Accidents and trauma can cause brain injuries, and the consequences can be life-altering. The impact of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) reaches far beyond the victim, affecting family members and friends as well.
When an individual suffers from a head injury due to the negligence of another party or entity, it becomes essential for them to seek legal advice to secure compensation for the medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages.
At Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we understand the impact of traumatic brain injuries. We are dedicated to helping victims of catastrophic injuries in Greenville, SC and the Upstate understand their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
What Is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a blow, jolt, or bump to the head or a penetrating head injury. This disrupts the brain’s normal functioning.
TBIs are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending upon their severity.
Concussions, the most common type of brain injury, are often caused by car accidents, falls, and other incidents where the head is subject to an external force. More severe TBIs may occur when an individual suffers a gunshot wound or extreme acceleration or deceleration during an auto accident.
Signs of Brain Injury
A mild TBI can cause symptoms such as confusion, headache, ringing ears, vision problems, and dizziness.
However, signs of more severe TBIs may vary, and may include any or all of the following:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Memory loss or confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep problems
- Loss of coordination
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Partial or full paralysis
- Physical weakness
- Extreme fatigue
Some of the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that may occur after a TBI include:
- Difficulty making decisions or solving problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Impulsive behavior
- Restlessness and irritability
- Difficulty maintaining attention or concentration
- Poor judgment
- Learning difficulties
- Difficulty forming and expressing thoughts
The list of signs and symptoms of a TBI can go on, depending upon the severity of the injury. Monitoring the individual for changes in behavior, personality, and abilities is essential to assess the severity of the injury.
Brain Injury Treatment
Below are some of the most common types of brain injury and their respective treatments:
- Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage is excessive and abnormal bleeding that can occur internally or externally in the body. In the case of brain injuries, it can be a severe and life-threatening condition. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and location of the bleeding, ranging from surgical intervention to medications and therapies for symptom management and recovery support.
- Hematoma: A hematoma occurs when blood builds up in the brain following a traumatic injury, forming a collection of clotted blood. Treatment for this type of injury usually involves surgery to relieve pressure from the collection and drain any excess fluid.
- Contusion: Brain contusions are bruises on the brain that can occur due to direct shocks or blows to the head. Treatment for these injuries involves medications and therapies to reduce swelling, manage symptoms, and provide rehabilitation services.
- Skull Fracture: A skull fracture occurs when the bone of the skull is broken due to a traumatic injury. Treatment for this condition typically involves stabilization and immobilization of the affected part, medications for pain relief, and surgical intervention in some cases.
- Edema: Cerebral edema is an accumulation of fluid in the brain that occurs after a traumatic injury. Treatment for this condition can involve medications to reduce inflammation and swelling, therapies to support recovery, and surgical intervention in some cases.
Is Recovery Possible From a Brain Injury?
The prognosis for a person with a brain injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, those with mild injuries can fully recover after a few months with the help of medications and therapies. Moderate to severe brain injuries may require more intensive treatments such as surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, and other therapies to improve functioning.
Although some individuals may fully recover, others may suffer from permanent impairments and disabilities. In such cases, it is essential to seek legal advice to ensure that the victim receives maximum compensation for their medical needs, lost wages, and other damages.
How we can help
At Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we understand the life-altering consequences of traumatic brain injuries. We are dedicated to helping victims and their families in Greenville, SC, and nearby areas understand their rights and secure the compensation they deserve for their losses.
Our experienced attorney has extensive knowledge of personal injury law and will ensure that your legal interests are fully protected throughout the process. We will investigate the incident thoroughly and aggressively pursue your maximum compensation. Contact us today and schedule an initial consultation with our experienced Greenville brain injury lawyer.
Brain Injury Case FAQs
What rights do I have if I suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence?
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover compensation for your losses. Speaking with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and help you understand your rights is important.
How much compensation can I get for a traumatic brain injury?
The compensation you can receive for a TBI depends on the severity of your injuries, the damages you have incurred, and other factors. Our attorney will assess your case and help you seek maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Is there a time limit for filing a traumatic brain injury claim?
Yes, South Carolina Code of Laws section 15-3-530 states you have three years to file a lawsuit from the date of the incident or when the injury was discovered. It is essential to consult with a skilled attorney as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected and you do not miss the statute of limitations.