Personal injury accidents happen frequently in Fairfield County and throughout Connecticut. As a result, people can be left with a wide range of injuries that require medical treatment. One of the most serious is traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can have a significant impact on the lives of victims and, in some cases, leave them with permanent brain damage.
TBIs can range from a mild TBI or concussion to severe injuries that leave victims unable to think clearly or function normally. Even a mild injury may require ongoing medical treatment and evaluation and can get worse if left untreated.
What causes traumatic brain injuries?
A person can suffer a TBI in any type of accident – including car crashes, slips and falls, being struck by a falling object, or being thrown to the ground in an explosion. Head trauma can result in damage to the brain in two ways:
- In a penetrating head injury, an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue.
- In a non-penetrating head injury, the external force of a crash or explosion can cause the head to shake with great force, and the brain crashes against the inside of the skull.
Physical symptoms of a TBI may include headache, seizures, blurry or double vision, nausea, vomiting, and slurred speech. Cognitive symptoms may include loss of consciousness, confusion or disorientation, memory problems, and irritability. People with a TBI may also experience light sensitivity, mood changes, or fatigue.
TBI diagnosis and treatment
Getting medical attention as soon as possible after an accident involving head trauma is important. A doctor will conduct an examination to determine if you have a brain injury. This examination often includes:
- A neurological exam to assess motor skills, hearing, speech, coordination, and other abilities
- Imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI
- Neuropsychological tests to evaluate brain function
- Neurological assessment tests such as the Glasgow Coma Scale
Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. For mild TBI, treatment may involve only rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and cognitive therapy. People with moderate or severe TBI may need hospitalization, surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, prescription medication to control seizures or reduce swelling, and rehabilitation to regain function.
It can take years to recover from the physical, cognitive, and behavioral effects of a traumatic brain injury. As a result, medical expenses can add up very quickly and become overwhelming. A TBI can also leave you unable to work, resulting in a loss of income. This can lead to financial stress, and you may wonder how you will be able to pay your bills.
An experienced brain injury attorney can help you
If a negligent party caused the accident that left you injured, you deserve financial compensation. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your TBI, lost wages if you couldn’t work, and other damages such as pain and suffering.
But recovering compensation can be complicated. Negligent parties often deny doing anything wrong. Insurance companies may deny liability or try to pay you as little as possible. That's why you need an experienced Fairfield County TBI lawyer to fight for you.
Since 1990, attorney Jeremy Vishno has been helping the injured recover the compensation they deserve. He builds strong cases based on facts to hold negligent parties accountable – and has a reputation for getting results in Fairfield County.
If you suffered a TBI due to a personal injury accident in Connecticut, call Vishno Law Firm to see how we can help you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.