If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you have a valid personal injury claim. This is especially true if you have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can have serious and lasting consequences for your health and well-being. That said, in some cases, physical injuries aren’t always apparent when a TBI is, in fact, present. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Connecticut brain injury lawyer from Casper & de Toledo to learn more.
What is a TBI?
A TBI is defined as a disruption in the normal function of the brain, often brought on by a sudden bump or jolt to the head. Common causes of TBIs include auto accidents and slip and falls. However, brain injury can also occur under other circumstances, such as during surgery or as a result of an infection where there was a delay in the diagnosis. Typically, when someone sustains a TBI, they will exhibit a variety of symptoms. A loss of consciousness is an obvious symptom, as is some type of seizure. Sometimes, there will be confusion about whether someone actually lost consciousness or just experienced a disruption of memory. Seizures are not always obvious, as with a grand mal seizure where the body violently shakes. A more subtle seizure may be a staring spell. Other symptoms of a TBI can include blurred/double vision, mood swings, decreased cognition, confusion, headaches and memory loss.
Can I have a TBI even without visible physical symptoms?
Yes. In truth, not all TBI symptoms are obvious or visible. Some people may not show any physical signs of injury, but still have a TBI. This can happen if the brain is injured by a sudden movement or acceleration-deceleration force, such as whiplash. In reality, 80-90% of concussions occur without obvious physical injury. That is one reason we often refer to TBI as an invisible injury.
One of the big challenges when there are no visible signs of a head injury is locating a knowledgeable physician to provide treatment. Not all physicians are current on the field. A lawyer experienced in the field will generally know a handful of specialists near you who can be reliable resources. The challenge for the patient is to seek the guidance of experienced professionals who can ensure that you receive the best care as well as provide you with the best advice in vindication of your legal right to compensation. The latter will often depend not only upon an attorney’s years of practice but also upon courtroom experience. How many brain injury cases have you litigated? And how many cases have you taken to a jury verdict? These are fair questions.
Ultimately, your goals should be: 1) to get better; and 2) to recover maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. A TBI can significantly impact your quality of life. Even after allowing for the passage of sufficient time for recovery, you may still experience chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, mood swings, personality changes, cognitive impairments, or other problems that affect your daily functioning. These symptoms are to be taken seriously, and you should not put off receiving medical treatment.
What should I do if I sustain a TBI?
If you suspect that you have sustained a TBI after an accident, you should seek medical attention as soon after the incident as possible. A doctor can diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. You should also do what you can to document the incident, such as taking pictures/videos, gathering witness contact information, and keeping copies of all medical documentation pertaining to your injuries. Finally, you should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you file a claim for your damages. A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the accident.
If you have any further questions, or you believe you have a valid personal injury claim, please don’t hesitate to contact Casper & de Toledo for help today.
