People who are involved in a car crash or any other incident are at risk of suffering serious injuries. One of these is a traumatic brain injury. This can have a negative impact on the person’s future, especially if the injury is catastrophic.
Anyone who suffers a brain injury should get prompt medical care. This can help to get the treatment for the injury going. It also establishes a connection between the injury and the incident that caused it.
#1: Direct hits aren’t necessary
Some people assume that they won’t have a brain injury unless they hit their head. The fact is that even if the head is flung violently, a brain injury is possible. The damage to the brain occurs when it slams into the skull. This can lead to significant damage on opposite sides of the brain because of the back-and-forth or side-to-side motions.
#2: Symptoms can creep up slowly
The symptoms of a brain injury might not be evident at the site of the crash or incident. It’s possible that they might not show up for weeks after the incident. Anyone involved in an incident that could have caused a brain injury should remain watchful about these signs. Some of the more common signs include:
- Headache that gets progressively worse
- Loss of consciousness
- Changes in vision
- Sensitivity to lights or sounds
- Bleeding from the ears
- Mood swings
- Altered sleeping patterns
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty with communication
#3: Cumulative damage is possible
People who suffer multiple concussions or other brain injuries may develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This is a terminal condition that can’t be diagnosed until the person dies. It causes progressive degeneration in the brain, leading to behavior changes and loss of abilities.
People who suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence may opt to pursue a compensation claim. This can include missed wages, medical bills and other damages you have because of the injury. State laws limit how long you have to seek compensation, so be sure you don’t delay getting the process started.