There are a multitude of different catastrophic injuries that accident victims can potentially suffer, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries and any type of organ failure. Out of all these possibilities, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) might be the most frightening and complex of the group. It can present many threats to your quality of life, including your ability to work, your relationships with those closest to you, and obviously your short- and long-term health and well-being.
Much too frequently, TBIs are suffered as the result of motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall accidents, where another party’s reckless or negligent actions were the primary cause of the unfortunate incident. In some cases where primary brain injuries occur, the full extent of the harm takes place immediately. However, there are also many instances where victims appear to just suffer minor harm only to end up with a secondary brain injury, where symptoms develop at some point in the future.
The potential effects a traumatic brain injury can have on victims
Because of all the complexities involved with TBIs and the possibility of a delay before some or all of your symptoms appear, it is important to seek a medical assessment as soon as possible while remaining vigilant for any noticeable changes moving forward. Some of the most common effects to be aware of if you or a loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury include the following:
- Cognitive deficiencies: These can include the loss of your memory, the inability to keep track of time, general confusion and a much shorter attention span than normal.
- Motor skill issues: Problems with your balance and coordination, paralysis in certain extremities and a lower amount of overall physical stamina than normal are all commonly seen in those who suffer a brain injury.
- Psychological problems: TBIs can result in depression, a high level of anxiety and irritability, and low levels of motivation.
From a concussion to a life-threatening coma, there are a myriad of other potential symptoms beyond those above to be aware of when dealing with a traumatic brain injury.
If you sustained a TBI through no fault of your own, you probably now have many worries, including your mounting medical expenses in conjunction with a lack of income from being unable to perform your job duties. Fortunately, there is professional help and support readily available to you during these trying times. As an accident victim, you have the right to seek monetary damages by means of a personal injury civil claim for many of your unfortunate expenses along with your pain and suffering.