Archive for March 3rd, 2023

March is Dedicated to Raising Awareness About Brain Injuries

"March is Brain Injury Awareness Month" graphic featuring a green ribbon and small grayscale illustration of a human head with a red lightning bolt poking it.

Suffering a TBI in an accident can have devastating consequences

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious and often life-altering medical condition that affects millions of people each year. A TBI can be caused by a blow or jolt to the head or by an object penetrating the brain. It can range in severity from mild, causing temporary headaches or confusion, to severe, resulting in long-term disability or even death.

Understanding TBI is of utmost importance, as a severe brain injury can profoundly impact a person’s life and well-being. TBI can affect a person’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning as well as their relationships and overall quality of life. In short, brain injuries are complex conditions that require specialized care and attention.

Unfortunately, brain injuries are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, which can lead to inadequate treatment and poor outcomes. In addition, insurance companies frequently seek to reduce compensation for brain injury claims by questioning the severity of the injury, contesting its cause, or assigning blame to the victim. That’s when having experienced legal representation on your side can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury involving negligence, contact Smith & Hassler today to review your potential legal options.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and to increase awareness of TBI, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with this condition.

There are two main types of TBI: closed-head injuries and penetrating head injuries. Closed head injuries occur when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move within the skull, resulting in injury. Penetrating head injuries occur when an object penetrates the skull and damages brain tissue.

Common causes of TBI include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violent assaults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of TBI, particularly among older adults and young children. Motor vehicle accidents are another common cause of TBI, even at low speeds. Violent assaults, including domestic violence, physical assaults, and gunshot wounds to the head, may also result in a TBI.

Several risk factors are associated with TBI, including age, gender, and certain medical conditions. For example, men are more likely to experience TBI than women, and individuals over 65 are at higher risk for falls and other accidents that can result in TBI. In addition, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of prior TBI, may also be at increased risk for future brain injuries.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Understanding the symptoms of TBI is crucial in ensuring timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for those affected. That said, it’s always in your best interest to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, whether you fell and hit your head or were involved in a car accident:

  • Physical symptoms of TBI can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to light or sound, seizures, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms may occur immediately after the injury or develop gradually over time. In severe cases of TBI, physical symptoms can include paralysis or weakness in the limbs, difficulty speaking or understanding language, and loss of vision or hearing.
  • Cognitive symptoms of TBI can include difficulty with memory, attention, and concentration. Individuals with TBI may have trouble processing information, solving problems, or making decisions. They may also experience confusion, disorientation, and difficulty with spatial awareness.
  • Emotional symptoms of TBI can include changes in mood, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger. Individuals with TBI may also experience emotional outbursts or mood swings that are out of character.
  • Behavioral symptoms of TBI can include changes in personality, such as increased impulsivity, risk-taking behavior, or apathy. Individuals with TBI may also struggle with social interactions or withdraw from social situations altogether.

Keep in mind that symptoms of TBI can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury, as well as the individual’s age and overall health. Additionally, some signs of TBI may not be immediately apparent and may develop over time.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

Early diagnosis is crucial to ensure that individuals with TBI receive timely and appropriate treatment to minimize the long-term impact of the injury.

CT scans, MRIs, neurological examinations, and cognitive assessments can help a doctor identify the extent and location of the injury, as well as any associated complications, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain.

Once the injury is diagnosed, treatment options may include surgical intervention to address bleeding or swelling in the brain and medication to manage symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or seizures. In severe cases of TBI, individuals may require intensive care and life support measures to stabilize their condition.

Once stabilized, individuals with TBI may benefit from rehabilitation and recovery options such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive therapy. These therapies can help individuals regain their physical and cognitive functioning and improve their overall quality of life.

Medications and other therapies may also be used to manage specific symptoms of TBI, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage emotional symptoms or assistive technology to aid with communication or mobility.

A Houston brain injury attorney can protect your rights

Since 1989, Smith & Hassler has been dedicated to fighting for those who have been injured due to negligence. We understand the tactics that insurance companies use to limit compensation, and we don’t stand for them. Our lawyers are here to help you fight back and recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one suffered a concussion or some other type of TBI in an accident in Houston, TX, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. In Texas, you typically have a two-year window from the date of the accident to take legal action against the negligent party that caused your injury. However, as time goes on, evidence can be lost, and the memories of witnesses can fade.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help. Don’t wait – let us fight for your rights and help you find your way forward after a brain injury.