Most people eventually recover from their slip and fall accident. However, when head trauma is involved, full recovery may not be possible. Depending on the severity, the victim may face permanent or long-term cognitive impairment and the accompanying medical bills. Even mild cognitive impairment can affect the ability to drive or travel alone, disrupting the person’s independence and daily life.
If your head injury occurred due to a property owner’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. A slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles at Salamati Law protects your right to compensation for your losses and fights to hold the negligent property owner responsible. Schedule a free consultation today.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a slip and fall can have life-altering consequences. The effects may be profound and permanent, significantly impairing the victim’s ability to return to their prior profession. In severe cases, a TBI may lead to a complete loss of independence, requiring long-term or permanent care in a skilled nursing facility.
Depending on the nature of the injury, the TBI may be focal, affecting only a specific part of the brain, or diffuse, spreading across multiple regions. The cognitive issues slip and fall victims may face after a TBI include:
- Problems understanding and processing information
- Learning and recalling new information
- Having trouble understanding what others are saying
- Inability to conduct conversations
- Inability to recognize nonverbal communication
Moderate TBI
A moderate TBI can result in a combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. While not as severe as a catastrophic brain injury, the effects can still be long-lasting and significantly impact daily functioning. Common symptoms and complications may include:
- Weakness in the limbs
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Confusion or cognitive impairment
- Impulsivity and poor judgment
- PTSD
Severe TBI
A severe TBI typically involves a loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours and is often associated with significant damage to brain tissue. This level of injury can lead to profound and lasting neurological and cognitive consequences. Common outcomes include coma, a minimally conscious state, and seizures.
Beyond these acute effects, individuals who survive severe (and even moderate) TBIs are at increased risk for long-term cognitive impairments, such as memory loss, reduced executive function, impaired language skills, and difficulty with attention and the speed at which they process information.. Research also shows a heightened likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, later in life.
Concussion
While a concussion is considered a minor TBI, it can still have serious consequences. The common symptoms of a concussion after a slip and fall include:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
Most people recover from a concussion within several weeks. However, some will find they are dealing with persistent post-concussive syndrome, defined as symptoms remaining more than three months after the head injury.
Concussions Can Be Overlooked
There is an important caveat when it comes to concussions. Unlike severe head injuries, which often result in immediate and obvious medical emergencies, a concussion may not be immediately recognized by the accident victim. They may appear dazed, confused, or behave unusually without being fully aware of their symptoms. In many cases, it’s family members, friends, or coworkers who first observe these changes and encourage the individual to seek medical attention. Prompt evaluation is crucial, as even mild TBIs can have lasting cognitive and emotional effects if left untreated.
Potential Compensation or Damages in a Slip and Fall Head Injury Case
Compensation, or damages in a slip and fall case, may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Rehabilitation costs
- Attendant home care
- Nursing home expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Damages generally correspond to the severity of the injury and long-term medical needs, as well as the defendant’s insurance policy limits and personal assets. Most serious slip and fall cases are settled. However, if the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement amount, we will proceed to trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Salamati Law
If you or a family member suffered a serious head injury due to a property owner’s negligence, contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles at Salamati Law. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
