Wintertime presents a myriad of hazards for drivers across Alberta, and tough road conditions often lead to a sharp increase in collision rates throughout the province. While many of these fender benders may leave you with mild injuries like whiplash or minor soft tissue damage, it’s important to be aware that the risk of a major injury like a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is always present.
TBIs have become increasingly common in the aftermath of car accidents and pedestrian-involved collisions, thanks in part to the medical world’s understanding of where brain trauma is concerned. As a particularly deadly and disruptive injury, TBIs require dedicated, often long-term, medical treatment to handle the pain and disruption caused to your daily standard of living. At James H. Brown and Associates, we know the risks associated with brain injuries and how difficult it can be to get the help you need without proper representation. Since 1993, we’ve proudly partnered with Albertans to help give them a voice and the ability to pursue fair injury settlements.
Below, we’ll cover some of the early signs of traumatic brain injuries and explore the importance of obtaining legal counsel right away. Read on to learn more!
What Causes TBIs?
Many different factors can contribute to a brain injury. Falls, physical assault, car accidents and other forceful impacts can damage the tissue and nerves in the brain, resulting in temporary or permanent defects that profoundly affect your quality of life. Those facing TBIs often deal with lingering effects like chronic pain, changes to their mood and mental wellness (depression and anxiety), difficulty controlling their motor functions and more. Without treatment, brain injuries can be deadly, making it essential to see a doctor immediately following any accident. No matter how “minor” your impact may have been, and regardless of whether you currently feel “fine”, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Following an accident, you should be aware of any concerning symptoms like:
Sudden Loss of Consciousness
Fainting and losing consciousness is never a good sign following an accident. While concussions are a frequent culprit, blacking out can also be a major sign that you have an underlying TBI that needs to be addressed. If you or someone you love has suffered a blow to the head that resulted in the loss of consciousness or leads to it at any point afterwards, do not wait to get help. Brain bleeds and swelling are common silent killers, and timely medical intervention can save your life.
Headaches, Dizziness, and Nausea
Headaches, dizziness and nausea can be considered “umbrella” symptoms since they are not unusual for various ailments. This is, unfortunately, why so many Albertans don’t know just how important it is to act quickly if you experience any of them following an accident. Even if your headache or nausea is mild, you should always be cautious and seek medical evaluation if something feels off.
High Risk Symptoms
In addition to the above symptoms, it is absolutely crucial that you look for the following, high risk signs of a TBI. If you display any of the below at any time following your accident, get medical help immediately:
- Chronic or ongoing headaches that won’t go away
- Repeated or ongoing vomiting
- “Seeing double” or other vision problems
- Memory problems
- Numbness/weakness in extremities
- Slurred speech
- Seizures and/or convulsions
- Changes in behaviour, including dramatic mood swings or changes in personality
Thoroughly document your current injuries and note any issues that may arise down the line. TBI symptoms can take time to manifest, and the more information you have on your damages, the more likely you are to be fairly compensated after an accident.
Seeking Legal Advice
Traumatic Brain Injuries are complicated to treat. Ensuring you receive adequate compensation is essential for recovery. A team of experienced injury lawyers like the team at James H. Brown and Associates is the best way to protect your rights and ensure you have the support you need when it matters most if you’re injured a car accident or other third-party involved incident.
With over 250 years of combined injury law experience, James H. Brown and Associates knows that no two accidents, and no two injuries, are the same. To make sure you have everything you need to pursue just settlement and the path to recovery, we offer:
- Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction and analysis
- An award-winning team of injury lawyers with an unrivalled record of success
- Access to experts able to determine the full extent of injuries and provide important documentation for your case.
- Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery, and more!
Have You Been Diagnosed with a TBI As the Result of a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Contact us today to book a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers.
