Seeking Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) usually result in long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive damage. In fact, it can even lead to a fatality. TBI usually occurs after a car accident including a head-on collision, side-impact collision, rollover, rear-end accident, and a big truck accident. 

The impact during a car accident causes the brain to collide with the bone of the skull, while the brain continues to move when the head comes to a sudden stop. As a result, the delicate network of blood vessels and nerves is torn, resulting in internal bleeding or bruising and swelling. Car accident victims must undergo a full medical evaluation because a closed head injury can be deadly when not treated right away. Also, they must contact an injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids for legal assistance. 

Symptoms and Treatments of TBI

Those who have TBI may experience symptoms such as loss of consciousness, headache, confusion or disorientation, memory loss, fatigue, seizures, dizziness, and poor concentration. Symptoms will vary from person to person because every head injury is different. Typically, a diffuse injury will cause a general reduction in consciousness levels. Focal injuries will lead to symptoms that vary depending on the brain’s affected area. 

Treatments for TBI are meant to resuscitate and support the patient, reduce secondary injury, and assist in their transition to recovery. A mild TBI can be treated with rest and pain medication to relieve headaches. But, moderate to serious TBI often requires more attention. Patients with a life-threatening injury will be placed in a neurocritical care unit to be monitored around the clock. 

Doctors will commonly treat moderate to severe TBI patients with medications to control sedation and pain, seizures, intracranial pressure, and infection. If needed, these patients may require surgery to repair skull fractures, remove hematomas, address bleeding vessels, and relieve intracranial pressure. They may undergo surgical methods such as craniotomy, decompressive craniectomy, tracheotomy, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. These are expensive treatments and procedures that can usually leave accident victims with mounting debts. 

Rehab for TBI Patients

Moderate to severe TBI can have long-lasting effects. Many patients must undergo rehab during recovery including physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric care, speech therapy, and social support. Each rehab program is designed based on the patient’s needs. 

Seeking Legal Assistance When Filing a Claim or Lawsuit

Car accidents can lead to significant damages. People who suffered TBI because of the negligence of another party have a legal right to get compensation for damages including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts of a case and guide a victim to get the compensation they deserve.