Lexington, KY Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as TBI, leads to more than 200,000 hospitalizations, 2 million E.R. visits, and 50,000 deaths every year according to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 30% of all injury deaths in the U.S. are believed to be caused by TBI. The most dangerous aspect of most brain injuries is the fact that many times, TBI symptoms do not present themselves immediately following an injury. Delayed symptoms can potentially lead to lifelong pain, complications, and impaired thinking, memory, function, or movement.
Technically speaking, a traumatic brain injury is any injury that comes from a blow, bump, or impact to the head, consequently causing injury to the brain. Falling injuries, including accidents commonly referred to as “slip and fall” accidents commonly cause head injuries. Unintentional blunt trauma, car accidents, and assaults are also common causes. Less common causes include diseases, inflammation, penetrating head injuries, and birth injuries.
Regarding specific activities, sports injuries and workplace-related injuries are two of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. Concussions, often referred to as minor head traumas or mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs), are very common in contact sports. Concussions usually begin with extremely mild symptoms. Many victims of concussions won’t even lose consciousness or report feeling pain.
It’s easy for coaches, nurses, etc., to dismiss these types of injuries, but any type of head trauma should be checked out by a doctor. Research suggests that multiple concussions—even minor concussions—can lead to serious brain injury or even brain disease later in life. If you or someone you love was a victim of a TBI and you feel that the incident or its implications were not the victim’s fault, it’s in your best interest to contact a Lexington, KY traumatic brain injury lawyer right away.
The Hidden Dangers of Traumatic Brain Injury
The physical symptoms of a TBI can vary significantly and can range from mild to extremely serious in nature. Mild symptoms can present as a brief change in mental status or consciousness while serious or severe symptoms can present as an extended period of unconsciousness, confusion, or memory loss. A victim’s injury history may determine how severe the immediate symptoms appear and in what fashion.
Common early symptoms of TBIs and concussions include:
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Confusion/altered mental status
- Trouble concentrating
- Sensitivity to light/sound
- Fatigue/extreme tiredness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
It’s important to note that not all TBI victims will experience all of the above symptoms. As mentioned above, some victims may, in fact, feel no symptoms at all. Regardless of any symptoms felt, any time a head injury occurs, the victim should seek medical attention immediately—even if the noticeable symptoms are minor. Any delayed symptoms may take hours, days, or even weeks to fully present, and by that time, it may be too late for quick medical treatment.
Because of how varied most TBI symptoms present and the common occurrence of delayed symptoms, doctors and other medical professionals misdiagnose or fail to diagnose concussions and traumatic brain injuries on a regular basis. If left untreated, a TBI can cause a myriad of debilitating complications including brain deterioration, degenerative brain conditions, and a need for surgeries and/or long term therapy.
An Experienced Lexington, KY Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
Getting the proper medical care can be challenging for victims of traumatic brain injury. Many cases are quite cryptic in nature, and since TBI symptoms are so varied, many doctors shy away from diagnosing head trauma as anything serious. Getting the proper care is essential, however. If you or someone you love was a victim of a traumatic brain injury and the accident wasn’t the victim’s fault, you may be able to seek legal help and receive the financial compensation you need to cover any treatment costs.
Todd W. Burris, Lexington, KY traumatic brain injury lawyer, is experienced in handling difficult injury cases and will do everything he can to help you and your family get the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Contact our Lexington, KY office to find out if you have a possible case on your hands.
