What Are the Symptoms Associated With Traumatic Brain Injuries That I Should Be Looking for?

While it’s important for California accident victims to seek immediate medical attention following an accident, many may not do so because they do not feel as if they have been injured or believe they lack the financial means. However, recognizing the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is essential for both victims and their loved ones, as it could potentially help them identify brain damage or life-threatening injuries. 

There are multiple types of TBI’s, and their symptoms can vary widely depending upon the severity of the brain injury, including physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. Delayed onset of TBI symptoms is also common, as adrenaline can mask the initial signs, making it seem as if no injury has occurred. By being aware of these varied TBI symptoms, individuals can seek appropriate medical care and support, which will help in mitigating the potential long-term effects of TBI’s. Understanding these differences is crucial for identifying the injury and ensuring proper treatment and support.

Mild TBI Symptoms

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI’s), often referred to as concussions, can present a range of symptoms that may not always be immediately apparent to an individual after being involved in an accident. One hallmark sign of having sustained a mTBI is the person’s potential inability or reluctance to acknowledge the symptoms they are experiencing. Victims may not fully comprehend how these symptoms impact their daily functioning, leading to a tendency to overlook or downplay their symptoms or the importance of recognizing them. Family members and healthcare providers might also miss these symptoms upon examination, which can further complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Common symptoms to be aware of for a TBI include: 

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Difficulty focusing or maintaining attention

• Heightened anxiety or nervousness

• Disruptions in sleep patterns, such as sleeping less or more than usual

• Dizziness

• Balance problems

• A sense of feeling slowed down 

• Increased irritability, often characterized as a change in personality

Recognizing these symptoms of a mTBI is important for seeking medical attention after an accident and prompt diagnosis for appropriate medical treatment, as they can significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life. Promptly attending to these symptoms ensures better outcomes and helps mitigate potential long-term effects on the brain.

Moderate & Severe TBI Symptoms

Moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) are far more serious than mild TBI’s, which often include long-term complications or even death. Recognizing the symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI is critical for timely medical intervention and appropriate care, as these injuries can have devastating consequences if left untreated. Symptoms of a moderate TBI can include:

• A brief loss of consciousness, ranging from several minutes to hours or days

• Persistent headaches that worsen over time

• Repeated vomiting or nausea

• Convulsions or seizures

• Changes in taste or smell

Individuals with a severe TBI may experience more severe symptoms such as: 

• Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behaviors

• Dilation of one or both pupils

• Clear fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears

• Sudden swelling or bruising behind the ears or around the eyes

While these TBI symptoms may not always be immediately apparent, being vigilant and aware of them are essential for identifying and addressing potential complications early on. Early detection and seeking proper medical care can significantly improve the prognosis for those suffering from moderate to severe TBIs.

Long Term Effects Of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to a wide range of long-term effects  on an individual after they have been in an accident. These long term effects can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Depending on the location and severity of the brain injury, these effects can vary widely. For instance, damage to the frontal lobe has the ability to create difficulties with: 

• Reasoning

• Judgment

• Impulse control

• Planning, potentially leading to risky behaviors. 

Traumatic brain injuries to the left side of the brain can cause issues with: 

• Speech

• Language comprehension

• Logical reasoning

Contrary, injuries to the right side may affect visual processing and spatial awareness.

How severe a TBI sustained in an accident is can also contribute to long-term effects, making individuals experience:

• Memory loss

• Chronic headaches

• Seizures

• Dizziness

• Visual disturbances

• Fatigue

• Paralysis

• Brain hemorrhage

• Balance problems

• Reduced language skills

• Mood swings

• Cognitive impairments

• Sleep disturbances

These challenges can persist for years following the initial injury, impacting daily functioning and quality of life. In fact, in severe cases of TBI after an accident, these long term effects may never go away. 

Victims of accidents resulting in TBIs and suffering from long term effects may be eligible to claim compensation for them, which can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to disability, and pain and suffering. Seeking legal assistance from experienced personal injury lawyers, such as our team at The Gold Firm, is crucial to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve to cope with the ongoing challenges of traumatic brain injuries.

Causes Of Traumatic Brain Injuries in San Bernardino, California

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the head and brain is subject to a violent blow or jolt. This can result from various types of accidents, though some causes of TBI are more common than others.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents – Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or large commercial vehicles, are among the leading causes of TBIs according to the National Institutes of Health. The violent impact of a crash can cause the head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, windows, or pavement leading to a significant brain injury. 

• Slip and Falls – Traumatic brain injuries frequently occur during slip and fall accidents in places like parking lots, apartment complexes, and public transportation. When an individual falls, their head may strike the floor, a table, a countertop, a wall, or other hard objects, which is enough force to cause a TBI. These accidents are a common reason for emergency room visits.

• Sports Injuries – TBIs can result from injuries sustained in various sports or outdoor activities, including soccer, football, baseball, skateboarding, and other high-impact or extreme sports. Traumatic brain injuries caused by sports are particularly prevalent among youth, where collisions or falls can cause significant brain trauma.

• Bicycle Accidents – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicycle crashes are one of the leading causes of TBIs in the United States. Byciclists may sustain a TBI if their head hits the ground, a vehicle, or other hard surfaces during an accident, especially if they are not wearing a helmet when the accident occurs. 

What is Possible Compensation For a Traumatic Brain Injury in San Bernardino, CA?

• Medical Bills – Victims that have sustained a TBI can seek compensation for their medical bills, including all immediate and long-term healthcare expenses related to the injury, such as: Emergency room visits

  • Hospital stays

  • Surgeries

  • Doctor appointments

  • Diagnostic tests (like MRIs and CT scans)

  • Medications

  • Any required medical equipment or assistive devices.

• Rehabilitation Costs – After a TBI caused by an accident, victims often require extensive rehabilitation to regain lost functions and improve their quality of life, especially if their brain injury is severe. Rehabilitation may be needed for various reasons, and can include physical therapy to restore movement and strength, occupational therapy to help with daily activities, speech therapy to address communication issues, and cognitive therapy to improve memory and problem-solving skills. These costs can be significant and ongoing, especially when the TBI is considered severe or moderate.

• Lost Wages – TBIs can lead to temporary or permanent disability, such a paraplegia, making it difficult or impossible for victims to return to work. Due to this, compensation for lost wages is owed to the victim and covers the income lost during the recovery period as well as future lost earnings if the victim is unable to return where they previously earned an income. This can also include compensation for lost earning capacity if the individual can only return to work in a reduced capacity or not at all.

• Pain and Suffering – This type of compensation addresses the non-economic impacts of a TBI, such as physical pain, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. TBIs can have profound and lasting effects on an accident victim’s mental and emotional well-being, which can affect their relationships, hobbies, and ability to enjoy life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide financial relief for these intangible losses.

How Does an Expert San Bernardino Brain Injury Attorney Help Establish Liability for a TBI?

An experienced California brain injury attorney plays a key role in establishing liability for a traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially when someone else’s negligence may have contributed to the injury.

Here’s how the legal team at Personal Injury Lawyer & Car Accident Gold Firm can assist in establishing TBI liability:

• Investigation: Lawyers utilize their resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the TBI. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review relevant documents to build a compelling case. Our TBI legal team can collect medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to support your claim.

• Legal experience: Lawyers are well-versed in personal injury law, including the elements necessary to prove negligence. They evaluate the strength of your case and advise you on your legal rights and options.

• Identifying responsible parties: Lawyers help identify all responsible parties, whether it’s an individual, a company, or an institution.

• Establishing negligence: To prove liability, it’s essential to demonstrate that the responsible party’s negligence directly caused the TBI. Lawyers use evidence and legal arguments to establish this connection.

• Calculating damages: Lawyers assist in calculating the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.

• Negotiation and litigation: Lawyers negotiate with insurance companies or pursue litigation if necessary. They are skilled negotiators who advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.

• Statute of limitations: Lawyers ensure your case is filed within the applicable statute of limitations, as missing deadlines can jeopardize your legal rights.

• Expert witnesses: In complex TBI cases, lawyers may consult medical experts and other professionals to provide expert testimony in court.

In summary, a San Bernardino brain injury lawyer can navigate the TBI claims process on your behalf, build a compelling case, and pursue the compensation you deserve when your injury is caused by someone else. Our lawyers are dedicated to making the legal process as seamless as possible while vigorously protecting your rights and well-being. Whether you were involved in a head-on collision, left turn accident, bicycle accident, or motorcycle accident, you will want a trusted  traumatic brain injury attorney who can stand up to the insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve.

Get the Compensation You Deserve by Contacting the Experienced San Bernardino Brain Injury Lawyers Near You

If you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury in an accident in California, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of traumatic brain injury lawyers at The Gold Firm. We are always here to help, and it is our goal to handle all the legal aspects of obtaining compensation on your behalf so you can focus on healing for your injuries. Our experienced team understands the complexities of TBI cases, as well as the consequences they can have on your life.

We are dedicated to helping you receive the financial support you need to cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us advocate for your rights while you concentrate on your recovery by contacting us today!

Our team of San Bernardino expert car accident lawyers, motorcycle accident lawyers, and truck accident attorneys offer free consultations, enabling you to discuss your traumatic brain injury claim before hiring our services. As a top-rated no-fee lawyer in San Bernardino, we don’t get paid until you do! To book a no-obligation consultation about your case, contact us by calling (909)-308-1118 or use our online form to get yourself started on the road to recovery with the compensation you deserve.