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An accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury is a life-altering event for the victim and loved ones alike. Faced with the need for extensive medical care, a lengthy recovery, lost wages, pain, and suffering, the emotional, physical, and financial burdens can quickly add up. When another party is responsible for the harm done to you or someone you love, this makes dealing with a traumatic brain injury even more challenging.
At DuBose Miller, our Atlanta brain injury attorneys understand what you and your family are going through. We are here for you and promise to be your voice. You don’t have to suffer in silence when someone else is responsible for the trials you are facing. Our law firm will stand up for your interests and take action against the parties that need to be held accountable. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be an open or closed head injury resulting from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. These injuries may lead to loss of consciousness, paralysis, cognitive impairment, and even death.
Medical providers often use a test like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to diagnose a TBI. This is a neurological scale that assesses a person’s impairment level by testing their speech, movement, and ability to open their eyes. TBI’s are also classified as either mild, moderate, or severe:
- Mild TBI– Indicates a period of disorientation, confusion, or lost consciousness lasting less than 30 minutes.
- Moderate TBI– Indicates a loss of consciousness for up to 6 hours as well as some memory impairment.
- Severe TBI– Indicates a comatose state or a longer period of unconsciousness as well as significant cognitive impairment.
If you think you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury, get medical treatment immediately. Some of the physical and mental/cognitive symptoms of this serious condition include:
Possible Physical Symptoms of TBI:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Weakness or numbness in toes and fingers
- Fluids draining from ears and nose
- Convulsions or seizures
Cognitive Symptoms of TBI:
- Short-term memory loss
- Disorientation
- Irritability
- Slurred speech
- Changes in appetite
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Personality changes
- Extreme confusion
The Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly complicated. Medical authorities will assess your condition and give you a diagnosis that will likely fall into one of six types of TBI:
- Concussion
Concussions have long been thought to be simply temporary issues. But the thinking on this has changed over the years thanks to studies centering on the long-term results of concussion injuries in athletes. According to Brainline, an organization working to treat and prevent those suffering from TBI, concussions are defined as injuries resulting from “a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.”
Research has found that even the most minor concussion can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. And some of the signs and symptoms related to a concussion can take days or even weeks to show up. While some impairment resulting from a concussion could be temporary, there is also the potential for permanent damage.
- Contusion
A contusion is like a bruise to your brain that is the result of a direct impact to the head. When you suffer a contusion, it causes internal bleeding, which could range in severity. Surgery may be required to remove a large contusion.
- Coup-contrecoup
This type of TBI generally happens when there is a severe jolt or blow to the head. There is a contusion on the side of the brain that sustains the blow and another one on the other side where the brain bounces against the skull.
- Diffuse axonal
When the body or head is violently twisted or shaken, this can result in a diffuse axonal TBI. In this type of injury, the brain structure is actually torn where it is not able to move as fast as the skull.
- Penetration
Penetration TBIs happen when a foreign object is forced into the brain. Examples include falling objects, bullets, and knives.
- Hypoxic Brain Injury
Another type of brain injury occurs when there is reduced oxygen to the brain, which can quickly result in brain damage.
What Are the Common Causes of Head Injuries in Georgia?
The most common cause of a TBI is a sudden blow to a person’s head. Over the years, here are some of the most frequent causes of TBI that our firm has encountered:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Slip and fall
- Medical malpractice
- Violent crime
- Workplace accidents
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, it’s important to learn about and protect your rights as soon as possible.
What Compensation Can TBI Victims Recover in Atlanta?
A traumatic brain injury can impact your life in a number of ways. Many people who suffer from these injuries require extensive and customized treatment. Brain injuries can require help to relearn certain tasks so that you can cope and function better, and some even require long-term care.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to another party’s carelessness or negligence, you can pursue a case for damage. The appropriate compensation in one of these cases might include coverage for some of the following:
- Medical care
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Cost for home modifications
- Long-term care
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
One of the keys to recovering maximum compensation related to a TBI is having a qualified personal injury lawyer who can advocate for your interests. Our firm will be your voice when dealing with insurance companies and make sure we have the right experts in our corner to prove liability and justify your harm.
Let a Brain Injury Lawyer Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Brain injuries can have life-altering implications. Even a minor injury can place your life on hold while you fight to recover physical and cognitive function. An Atlanta brain injury accident law firm can assist victims and their families in obtaining financial compensation for damages related to these catastrophic injuries. Please contact DuBose Miller at (404) 720-8111 or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
