Traumatic Brain Injuries: What You Need to Know

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have a life-altering impact, not only on the individual suffering from the injury but also on their families and loved ones. These injuries can occur in various situations, including especially all types of motor vehicle accidents as well as slip and falls. The effects of a TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, with long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive consequences.
Below we discuss the potential effects of a TBI and the legal options available to pursue compensation for your losses. If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury in California, contact Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP to discuss your situation with our experienced and compassionate California personal injury attorneys.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury is a type of brain damage caused by a sudden blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. TBIs can be classified into different levels of severity, including:
- Mild TBI (Concussion): Although a concussion is considered mild, it can still have significant effects, especially if not properly diagnosed and treated. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and temporary loss of consciousness.
- Moderate TBI: A moderate TBI can cause a longer loss of consciousness (more than 30 minutes but less than 24 hours) and may lead to cognitive impairments, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
- Severe TBI: Severe TBIs are life-threatening and often lead to permanent physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. Symptoms may include prolonged unconsciousness, coma, seizures, and paralysis.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can result from many different types of accidents and incidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents are some of the leading causes of TBIs. The impact of a crash can cause severe head trauma, often resulting in long-term consequences.
- Falls:Slip and falls are another common cause of brain injuries, particularly in older adults. These accidents can occur in homes, workplaces, or public spaces.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes in contact sports, such as football, soccer, and boxing, are at a higher risk of sustaining TBIs, especially if proper safety equipment is not used or the sport is played without adequate precautionary measures.
- Workplace Accidents: Jobs that involve heavy machinery, construction work, or high-risk environments may lead to accidents that result in TBIs.
- Violence and Assaults: Physical assaults or violent attacks can cause blunt force trauma to the head, leading to brain injuries. Property owners are sometimes liable for assaults on their premises if their inadequate security measures played a part in the attack.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or sound.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, confusion, trouble speaking, and changes in sleep patterns.
- Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and difficulty controlling emotions.
In some cases, individuals with severe TBIs may experience a loss of consciousness, coma, or even permanent disability.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
If you or a family member has suffered a blow to the head or experienced an accident that may have caused a brain injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Even a mild concussion can lead to significant complications if left untreated. A healthcare provider will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include physical exams, imaging tests (like CT scans or MRIs), and neurological assessments.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and improve recovery outcomes. In some cases, rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, may be necessary to address cognitive and physical impairments resulting from the injury.
Legal Options After a Traumatic Brain Injury
If your traumatic brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Legal claims can arise from motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and other applicable areas of California personal injury law.
At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, we are dedicated to helping TBI victims and their families pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Our team of experienced California Trial Attorneys understands the complexities of brain injury cases and works diligently to ensure that clients receive the financial support they need for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any other long-term care requirements.
Contact California Trial Attorneys for Justice and Compensation After a TBI
Traumatic brain injuries can be devastating, but with the right legal and medical support, individuals affected by TBI can improve their chances of recovery and secure the resources necessary to manage the effects of their injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, contact Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP to learn about your legal rights and options. Our experienced team is here to help guide our clients through the process and fight for compensation.