If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in an accident, you may have heard the term TBI. But what is TBI? TBI stands for “traumatic brain injury” and refers to brain damage that takes place due to a blow to the head. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 64,000 deaths related to TBIs occurred in the United States in 2020.
It can be challenging to recover from a TBI, which often requires various therapies. If you have suffered from a TBI due to the negligence of another, we are here to help. Contact our lawyers at GJEL Accident Attorneys for assistance.
Common Kinds of TBIs
There are several types of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Each type of TBI also has different grades of severity. An individual can heal from a TBI in a matter of days, or symptoms can be long-lasting. A few traumatic brain injury examples are below.
Concussions (Mild TBI)
A concussion is typically a mild TBI. These result from an impact that forces the head to move back and forth or a bump to the head. It is crucial to seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you have sustained a mild TBI. Mild TBI symptoms may include:
- Balance problems,
- Feeling slowed down, and
- Feeling more emotional.
If you have suffered from a TBI, our lawyers are here to help you. We know how stressful it can be to recover. For information on how to get started filing your claim, get in touch with our talented team.
Contusions
A contusion is another kind of TBI that tends to appear alongside a concussion. Yet it is more significant than a concussion. This type of injury refers to a bruise on the brain’s surface. Some typical effects of a brain contusion involve the following:
- Sensory impairments,
- Communication problems, and
- Movement and coordination issues.
While most contusions heal, some can have long-term consequences.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
If an object enters the skull and brain, like a bullet, this can cause a penetrating brain injury. Other causes of this type of TBI include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. There are numerous possible symptoms of a penetrating brain injury, including:
- Loss of bowel and bladder function,
- Loss of feeling in your limbs, and
- A loss of consciousness.
Make sure to see a doctor immediately if you notice any TBI symptoms. A qualified healthcare professional can help you determine what kind of TBI you may have.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAIs)
A DAI is a significant type of TBI that can have serious consequences. With a DAI, the brain’s axons, or nerve fibers, have been sheared. Some effects of a DAI can include a person having trouble communicating or developing a disability. A DAI can cause problems in various parts of the brain, such as:
- The brain stem,
- Temporal lobe white matter, and
- Frontal lobe white matter.
This can happen in a car accident where the brain shifts within the skull, for example. It can also occur in an accidental fall.
What Is the Difference Between a Moderate and Severe TBI?
When it comes to a moderate or severe TBI, the effects can be far-reaching. It is vital to seek medical attention if you believe you may have suffered from a TBI. The symptoms of a moderate TBI consist of the following:
- Extreme confusion,
- Inability to wake up, and
- Convulsions or seizures.
Symptoms of a severe TBI are often much more concerning. A person who experiences a severe TBI can lapse into a coma or vegetative state. They will need a variety of medical professionals to assist them with their recovery. For example, healthcare workers may include neurologists and rehab therapists.
Typical Causes of TBIs
A brain injury can take place in many situations, and the severity of a TBI often depends on the circumstances. A few of the most common causes are below. If you need assistance filing a claim for your injuries, contact our attorneys. We can handle every part of your claim so that you can focus on healing.
Car Accidents
In a car accident, an individual might experience any number of severe brain injuries. This can be catastrophic, with the effects of a TBI lasting months or years. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we can help you seek compensation for a brain injury caused by a car accident.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
A TBI can also result from a slip-and-fall accident. These accidents can happen in retail stores, grocery stores, schools, and other places. Some of the main reasons for a slip-and-fall incident consist of the following:
- Recently polished floors,
- Spills on floors, and
- Icy walkways.
Property owners have an obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe. If you suffered a brain injury due to a fall, you may be entitled to compensation.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle collisions are another possible cause of TBIs. This is due to the immense impact when a motorcyclist hits the pavement. Unlike drivers, motorcyclists do not have the protective shell of a car in an accident. A TBI in a motorcycle crash can result in disabilities and even death.
Bicycle Accidents
You may also suffer from a TBI in a bicycle accident, even with a helmet. Remember that a TBI is not necessarily always caused by a jolt to the head. Sometimes, a car slamming into the victim’s bicycle is enough to result in significant brain injuries. A TBI can cause a person to suffer from double vision, cognitive difficulties, and other problems.
How Our Lawyers Can Assist You
Still have questions about what is a TBI? Call our experienced lawyers to learn more. Brain injury awareness and knowledge regarding TBIs are crucial when filing a claim. At the same time, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Our lawyers at GJEL Accident Attorneys can assist you with every detail of your claim, including communicating with your health insurance company.
Our firm stands out, with GJEL Accident Attorneys having been named one of the top California personal injury firms by Best Lawyers. Furthermore, we have received over 100 positive reviews from our clients on Google. Call us for a free consultation today at 1-866-292-9907.
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