The impact of a major car accident can result in significant, life-altering injuries, including TBIs or Traumatic Brain Injuries. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligent actions, contact a Front Royal personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Brain injury cases can be complicated by specific medical concerns, the possibility of long-term and permanent disability, and other factors. It is important that you work with a car accident lawyer who has successfully handled claims involving serious TBIs. Trust the team at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas when you or a loved one has suffered a TB in a Northern Virginia car accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a Car Accident
The effects of a TBI can range from mild to severe. Recovery may be quick in some cases, but it may take weeks, months, or even years in others. Some injuries may, unfortunately, be permanent.
Victims of accidents should always seek medical attention and treatment after an accident. Injuries to the brain can be difficult to diagnose and treat. It can be a challenge to determine the extent of brain injuries and how these injuries will impact the individual’s life in both the short and long term. Minor brain injuries may simply require a few days of rest, but the brain is unpredictable. Even what initially seem to be minor injuries can lead to permanent disability.
If medical attention is not sought after an accident and the crash caused a TBI, family and friends may begin to notice disturbing changes in the individual. Symptoms like forgetfulness, irritability, dizziness, or difficulty performing basic tasks should be noted and may require evaluation and treatment.
Typical Symptoms of a Car Accident Brain Injury
Symptoms of a TBI can vary from person to person and may include any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness
- Concussion
- Cognitive deficits
- Sleep disturbances
- Attention, focus, or memory difficulties
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Language and communication problems
- Seizures
- Changes in personality
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
Even if the victim sought medical treatment immediately after the accident and no problems were found, changes to the brain may be evident after some time has passed. This is known as a secondary brain injury.
Receiving a thorough examination and following up if changes are observed after an accident is crucial to detecting and treating a brain injury. Delaying treatment could impact a victim’s long-term outcome.
Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury after a Car Accident
When damage to the brain is severe or extensive, it can result in tragic consequences. A TBI could prevent an individual from working at their former job or in their chosen career field. In some cases, it may be impossible to hold down any type of job after a major car accident.
There can also be social consequences from a TBI, especially if the injury has impacted the victim’s personality. Personality changes may be difficult for others to accept and deal with and can negatively affect victims’ interpersonal relationships, friendships, and social lives.
Psychologically, victims may suffer depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder from a TBI. Significant medical expenses may add to their stress level.
Treatment can be extensive and may require mental and physical therapy, rehabilitation, surgery, medication, and more.
The cost to treat a TBI can be astronomical, from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Between the loss of earnings and mounting bills, these tragic events can devastate a family emotionally and financially.
