What To Do After Experiencing Signs of Brain Injury

Car accidents can cause some of the most severe injuries that people suffer from, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, back injuries etc. Unfortunately, the symptoms of these injuries are not always visible early on and sometimes mimic signs of fatigue, migraines and even headaches. Many people dismiss these signs and mistake them for common pain, putting themselves at risk of long-term brain damage. 

It’s important for all car accident victims to fully understand the possible symptoms of brain injury and what to do if they are suffering from them. At James H. Brown and Associates, we want to help you identify early symptoms that might be a sign of brain injury from car accidents and guide you on steps if you or a loved one is experiencing them.

Step 1: Identify the Physical, Emotions and Cognitive Symptoms

In our years of representing brain injury victims from car accidents, early symptoms are often delayed days or weeks before appearing. Sometimes signs are so subtle that you miss them, resulting in the escalation of the injury and the possibility of irreparable brain damage. On the outside, what might seem normal to the victim could be an early symptom of brain injury. 

In most cases, family and friends are the ones who notice changes in the victim’s emotional and physical behaviour after a car accident before the victim themselves do. If you’re worried about a loved one or a close friend, the following signs could be associated with brain injury:

• Physical Symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Easily fatigued
• Emotional Symptoms
  • Depression
  • Low motivation
  • Anxiety, frustration
  • Difficulty managing emotions
• Cognitive Symptoms
  • Easily distracted; short attention span
  • Brain fatigue; foggy brain
  • Memory loss; forgetting appointments
  • Forgetfulness; misplacing things or forgetting skills

Step 2: Contact Your Doctor and Document Your Injuries

The most common advice we give victims of car accidents who have experienced the symptoms above is to document the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. It is crucial to note when the symptoms have started (right after the accident, a few hours later, a day later etc.) and how often these symptoms occur. 

If you’re worried about a loved one, keep track of unusual behaviour, such as an increase in sensitivity to the sound of a person’s voice or the brightness of regular lighting. The symptoms aren’t always easy to spot, so pay close attention to irregular behaviour and document its frequency. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing regular physical, emotional or cognitive symptoms, you MUST visit your family doctor as soon as possible. Physicians have reported that individuals who have complained of headaches, fatigue or unsteadiness might result from a traumatic brain injury. At James H. Brown and Associates, we always advise noting down your symptoms and contacting your physician to check your signs of damage, document the cause and begin immediate treatment if necessary. 

It is not uncommon for a headache to be just a headache or for fatigue to be a lack of sleep. Still, it is always better to have a physical examination to rule out the possibility of any brain damage. A non-medical expert cannot easily distinguish brain injury symptoms, so you must head straight to your doctor’s office as soon as you or your loved one is experiencing discomfort. 

Step 2: Speak with An Injury Lawyer

Hearing your doctor confirm your fears is not an easy time. Often individuals feel scared, confused, and lost as to what should be done next. After following your doctor’s protocols, you should speak with an injury lawyer right away. Individuals experiencing traumatic brain injury from car accidents have the right to take legal action to recoup damages for personal loss and suffering. 

No one understands the changes you or your family goes through like Trent Brown. Before leading our experienced team of lawyers to ensure deserved compensation to victims of brain injury, Trent was a hard-hitting defensive footballer for both the University of Alberta Golden Bears and Edmonton’s CFL franchise. Due to numerous concussions, Trent Brown’s football career was cut short as he experienced firsthand the challenges that altered his livelihood from brain injury. 

If you or your loved one is suffering a life-altering injury, your injury lawyer should fully understand the obstacles you’re going through and the changes you are experiencing. James H. Brown and Associates are fully committed to providing you with legal advice that has shown a proven history of success and supports you and your family throughout the process. 

If You or a Loved One is Experiencing a Brain Injury

Contact us today and book an injury claim evaluation with James H.Brown and Associates.