Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from impacts to the head. While motor vehicle accidents account for a large percentage of TBIs, falls lead the list.
Whatever the trigger, the blow to the head results in the brain moving back and forth within the skull. Concussions are a mild TBI, and most people recover within a few weeks. Moderate to severe TBIs may cause long-term disability or death.
Many TBIs occur because another party behaved in a reckless or negligent manner. Lives are changed forever because of driver speeding or a property owner’s failure to maintain their premises safely. A traumatic brain injury lawyer at Salamati Law will hold those responsible for your TBI accountable and help you receive the compensation you deserve for this severe injury.
Common Accidents Resulting in TBIs
- Bicycle accidents – Cyclists are particularly vulnerable if struck by a larger vehicle. Hitting the pavement after being thrown from the bicycle often results in a TBI. While a bike helmet can help in this situation, severe damage may still occur.
- Car accidents – Two cars hitting each other usually stop immediately and violently. Occupants often hit their heads against the side of the vehicle. Seatbelt use may reduce the likelihood of TBI, but it remains among the most frequent car accident injuries.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcyclists have nothing protecting them in a collision other than helmets, and these prove insufficient in many crashes.
- Slip and fall accidents – Wet floors, broken or uneven pavement, and cluttered aisleways are frequent causes of slips and falls. Many of these falls result in head injuries.
- Sports injuries – Football, rugby, ice hockey, and other activities involving a lot of physical contact have the highest rates of sports-related TBI.
- Truck accidents – An 18-wheeler hitting a smaller vehicle often leaves terrible injuries, such as TBIs, and death in its wake.
Not all TBIs result from accidents. Assault, such as a punch in the head, may cause a TBI. The same holds true for gunshot wounds.
TBI Symptoms
Loss of consciousness takes place in moderate or severe TBIs. The longer the person is unconscious, the greater the likelihood of a difficult outcome.
Those with minor to moderate TBIs may experience:
- Balance issues
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Speaking difficulties
- Vision problems
Sometimes, the injured person does not realize they have suffered a TBI. Friends and relatives notice the changes in the individual. Always seek medical attention immediately after any blow to the head, even if you think you were not seriously hurt. The effects of a TBI do not always appear right away.
Failure to see a doctor not only endangers your health but could affect your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit against the entity responsible for the accident. The insurance company may allege the injury was not caused by its client if the victim waits too long to receive treatment.
TBI Damages
Recovering from a moderate TBI may take a long time and require intensive rehabilitation and therapy. Complete recovery from a severe TBI is rare. The costs of medical treatment are huge. Many TBI victims cannot work or cannot work at the job held before the accident. Damages, or compensation, for a TBI may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Home modifications
- Nursing home or in-home care
- Medical equipment and devices
If the TBI resulted from a motor vehicle accident, property damage also comes into play.
An attorney investigates the accident and works with medical experts in determining the long-term prognosis and special needs of their clients. From there, they know a reasonable settlement fee for that particular individual. If the insurance company will not agree to a fair settlement, the matter may head to trial.
Contact a Los Angeles Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
While some people eventually recover from a TBI, many victims remain permanently impaired. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI due to another party’s negligence, contact a knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Salamati Law. We offer free consultations. Submit our online form or call or text 24/7 and schedule an appointment. After reviewing the circumstances of your injury, we will let you know your options.
Our work is performed on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless you receive compensation. Se habla Espanol.
