The Centers for Disease Control estimates about 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur annually. What’s more, that data shows that TBI-related ER visits increased by 47 percent between 2007-2013. TBIs are serious injuries that often have life-long consequences, and the data shows that their occurrence is on the rise. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI as the result of someone else’s negligence, you have the option of suing for compensation.
What is a TBI?
We hear about TBIs in the news all the time, but what is a TBI, exactly? A TBI is an injury to the brain that is caused as the result of skull trauma. The trauma is severe enough that it results in a disruption of the normal functioning of the brain. One of the most common examples of a TBI is a concussion. Concussions from sports have dominated the news for many years, but concussions can also occur as a result of car accidents, intentional violence, workplace accidents, and other situations.
What Are the Symptoms of a TBI?
People are most familiar with the symptoms of TBIs which have progressed significantly. We’ve all heard the story of the athlete who used to be easygoing and good-natured, but has since become moody, irritable, violent, or even suicidal. Less-commonly discussed are the seemingly mild symptoms of early-onset or even less-severe TBIs, like headaches, irritability, nausea, and fatigue. Drowsiness, confusion, significant mood changes, and short-term memory problems can also be evidence of a TBI, and particularly severe blows to the head can result in a person losing consciousness, having decreased cognitive performance, balance issues, and, yes, the irritability and mood swings we hear about often on the news.
Why Should You Sue for a TBI Caused by Negligence?
First and foremost, no one deserves to be injured, so if you are injured as the result of a TBI someone else caused you deserve compensation for your medical bills and your suffering. You do not have to “just deal with it” or accept that “this is just my new reality.”
Second, treatment of TBIs can be expensive. Because TBIs tend to have long-term consequences, your medical bills likely won’t consist of a one-time trip to the emergency room. You may be looking at a lifetime of significant medical bills.
Third, having a TBI may impact your ability to socialize or even work. You could be facing a life of reduced quality and income, due to no fault of your own.
What Costs Can I Recover Through a TBI Personal Injury Action?
If your TBI was caused through the negligence of another party, you may be able to seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment, and pain and suffering.
What Should You Do if You Have Suffered a TBI Due to Another’s Negligence?
First, it is imperative you seek medical care. Next, you need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can discuss your options. The lawyers at Arizona Lawyers are ready to help you get compensation for your injuries so you can recover and have a good quality of life. Contact the Arizona Lawyers today to learn about your options.