Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a broad term that describes any injury that affects the brain and how it functions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is a major cause of death and disability.
A TBI is usually the result of a penetrating injury or a forceful blow to the head, which causes brain tissue and blood vessels to bruise and tear. Approximately half of people who have gone to the hospital because of a TBI got their injury from a fall. Another common cause of nonpenetrating TBIs is motor vehicle accidents.
Symptoms of brain injury
The symptoms of a brain injury may include physical, cognitive and functional defects. They can be mild or severe, which is why it is so important to seek medical attention after a fall or car crash. TBI symptoms can include the following:
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Dizziness, nausea or fatigue
- Loss of balance
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- Concentration problems
- Convulsions or seizures
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred speech
To be clear, these are only some of the symptoms. And the problem is these symptoms overlap with other medical conditions, especially in older adults. Your healthcare provider should perform a thorough medical examination to rule out brain injury. If their initial misdiagnosis caused your brain injury to worsen, it could be medical malpractice.
TBIs can be expensive to treat
If you believe you suffered a brain injury because of a car crash, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Georgia. The person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages you incurred. Even though their auto insurance provider should compensate you, the settlement offer is not always fair, and you may need someone to negotiate on your behalf. If you have suffered a TBI due to a fall on another person’s property, you may also have a premises liability claim.
Personal injury claims depend on a number of factors, and victims need to understand their legal rights to secure fair compensation. You must always prioritize your health first and worry about the expenses later.