Traumatic Brain Injuries

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 TBI can cause serious medical problems.

TBIs are Difficult to Diagnose and Treat

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

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

With the variety of symptoms and the difficulty connecting them to a TBI, 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 TBI is diagnosed early, the treatment can be expensive and difficult.

Treatment

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, or others. The wide range of professionals that can be necessary in the treatment of a TBI illustrates the variety of symptoms that one suffering from this type of injury may experience.

Legal Complications

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 TBI. 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. Thus, it is generally harder for a victim of a TBI to win full compensation for a TBI injury.

What Should You Do?

If you have suffered a TBI 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 TBI, 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 TBI, or are involved in a lawsuit involving a TBI, 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 TBI. This will give you the best opportunity to be fully compensated for your injuries.

At Hemmings and Stevens, P.L.L.C., we have experience 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. Initial consultations are provided at no charge and in-home appointments are also available. If we take your case, you will pay no attorney fees unless we make a recovery for you. We represent people in any city or county in North Carolina. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, call us. We have the experience necessary to recover for you from those responsible.

For more information about our services, please contact us.