Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most dangerous injures an individual can suffer, but they are also incredibly hard to detect. Blunt force trauma to the head often leaves no external wounds. Additionally, the accident victim may not experience symptoms until days or weeks later.
If you or a loved one were in an accident resulting in head trauma, seek medical treatment right away. A medical professional should be able to determine if you sustained a brain injury. After you begin treatment, you should strongly consider seeking counsel from a Glendale traumatic brain injury lawyer. With help from a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney, you could invoke your legal rights and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Symptoms of Mild, Moderate, and Severe TBIs
The brain is an extremely complex organ, as it controls every single conscious and unconscious bodily function. Brain damage resulting from an external impact to the head could range from mild to severe.
Mild Head Trauma
While any severe impact to the head should warrant a visit to the doctor, mild brain contusions and concussions are generally not a cause for major concern. As long as the injured party gets treatment and avoids repeated impacts, they are likely to make a full recovery.
Moderate and Severe Brain Damage
People suffering from moderate or severe brain damage might experience symptoms immediately after the accident. However, the injured might not notice any signs of a problem until days after the incident. Anyone with the following symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical attention:
- Loss of consciousness for more than a few minutes
- Constant headaches that worsen over time
- Irregular pupil dilation
- Profound difficulty forming thoughts or recalling memories
- Difficulty speaking clearly without slurring words
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
- Loss of coordination
- Significant mood swings or personality changes
Once the injured party’s immediate medical concerns are addressed, they should reach out to a lawyer who focuses on brain injury cases.
Filing Suit for Recoverable Damages in Glendale
Once a TBI victim is in a stable condition, they could begin pursuing compensation from the person who caused the accident. In addition to short-term expenses that have already been paid or billed, the injured party could also hold the negligent party liable for future costs related to rehabilitative care and lost earning capacity.
In some instances, non-economic damages may also be included in the settlement demand or lawsuit. The injured party might seek compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, while the victim’s spouse might sue for loss of consortium.
A court may elect to levy punitive damages against a defendant who engaged in intentional or wantonly reckless behavior, though this is somewhat rare. A meeting with a lawyer in Glendale could help clarify what types of damages the claimant could seek restitution for in their head injury case.
Learn More by Speaking with a Glendale Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
Because TBIs are complex conditions with long-term damages, civil claims based on head trauma tend to be difficult for an individual plaintiff to manage on their own. Fortunately, you do not have to pursue litigation alone. If you retain help from an experienced legal professional, you could strengthen your case and recover the compensation you need.
A Glendale traumatic brain injury lawyer could offer compassionate guidance and support throughout the entire civil litigation process. Call today to find out how a knowledgeable attorney could help you.