Serious car crashes can lead to a host of problems for those who survive as well as for their families. Victims with catastrophic injuries may face years of physical therapy and emotional trauma as well as loss of their current, future and potential earnings. When negligence is involved, victims may be able to seek compensation for the costly damages their injuries caused.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring in a car accident can be devastating, changing the life of a victim and the family of the victim forever. Mild, moderate or severe TBI can occur. Severe TBI can leave a sufferer paralyzed or with significant motor skill impairment. Sometimes victims may enter a coma.
Some symptoms to be on the alert for after a head injury include:
- Dizziness and loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, slurred speech or unequal pupil dilation
- Headache or light sensitivity
- Memory problems, confusion, agitation or unusual behavior
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes or hours
- Weakness in extremities or numbness in fingers or toes
- Clear fluid draining from ears or nose
- Problems communicating
Because symptoms may not be recognized for several days or weeks after a car accident, it is extremely important for victims of head injuries to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Medical tests such as X-rays and CT scans can quickly determine the existence and severity of brain damage caused by the car accident and allow for treatment before the injury escalates into one much more serious.
If you or a loved one has suffered TBI in an accident caused by the negligence of another, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to file a claim for compensation for all damages.