Pennsylvania Accident Victims at Risk of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have different causes, including serious motor vehicle collisions, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes. Individuals suffering from a TBI can face physical and mental damage that necessitates ongoing, permanent care as well as resulting in a decreased quality of life. The impact of a TBI can be life-altering, and yet, it may not always be immediately apparent that accident victims have sustained a TBI.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone is at risk for a TBI. Children and older adults are particularly at risk.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health makes clear that traumatic brain injuries include concussions, which can be caused by a jolt or bump to the head. While concussions may be defined by medical professionals as “mild” brain injuries, this is only because they are usually not life-threatening. But the effects of even a concussion upon the life of an accident victim can be serious.
Concussions are one form of traumatic brain injuries, and they can be caused by a jolt or sudden blow. The result is a change to the way the brain normally operates. While some individuals who suffer a concussion do recover fully in a short period of time, others can suffer symptoms for weeks or longer. Older adults and children can face a slower recovery than others.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines a TBI as an injury that takes place when a sudden physical assault on the head damages the brain. Unfortunately, victims of serious motor vehicle collisions may suffer a TBI in a crash. Signs to monitor, if an individual suspects their head was damaged, include constant headaches and a bad taste in the mouth. Nausea or vomiting or a loss of consciousness can indicate a TBI. Some individuals have slurred speech. Others may suffer confusion and irritability.
Depending on symptoms, the damage may range from mild to catastrophic. If you have been in a car accident and notice that you are suffering the above symptoms or other unusual symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance.
Victims of a TBI may pursue a personal injury claim against an individual or entity, if someone’s negligent conduct caused an underlying accident that led to the TBI. The compensation that may be recovered would help address rising medical costs, as well as missed wages from work due to the injury. Victims may also recover damages for emotional distress and their decreased quality of life.
At Needle Law, we advocate on behalf of individuals injured by the wrongdoing of another party. Since we recognize the catastrophic nature of a TBI and acknowledge the permanency of the injury, we can offer aggressive legal representation that helps pursue the compensation that you and your family deserve. To speak with an experienced auto accident attorney, call our office today. We can be reached by phone at (570) 344-1266 or online.
