Injured? Watch Out for These Early Signs of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious conditions that have lifelong consequences. They are not to be taken lightly. Waiting too long to seek medical attention after you have suffered a blow to the head can lead to heavy consequences, which is why it’s important to be able to recognize the earliest signs of a TBI. Whether you’ve been in a car crash, had a workplace accident, or were struck by falling debris in the city, get examined for a brain injury immediately–it can save your life.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury is a type of injury that involves harsh trauma to a person’s brain. There are two types of TBIs: penetrating TBIs and non-penetrating TBIs. Penetrating TBIs involve some sort of force that pierces the skull and damages the brain. This force can be caused by any type of sharpened or blunt object. Non-penetrating TBIs (also known as closed head injury) occur when a force hits the head hard enough that the brain moves within the skull. The damage to the brain occurs by hitting the inside of the skull very forcefully, and it can be just as damaging as blunt force trauma or a pierced skull. 

Both types of TBIs can be very serious injuries, sometimes with the same symptoms.

The Earliest Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

If you or a loved one has been involved in a catastrophic accident, it’s vital that you seek medical attention immediately. TBIs can go unnoticed for days. During this time, irreparable damage can be done to your brain. Even if you believe nothing at all is wrong, it is still worth it to seek medical attention and testing to ensure that you really are alright.

Some early warning signs of a TBI can seem minor, but they are indicative of a much larger issue. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Persistent or worsening headaches, particularly those that started after the injury 
• Feeling disoriented, confused, or having difficulty concentrating 
• Forgetting events leading up to or after the injury or having difficulty forming new memories 
• Persistent nausea or episodes of vomiting 
• Unusual fatigue, lack of energy, or excessive drowsiness 
• Changes in sleep patterns, including difficulty falling or staying asleep 
• Sudden changes in mood, including increased irritability, feelings of sadness, etc. 
• Heightened sensitivity to light or sound 
• Problems with coordination, problems with balance, or general dizziness 
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears 
• Convulsions or seizures 
• Dilation of the pupils 
• Excessive drainage of fluids from the ears or nose 
• Slurred speech 
• Weakness in the arms or legs 
• Bad taste in mouth

In children, make sure to look for additional signs like persistent irritability or crankiness, the inability to be consoled, lack of interest in normal activities, loss of previously acquired skills (like using the toilet) or a loss of ability to focus.

Should You Accept a Settlement in a TBI Case?

If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of someone else’s actions or negligence, you are likely entitled to compensation for your injuries. TBIs can radically change a person’s life as well as those of their family, friends, and caretakers. While many people file a claim and accept a settlement with those responsible, that doesn’t mean you should take the first settlement offer you receive, especially if you have not yet consulted with a personal injury attorney.

Negotiating a fair settlement for your case is complex, and you may wind up winning a larger judgment if you decide to take your case to trial. Many people and organizations may rush you to accept an offer to get out of paying you what you really deserve. A TBI is a lifelong injury, so don’t settle for less than what you need to take care of yourself and your family. Find an attorney who can get you what you deserve. 

Your settlement or verdict should take into account:

• The severity of your injury 
• Your future medical needs 
• How it will impact your future employment 
• The pain, suffering, and emotional damage that you have 
• Any other impact it will have on your life and those closest to you 

The Brain Injury Attorneys at Morelli Law

At Morelli Law, we work with victims of incidents involving traumatic brain injuries, helping them receive compensation for their injuries. Our team has extensive experience working with these types of cases and can help you determine your best course of action. Our New York personal injury attorneys can help you manage your case from start to finish; we’ll never stop fighting for you. Get in touch with our team today for a free case evaluation.