When someone is injured in an accident, they can suffer many different types of injuries. One of the most serious, and one of the most difficult to diagnose and treat, is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), sometimes called a "closed-head trauma." Hospitals treat more than 400,000 people each year for traumatic brain injuries. While most of these injuries are mild or moderate, even a minor traumatic brain injury can cause serious medical problems.

Traumatic Brain Injuries are Difficult to Diagnose and Treat

Many doctors are not adequately trained to properly diagnose minor traumatic brain injuries. While most doctors can recognize serious traumatic brain injuries (such as those resulting in a coma), minor traumatic brain injuries are more difficult to diagnose because there are few outward signs of this type of internal injury. As a result, many people who suffer minor traumatic brain injuries do not receive appropriate treatment.

There are many possible symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, some of which are easily associated with brain function, such as seizures, headaches, dizziness and problems with memory and concentration. Traumatic brain injuries can also cause other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, loss of motor control, sexual dysfunction, short temper, speech disorders or may cause the injured person to becoming disoriented or agitated.

With the variety of symptoms, and the difficulty connecting them to a traumatic brain injury, many people experience delayed treatment, or receive no treatment at all. These patients continue to suffer and are often unaware of the reason for their problems. Even when a traumatic brain injury is diagnosed early, the treatment can be expensive and difficult.

Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries

People who suffer from brain injuries usually receive care from a variety of medical professionals. These providers may include Neurologists, Neuropsychologists, Physical Therapists, Cognitive Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Vocational Counselors, Social Workers, Rehabilitation Case Managers, and many other professionals. The wide range of professionals that can be necessary in the treatment of a traumatic brain injury illustrates the variety of symptoms that one suffering from this type of injury may experience.

Legal Complications for Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

It is often difficult to prove that the symptoms a person experiences are directly related to a traumatic brain injury, especially if a doctor has been slow to diagnose the injury. In addition, many people serving on juries have a hard time understanding that a head injury can cause such varied symptoms, some of which are not commonly linked to brain function. Therefore, it is generally harder for a victim of a traumatic brain injury to win full compensation. This requires the use of an expert neurologist who can explain the injury and symptoms in easily understood terms. At the law firm of Hemmings & Stevens, PLLC, we understand requirement and have ample experience meeting this challenge.

What Should You Do?

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, or are experiencing any of these symptoms that you did not have before the accident, make sure to communicate all of your symptoms to your doctor. Of course, not all symptoms that a person experiences are caused by a traumatic brain injury, but there is a vast range of symptoms and getting a correct diagnosis may take some time.

If you or a loved one has a claim for an injury with a traumatic brain injury, or are involved in a lawsuit involving a traumatic brain injury, it is important to retain qualified counsel. A qualified attorney can help you prepare and present your claim or case, especially where the injury involves the complex and difficult issues surrounding a traumatic brain injury. This will give you the best opportunity to be fully compensated.

At the law firm of Hemmings & Stevens, PLLC, we have experience in handling Traumatic Brain Injury cases. We have litigated brain injury claims that have required the services of Neurologists, Neuropsychologists, Life Care Planners and Forensic Economists to testify as experts for our clients. We will aggressively handle your case with sensitivity and compassion, and we will fight to obtain full compensation for your injuries.

If you have questions or concerns about a traumatic brain injury case, please contact the North Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury lawyers at the law firm of Hemmings & Stevens, PLLC, today. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingent fee basis, which means there are no fees unless we make a recovery for you. For assistance, call us at: (919) 277.0161.

This article regarding Traumatic Brain Injury is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. You may need to seek the advice of a Traumatic Brain Injury lawyer at the law firm of Hemmings & Stevens, PLLC, that has experience in these matters, to help you, if you have a Traumatic Brain Injury case.