Any rapid forward and backward movement or sudden blow to the head can cause brain damage. The official term for this is Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI. When this type of injury occurs, it disrupts the normal processes of the brain, and victims are often at risk of losing their ability to engage in regular, day-to-day activities. In some situations, for severe TBIs, the victim’s life is changed forever, along with the lives of their families.
After a TBI accident, it’s smart to hire West Palm Beach brain injury attorneys to help protect your rights. If the TBI occurred because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, you might be able to recover compensation.
TBI Defined
As mentioned above, TBIs can occur when a force, like a sudden jolt or violent blow causes the brain to be dysfunctional in some way. The TBI may also be caused if an object shatters or penetrates a portion of your skull.
Common Causes of TBIs
According to information from the CDC, TBIs contribute to approximately 30% of all injury deaths. Some of the most common causes of TBIs include:
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Violence
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Sports injuries
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Being struck by an object
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Car accidents
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Falls
Falls were responsible for around 50% of all TBI-related ER visits, and most of the people in this situation were aged 65 or older. The third leading cause of ER visits for TBIs was car accidents.
Signs and Symptoms of a TBI
A TBI can cause mild symptoms, such as a brief change in a person’s mental status, to more severe issues like memory loss or unconsciousness.
If you have been struck in the head, you can watch for symptoms of a TBI, which include:
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Lethargy
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Dizziness
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Emotional instability
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Confusion
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Sleep changes
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Headaches
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Issues thinking clearly or concentrating
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Numbness
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Blurred vision
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Memory loss
While some symptoms may show up right away, others may not be noticed for weeks or even months after the injury occurred.
Seek a Medical Evaluation
If you were involved in any type of accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you are injured and did not lose consciousness, you must seek medical attention. Doing so will increase the odds of you making a full recovery.
Also, getting evaluated by a doctor will provide proof of the injury if you hire an attorney to file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
