Suffering a head injury is always a serious matter. But what many don’t realize is that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can vary widely in how they affect the brain and the life of the person injured. Some types of TBI are more visible and immediately life-threatening, while others may seem minor at first but cause lingering cognitive, emotional, or physical issues.
When a TBI occurs due to someone else’s negligence, the injured party might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Seeking guidance from an experienced Montgomery personal injury lawyer after an accident that caused a head injury is vital to ensure you get the support you deserve.
Understanding Mild, Moderate, and Severe TBIs
When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury, one of the first things doctors assess is the severity of the injury. TBIs are generally classified as mild, moderate, or severe, based on factors like the duration of unconsciousness, memory loss, and the results of brain imaging tests.
Even a mild TBI, often called a concussion, can have a major impact on someone’s daily life.
Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory lapses, and mood changes are common, and they can linger for weeks or even months.
Moderate TBIs usually involve a longer period of unconsciousness and more noticeable confusion or cognitive issues afterward. These injuries often require hospitalization and close monitoring, and the recovery process can be lengthy. Long-term effects are more likely with moderate TBIs, especially if the person doesn’t receive timely or appropriate treatment.
A severe TBI is the most critical category and can be life-altering or even fatal. These injuries often involve prolonged unconsciousness, coma, liquid dripping from your ears, and significant, lasting brain damage. Recovery from a severe TBI is usually a long journey that may involve multiple surgeries, rehabilitation programs, and ongoing care. In many cases, the individual may face permanent disability or cognitive impairment.
Common Types of TBIs
There are several types of TBI, each with unique causes, symptoms, and levels of severity.
Here are some of the most common traumatic brain injury types we see:
Concussion
A concussion usually happens when the head is struck, shaken, or jolted, causing the brain to move inside the skull. Concussion symptoms can include headaches, confusion, memory loss, and sensitivity to light or sound. While many concussions are considered “mild,” repeated or improperly treated concussions can lead to serious long-term effects.
Contusion
A contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain. It usually occurs from a direct impact to the head, like in a fall or car crash. In more severe cases, contusions may require surgical removal if they cause swelling or bleeding.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury
This injury happens when the force of impact causes the brain to strike one side of the skull (coup) and then rebound to hit the opposite side (contrecoup). It’s a double whammy that can result in extensive damage to different areas of the brain.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
DAI is caused by intense shaking or rotational forces. These forces tear the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers (axons), disrupting normal brain function. It can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or permanent damage.
Penetrating Brain Injury
This type of injury occurs when an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain, such as in a gunshot wound or severe workplace accident. Penetrating injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate emergency care, followed by long-term medical and legal support.
Diagnosing and Treating Different TBI Types
Doctors typically start a TBI diagnosis with a neurological exam to assess cognitive function, coordination, reflexes, and sensory responses. If a TBI is suspected, imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to detect swelling, bleeding, bruising, or structural damage to the brain.
In more complex cases, ongoing evaluations by neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists may be necessary to fully understand the extent of the injury.
Treating Different TBI Types
Treatment depends heavily on the type and severity of the TBI. For mild TBIs, such as concussions, rest and careful monitoring are often the first steps. Patients may need to avoid strenuous activity, screen time, and other triggers while the brain heals.
However, moderate to severe TBIs often require immediate emergency care. This can include surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, remove blood clots, or repair skull fractures.
Once stabilized, a patient may need a customized rehabilitation plan that could involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or counseling to address emotional and behavioral changes.
Legal Implications of TBIs in Personal Injury Cases
The first step in a TBI personal injury case is determining who is at fault. This could be a driver in a car accident, a company responsible for a hazardous work environment, or a property owner who neglected safety protocols. Proving liability involves demonstrating that the party at fault breached their duty of care to the victim and directly caused the injury. This is rarely easy.
Challenges in Proving TBI
One of the primary challenges in TBI cases is proving the extent and nature of the injury, especially when symptoms are subtle or not immediately apparent. This makes gathering and presenting evidence crucial. Medical records, expert testimony from healthcare professionals, and neuropsychological assessments play key roles in substantiating the impact of the injury.
Calculating Damages
Calculating damages includes consideration for:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate and ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potential future surgeries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the time the victim was unable to work and potential loss of earning capacity if the victim cannot return to work at the same capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the victim.
- Loss of Quality of Life: TBIs can severely impact a person’s ability to enjoy daily activities and life pleasures.
- Future Care Needs: Many TBI victims require adaptations to their homes, ongoing care, and other support that can be costly.
Contact an Experienced Montgomery Personal Injury Lawyer
Every brain injury is different, just like the people it affects. Some TBIs may resolve with rest and time, while others leave lasting cognitive and physical challenges. What’s consistent across the board is the need for early diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
At Hunter | Everage, we’ve worked with clients facing all types of traumatic brain injury, and we understand the toll it can take. That’s why we take a personal, thoughtful approach to each case, listening closely, building strong legal strategies, and working to get the results our clients need.
If you’re struggling to understand what comes next after a head injury, contact our Montgomery personal injury lawyers at 704-377-9157 to request a free consultation.