Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most common injuries suffered in car accidents. Their diagnosis is becoming increasingly common, not because people are hitting their head more, but because we better understand the short and long-term effects of brain trauma.
Even a seemingly minor brain injury can have long-term consequences for you and your family. It’s critical to continually monitor symptoms and changes you or your loved one experience over time; though the signs may not be apparent right away, a TBI can lead to chronic conditions and permanent disability, affecting your ability to work, perform housekeeping duties, and enjoy day-to-day activities.
Below, you’ll find some of the most common symptoms of brain injuries suffered by accident victims, as well as how to ensure you and your family are fairly compensated for your injuries and how James H. Brown’s team of experienced injury lawyers can help.
Loss of Consciousness
Most medical professionals agree that a blow to the head that causes a loss of consciousness almost certainly results in a concussion, which is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). While other symptoms will better determine the injury’s extent, getting “knocked out” is often the first indicator that a TBI has occurred.
However, it’s important to note that losing consciousness isn’t the best or only indicator of a concussion. Many TBIs, including concussions, occur without the victim losing consciousness, making it critical to continually monitor symptoms after the accident.
Headaches, Dizziness, and Nausea
Headaches, dizziness, and nausea are the most common initial symptoms of a TBI. While these symptoms often appear immediately, they may also set in after several hours, days, or even weeks.
For many people, these are considered “common sense” symptoms after sustaining a blow to the head. As a result, it’s tempting to write off your symptoms as “not that serious” or not worth seeking medical attention over. However, these symptoms may be indicative of larger underlying concerns, especially if they persist over time. As always, accident victims should seek medical attention to diagnose and document their injuries thoroughly.
Red Flag Symptoms
After an accident, the following symptoms are considered “red flags” that indicate a victim requires immediate, urgent medical attention. It’s important to note that these symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident. However, if any of the following symptoms appear, it’s critical to seek medical attention 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
What To Do If You Think You May Have a TBI
If you believe you or a loved one have suffered a TBI, take the following steps to protect your help and secure fair compensation for your injuries:
- Seek Medical Attention. Doctors and healthcare providers will be able to provide you with a full diagnosis of your injuries, which is especially critical for complex injuries like TBIs. Their records will become a critical part of your case, so make sure to describe all your injuries in detail.
- Start Documenting Damages. Because symptoms of TBIs may not appear right away, it’s especially important to document any changes you or your loved one experience over time. No detail is too minor; the more information you have on your damages, the more likely you are to be fairly compensated after an accident.
- Seek Legal Advice. Albertan accident injury law is complicated, especially when it comes to brain injuries. A team of experienced injury lawyers is your best bet for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Accident Injury Law with James H. Brown
Since 1993, James H. Brown and Associates has proudly represented Albertans in accident injury claims, with a proven track record of attaining justice and fair compensation for our clients. During that time, we’ve helped countless individuals and their families while setting precedents for Alberta brain injury settlements along the way.
With over 250 years of combined injury law experience, we know that no two accidents are the same. That’s why we proudly offer a comprehensive range of services and support for our clients, including:
- An award-winning team of injury lawyers with an unrivalled record of success.
- Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction and analysis.
- 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.
With comprehensive resources available for our clients, James H. Brown and Associates remains dedicated to supporting you and your family through every step of advancing a claim, attaining justice, and navigating the road to recovery.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured?
Contact us today to book a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers.
