CDC statistics suggest that over 1.4 million Americans suffer from some form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries lead to more than 2.2 million E.R. visits, 280,000 hospitalizations, and 50,000 deaths per year in the U.S., in fact. Brain injuries are some of the most serious types of injuries our bodies can experience, and unfortunately there is often no way to restore damaged brain tissue after an injury occurs.
If you or someone you love has suffered from a TBI that was caused by a devastating auto accident or other type of incident that was not the victim’s fault, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the guilty individual or institution. If you’re located in the state of Nebraska, you will need the assistance of an Omaha brain injury lawyer. First, let’s go over some of the facts and implications about brain and head injuries.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are generally caused by a fall, a blunt force impact or blow to the head, or the impact of a sharp or rough-edged object. An injury doesn’t have to leave visible marks to the head to cause permanent damage to the brain’s sensitive tissues. Even minor falls and blows may cause permanent damage. Concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs), in fact, may have more of an effect than many sports coaches and doctors believe.
40% of reported TBIs between the years of 2006 and 2010 involved some form of slip-and-fall accident. Other common causes for head and brain injuries include unintentional blunt trauma, sports injuries, car accidents, violent crimes and assaults, diseases, and birth injuries. It’s estimated that over 3.8 million concussions occur every year in sports. Many concussions and MTBIs go unreported.
Brain Injury Symptoms and Implications
Brain and head injuries can be incredibly dangerous if left untreated. The brain is one of the most delicate organs inside the body, and brain injury symptoms often appear in a delayed manner due to the way the brain interprets pain. If you’re involved in an accident or injury involving your head, seek medical attention immediately—even if you’re not in pain right away.
Common early symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, head injuries, and concussions include the following:
- Headaches
- Minor memory loss
- Sensitivity to light/sound
- Nausea
- Trouble concentrating
- Extreme tiredness/fatigue
- Loss of smell
- Dizziness
- Loss of equilibrium
- Difficulty seeing/visual disturbances
It’s important to note that not all victims will experience every symptom. Symptoms may appear in a delayed manner as noted or even in a random, seemingly-haphazard manner. Medical and sports professionals may be quick to dismiss brain injury symptoms, especially if the victim isn’t experiencing pain. Brain and head injury misdiagnoses are very common, unfortunately.
Brain injuries are difficult to diagnose and generally require brain scans. The recovery process may take years and require lengthy surgeries, costly treatments, and intense physical therapy. Some victims can make a complete recovery while others may only recover partially. Subsequent brain and head injuries may additionally make past injuries—including concussions—more severe. This is why it’s imperative to vigilantly seek medical care after any type of head injury.
Get the Help You Need from a Nebraska Brain Injury Lawyer
If you or a family member suffered from a brain or head injury after an accident that was not the victim’s fault, you may be able to receive financial compensation that can help you pay for medical bills, loss of wage costs, and more. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can also help you obtain justice on behalf of the victim and ensure that the guilty party doesn’t endanger anyone else again.
Welsh & Welsh, a law office situated in Omaha, Nebraska, is more than happy to assist and pair you with an Omaha brain injury lawyer who can tell you if filing a lawsuit is in your family’s best interest. You shouldn’t have to suffer alone. You don’t have to. Give us a call today to find out more.
