Traumatic Brain Injuries

The Basics

What is a traumatic brain injury?

The term “traumatic brain injury” includes brain injuries that can come from a direct impact to the head or even an indirect impact just from the sheer force of having your head jolted back and forth or side to side. These injuries can have a very wide variety of symptoms ranging from being a little dazed and confused, to a loss of consciousness, and even death.

Most people are unfamiliar with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs have, however, recently received more attention in the media because of the National Football League. The reality is that these injuries have been on the rise for a long time and they are only now getting the attention they deserve. TBIs can occur as a result of automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, slip and fall accidents, pedestrian-auto accidents, bicycle accidents, and more.

How is a TBI diagnosed?

Diagnosing a TBI can be difficult in many cases. When an injured person is seen in the emergency room, standard tests are generally used to diagnose a brain injury and will likely include a CT scan and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Using the GCS involves assessing a patient’s eye-opening responses, motor skills, and verbal skills. The combination of these will provide a score which will give the doctors a better idea of the severity of the injury. A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging test which shows the structure of the brain and can detect a mechanical injury such as a brain bleed.

The problem with all this, however, is that these tests are only part of the puzzle. While a serious TBI can be readily apparent given the standard medical tests, a mild or moderate injury is often undetected and can go undiagnosed. All the while, the victim can be suffering from a myriad of symptoms. Even if your brain injury is categorized as mild to moderate, the TBI and its symptoms shouldn’t be taken lightly. People with even a mild to moderate TBI may suffer symptoms for a up or a year or more after the initial injury.

What kind of symptoms accompany a brain injury?

Common symptoms of a TBI may include:

• Headaches (mild to severe)
• Fatigue (intermittent or persistent)
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Visual problems (light sensitivity, blurred vision, etc.)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Poor concentration
• Changes in mood, behavior, and/or personality

Do I need an attorney?

Cases involving traumatic brain injuries are different from other types of injury cases and much more complex. The exact injuries and impact of the injuries needs to be evaluated and documented carefully. Additionally, proving the full extent of your damages and making a claim for all of your damages requires an approach that is different from other cases. The legal team at Paynter Law has decades of combined experience working with TBI victims and their families.

We know how frustrating and overwhelming a TBI can be to the injured person and their loved ones, but you don’t have to do this alone. At Paynter Law, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We start by providing you with a free consultation so you can learn more about your legal rights and options. Then, if you decide to work with us, we work on a contingency fee which means you don’t owe costs or attorney fees until we win your case. Don’t wait – contact us today to learn more or get started.