How a Traumatic Brain Injury Occurs

A traumatic brain injury occurs following a sudden or violent blow to the head.

The external forces following a collision of any impact cause a cascade of effects.

These can induce trauma to the brain, subsequently leading to brain dysfunction.

TBIs can happen in several ways including:

• Direct Impact: The most straightforward cause is a direct hit to the head, which can occur in vehicle collisions, falls, or being struck by an object.
• Rapid Acceleration or Deceleration: A sudden stop or change in speed during a crash can cause the brain to move violently within the skull. This movement can result in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue.
• Penetration: Objects breaking through the skull and entering brain tissue, such as shattered pieces of the skull during an accident, cause severe damage.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for recognizing the severity of TBIs and the importance of immediate medical attention and legal consultation.

At TorHoerman Law, we have the expertise to navigate the complexities of personal injury cases like TBI cases, ensuring that victims receive the compensation and care they deserve.

The Prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Causes

The statistics surrounding TBIs paint a concerning picture of their prevalence and their causes.

TBIs happen following numerous types of accidents.

Car accidents are among the major causes of many TBI cases, accounting for 14% of all traumatic brain injuries.

Car accidents are also responsible for numerous TBI hospitalizations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high-speed automotive accidents account for over 24.75% of all TBI-related hospitalizations.

Other Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Car accidents stand out as a primary cause of TBIs due to the violent forces involved.

When vehicles collide, the rapid deceleration can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to bruising, tissue damage, and bleeding.

With that said, brain injury can occur due to other causes as well.

Leading causes of such traumatic injuries include:

• Blunt trauma from physical assault
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Explosions or blasts
• Medical negligence

The Impact of TBIs on Individuals and Families

The severity of TBIs can vary greatly, from mild concussions that may result in temporary confusion or dizziness, to severe injuries that lead to prolonged periods of unconsciousness and profound cognitive impairments.

Whatever the results are, these brain injuries have far-reaching consequences that can greatly affect your quality of life.

Impacts a TBI can have on your life and well-being include:

• Physical Effects: Victims may encounter an array of physical limitations, including problems with muscle coordination, chronic pain, balance issues, and fatigue, which can dramatically affect daily life and independence.
• Cognitive Impairment: Many individuals face difficulties with attention, memory, information processing, and problem-solving skills.
  • These cognitive challenges make it hard to return to work or school and engage in social activities.
• Emotional and Behavioral Changes: TBIs can lead to significant emotional disturbances, including depression, anxiety, irritability, and aggression.
  • Emotional changes not only affect the individual but also place a strain on family relationships and social networks.
• Financial Burdens: The economic impact of TBIs can be staggering, encompassing medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and the potential need for long-term care.
  • Financial strains add another layer of stress to the victims and their families.

Due to the potential lifelong consequences of traumatic brain injuries, it is highly recommended to file a personal injury lawsuit and hold negligent parties accountable.

By hiring an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney, you can confidently seek a settlement that compensates you for your financial losses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Reach out to the Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Recognizing and Responding to TBIs

Following an accident, it is extremely important to take into consideration the fact that you or someone in the same vehicle as you may have sustained a TBI.

When evaluating yourself or someone for a TBI, keep an eye out for symptoms.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Persistent headaches or neck pain
• Difficulty with coordination or balance
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Seizures or convulsions
• Prolonged lethargy or drowsiness

Identifying these symptoms right away is essential since these can be subtle or subside quickly.

Once you’ve determined the presence of symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can greatly influence the recovery process and mitigate long-term effects.

What To Do After a Car Accident If You Suspect TBI

The moments after a car accident can be chaotic and overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one might have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Taking the right steps immediately and in the days following can be crucial for health, recovery, and any future legal action.

As Soon as You’re Able To

The immediate moments following a car accident are critical.

Steps to take include:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you or the injured person seems fine, symptoms of a TBI can be subtle or delayed.
  • Immediate evaluation by healthcare professionals can be critical for diagnosis and treatment.
• Call the Police: It’s important to have an official report of the accident.
  • This will be a vital document if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
  • Gather names and contact information of witnesses.
  • This documentation can be invaluable for your case.

In the Following Days After Your Accident

After you’ve sought medical care and notified the authorities, there are steps you need to take.

Steps to take include:

• Follow Up With Your Physician: Even after the initial medical evaluation, continue to monitor for any emerging or worsening symptoms.
  • Follow up with healthcare professionals as recommended and keep a detailed record of all medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments.
• Keep a Symptom Diary: Start a diary to record symptoms, challenges, and progress.
  • This can include physical symptoms, cognitive and emotional changes, and how the injury affects your daily life.
• Consult a Brain Injury Lawyer: Early consultation with a lawyer specializing in TBI cases can provide you with guidance on your legal rights and options.
  • Our Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys understand the intricacies of TBI claims and can help you navigate the legal process while you focus on recovery.
• Avoid Discussing Your Traumatic Brain Injury Case: Be cautious about discussing the incident or your health on social media or with insurance adjusters.
  • Statements can be taken out of context and affect your case’s outcome.
  • Worse yet, the other driver’s legal counsel can use your statements against you as evidence.

Potential Long-Term Considerations

Even if you’ve only sustained a mild traumatic brain injury, there may be lingering complications.

For this reason, you’ll need ongoing care.

If your traumatic brain injury caused you to suffer from life-altering impairments, you’ll need legal representation for your case.

Potential long-term considerations include:

• Ongoing Medical Evaluation and Care: As a brain injury victim, you must continue to seek appropriate medical care for the long-term management of your severe brain injury.
  • Doing so may involve seeking specialists, undergoing rehabilitation, and attending therapy.
• Legal Action: Pursuing legal action can help secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • We’re committed to advocating for your best interests and ensuring you receive the support you need for your recovery journey.

The Legal Services Offered by a Chicago Brain Injury Lawyer

At TorHoerman Law, we specialize in supporting brain injury victims who have suffered as a result of car accidents and other causes.

By offering a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, we’ve helped clients win fair settlements that compensate them for their injuries and losses.

Ways lawyers can help include:

• Case evaluation
• Evidence-gathering
• Determining liability
• Accurately calculating your damages
• Settlement negotiations
• Litigation representation

Challenges in Brain Injury Cases

Brain injury cases present a unique set of challenges, both from a legal and medical standpoint.

Challenges you may face in your brain injury lawsuit include:

• Proving the extent of injuries
• Establishing the need for long-term care
• Proving the causal link between the car accident and injury

Proving the Extent of Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can be subtle or delayed.

This variability makes it difficult to immediately assess the injury’s full impact, which is why we rely on expert medical evaluations and ongoing assessments to document the extent of the injury accurately.

Establishing the Need for Long-Term Care

TBIs can have lasting effects, requiring ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and personal support.

Proving this future need to insurance companies or in court requires a detailed understanding of TBIs and a comprehensive evaluation of the victim’s condition, both immediately post-accident and in the years to come.

Proving the Causal Link Between the Car Accident and Injury

The causal link between the accident and the injury is often contested.

Defendants and insurance companies may argue that the symptoms were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident.

We counter this by gathering irrefutable evidence, including medical records and expert testimony, to establish a direct connection between the accident and the TBI.

How a Head Injury Lawyer Can Help You

Securing experienced legal representation is crucial after a traumatic brain injury.

At TorHoerman Law, we specialize in navigating the complexities of TBI cases, ensuring our clients receive the necessary compensation and support for their recovery.

Ways attorneys can help include:

• Complex Legal and Medical Navigation: We combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of TBIs, crucial for building a strong case and arguing for comprehensive damages.
• Overcoming Case Challenges: Our familiarity with the unique hurdles of TBI cases, such as proving the extent of injuries and their long-term impacts, positions us to advocate effectively for our clients.
• Maximizing Compensation: Expertise in TBI cases allows us to accurately calculate and negotiate for full compensation, covering everything from medical expenses to non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
• Support and Resources: Beyond legal advice, we provide support and resources to help clients navigate their recovery journey, offering connections to medical and rehabilitation services.
• Courtroom Readiness: If negotiations stall, our litigators are prepared to take your case to trial, ensuring your needs are compellingly represented in court.

TorHoerman Law: You Chicago Brain Injury Law Firm

At TorHoerman Law, we are more than legal representatives — we are advocates committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our expertise in TBI cases, combined with a compassionate approach, ensures that you have the support and representation necessary to face this challenging time.

If you or a loved one has sustained traumatic brain injuries following a car crash, you may be eligible for a brain injury lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible for a traumatic brain injury lawsuit instantly.