Head Injuries: What you need to know

Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It takes 153 lives every day in the U.S. alone. If you or a loved one experienced a head injury, would you know what to do? Below is information to help protect you in the event of a head injury.

What is a Head Injury?

The term head injury can cover a minor bump or a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury is typically the result of a blow or jolt to the head, or by rapid deceleration without a direct impact, such as a whiplash. Brain injuries can be extremely damaging to soft brain tissue and can cause long-term effects.

Common Types of Head Injury

It’s important to understand the most common types of head injury if you or a loved one receive a diagnosis. The most common types include:

• Concussion
  • Trauma to the head resulting in the stretching of blood vessels or damage to cranial nerves
• Contusion
  • A bruise on the brain as a result of impact
• Hematoma
  • Clotting of blood outside the blood vessels, which can result in a buildup of pressure inside the skull
• Anoxia
  • The brain is not receiving oxygen, causing cells to malfunction or die

 

Head Injury Symptoms

Some common signs that you may have a head injury include:

• Severe headaches
• Confusion
• Lack of coordination or balance
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

If you experience any of these brain injury symptoms, it is important to immediately seek medical attention. Severe injuries can progressively get worse if they are not treated. Untreated brain injury can result in long-term or even permanent brain damage.

Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

The long-term effects of traumatic brain injury can change a person’s life completely. It may impact your memory, personality, temperament and even alter your senses. Day-to-day life may no longer be the same, and require you to seek assistance when performing daily activities.

Some long-term effects include:

• Depression
• Inability to process information
• Memory loss
• Impaired language skills
• Insomnia
• Vertigo

 

Although some of these brain injuries are irreversible, rehabilitators can provide specialized therapy for select conditions to improve quality of life.

Consulting a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

If a head injury results in adverse job consequences, personality changes, disrupted family life, disability or other significant issues, it is important that you contact an attorney. If any of these descriptions align with your situation, you may be eligible for compensation.

When contacting an attorney involving a brain injury, you want to ensure that they are experienced and knowledgeable. At KBG, we take pride in our work and helping individuals and families receive the compensation they deserve.

There is only a limited time to file a lawsuit following a brain injury. Schedule your free consultation today.