Questions about Traumatic Brain Injuries

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What is traumatic brain injury (TBI) and what are the causes of brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when the victim suffers a sudden trauma to the head. Sudden trauma can included such things as a blow or jolt to the head or even penetration of the skull and brain by an object. This injury severely disrupts the victim’s brain function. The most common causes of brain injuries are car accidents, including accidents with motorcycles and bicycles, slip-and-fall accidents, and assault.
What are the most common symptoms of a TBI?
Most symptoms of a brain injury will show up very quickly after the accident. But even though the symptoms may show up quickly, they can sometimes be so subtle that they are very easy to miss.
Mild traumatic brain injury symptoms could include:
• Short period of unconsciousness
• Mild headaches
• Dizziness
• Increased confusion
• Difficulty seeing clearly
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss

Symptoms of severe brain injury could include any of the above, in addition to:
• Severe headaches that don’t go away
• Nausea and vomiting
• Convulsion and seizures
• Unusually deep sleep and the inability to be awakened from sleep
• Cognitive and speech impairment
• Pupil dilatation
• Feelings of numbness in the arms or legs
• Problems with motor skills and coordination
• Increased confusion and/or agitation

Are traumatic brain injuries treatable?
Most traumatic brain injuries can be successfully treated. If you or someone you know has had an accident involving a blow or impact to the head, it is extremely important to get proper medical attention immediately. With brain injuries, the longer the injury goes untreated, the more the damage can be done. Even with treatment, there is very little that can be done to completely reverse trauma to the brain so it is important that a doctor stabilize the victim to prevent any further damage.
Most people who suffer a mild or moderate brain injury will receive an examination of their neck, spine, and skull to look for any fractures or other spinal issues. Most likely, there will be a set of X-rays taken of their skull and neck to achieve a more in-depth look at the damage from the injury.
For victims who suffer from moderate to severe brain injury, they will be given a series of exams, which will include a CT scan. They will probably have to undergo some sort of surgical procedure to help treat or fix the damage to the brain. Many sever brain injuries will require rehabilitation. It is very common for people who have suffered severe head trauma to have to relearn basic skills, which may include walking and talking.
What are the long term consequences of a traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injuries will often result in the victim experiencing amnesia, which can vary from short-term or long-term. Amnesia can be very frustrating to the victim, who may want to remember the events that led up to the injury yet they are unable to remember anything. Many victims who suffer from serious brain injuries will most likely have to go through rehabilitation to learn their basic skills again, like how to walk and talk. There are some victims of TBI who may also suffer from psychological disorders, such as moodiness, depression, or anger.
Brain injury victims almost always deal with a wide range of impaired functions, from thinking, speech or language issues, to coordination and motor skill problems, and even emotional issues. As a result of the brain injury, victims are also more prone to developing epilepsy, increased seizures, and are at a much higher risk of age-related brain disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
If I or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury, what should I do?
First, if you or a loved one has suffered any sort of injury to the head, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Don’t wait until you notice symptoms of a brain injury, because many times the symptoms are so subtle that they can go completely unnoticed. If left untreated, brain injuries can lead to life-threatening conditions such as seizures, severe infections, and comas. It is best to err on the side of caution when dealing with a brain injury. You are much better off seeking medical attention and not needing it, than to run the risk of permanent brain damage or death.
What are my rights as a TBI victim and can I take legal action?
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury that was due to the negligence of another person, you have the right to seek legal assistance with your claim. Victims of TBI are entitled to compensation for lost wages, including both past and future wages, all medical bills related to the injury, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If you wish to pursue a traumatic brain injury claim, it is always wise to consult with an experienced lawyer who has successfully handled TBI cases in the past. You lawyer should fully understand the severity of your injury and the laws that apply to your case.

If you have suffered from a severe brain injury due to the negligence of someone else in the Phoenix, Arizona area, please contact the experienced attorneys at Snyder & Wenner for a free consultation. We can help you assess the claim and help recover you the damages that you deserve.