While car accidents are usually minor, some of them leave the victims with severe injuries. The long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury from a car accident may be profound. On top of physical challenges, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also cause emotional and mental trauma.
If a TBI leaves you or a loved one with a permanent disability, contacting Huntington Beach car accident attorneys with El Dabe Trial Lawyers is essential.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Unfortunately, a traumatic brain injury does not showcase symptoms immediately. You might not even know that you have suffered a brain injury for several days or weeks. That’s why it is extremely essential for you to seek prompt medical treatment after a car accident.
At the hospital, the doctor will perform tests that can help in diagnosing a traumatic brain injury, such as MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays. He or she will assess your symptoms and perform a diagnostic examination. Immediate or delayed traumatic brain injury symptoms may include:
- Blurry vision
- Trouble maintaining focus
- Confusion
- Persistent crying or irritability in infants
- Difficulty understanding language
- Inability to form new memories or recognize normal things
- Feeling angry, anxious, apathetic or lonely
- Dizziness, fainting, or general fatigue
- Dilated pupils
- Stiff muscles
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Sensitivity to sound
- Loss of sound
- Ringing in the ears
If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should go to the hospital right away. Without proper treatment, a traumatic brain injury can be fatal. You should keep all the medical records intact because they will be useful when it comes to proving your damages.
Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
When you sustain a severe brain injury, your body works promptly to fix the damage. Some of the restorative processes work effectively, especially when combined with medical treatment.
According to research, about 33% of the patients are able to feel better within six months. But, certain brain areas may be irreparable or succumb to progressive decline, leading to long-term damage. Some of the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Short or long-term memory loss
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- The trouble with time management and getting things done
- Inability to pay attention or concentrate
- Changes in personality
- Chronic pain
- Degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Risk of depression
- Susceptibility to pneumonia, and sepsis
- Difficulty going back to normal work duties over the long-haul, which can lead to financial problems
- Decreased participation in recreational activities, because of persistent physical symptoms or diminished functioning
The long-term effects of TBI can drastically affect the overall quality of life for the patient, and their family members. However, TBI effects vary tremendously from one person to another depending on the medical care, age, and health status before the injury.
Contact a Huntington Beach Car Accident Attorney
After suffering a brain injury from a car accident, a Huntington Beach car accident attorney can demand compensation on your behalf. Depending on the severity of the TBI, your claim may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damages.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we will do all we can to fight for your justice. Contact our offices to schedule a free consultation and receive the compensation you deserve.