Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can change a life in an instant, but the impacts last far longer. Many survivors need years of rehabilitation or are left with permanent disabilities. From cognitive struggles to emotional shifts, the long-term effects of TBI can be profound.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers at The Weinstein Firm are here to help accident victims seek justice. Contact us today for a free case review.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, happens when a sudden jolt, blow, or even a penetrating injury disrupts the brain’s normal functioning. Think of your brain as the control center for everything you do—movement, memory, emotions, and more. When your brain is injured, those functions can be affected in ways that range from mild and temporary to severe and life-changing.
The tricky thing about TBIs is that symptoms don’t always show up right away, and they vary depending on the severity of the injury. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs early and get the right care.
Here are some common symptoms of a TBI:
- Headaches that won’t go away or get worse over time
- Dizziness or a sense of imbalance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Feeling unusually tired or fatigued
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability or depression
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Seizures or convulsions in severe cases
Seek medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms. TBIs aren’t something to wait out—they require proper care to prevent further complications.
Long-Term Effects of TBI
The long-term effects of TBI can be life-altering.
Cognitive and Behavioral Changes
A TBI can have a noticeable impact on cognitive function. Many individuals experience:
- Memory problems
- Trouble paying attention
- Difficulty with problem-solving
Behavioral changes are also common. You might notice:
- Mood swings: One minute you’re fine, the next you’re irritable or anxious.
- Depression: This is a frequent companion of TBI survivors.
- Impulsivity: You might find yourself acting without thinking things through.
Physical Challenges
TBI doesn’t just affect the mind; it can have lasting physical impacts too:
- Chronic headaches: These can be a persistent nuisance.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time is a common complaint.
- Balance issues: You might feel unsteady on your feet.
- Seizures: Some individuals develop epilepsy as a result of their TBI.
Long-Term Health Risks
Unfortunately, TBI can increase the risk of developing certain conditions later in life:
- Neurodegenerative diseases: There’s a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
- Endocrine disorders: The injury can mess with your hormone levels.
Impact on Daily Life
A traumatic brain injury can dramatically alter your daily life.
- Employment challenges: A brain injury can hinder your ability to work and earn a living. A CDC study of patients with moderate or severe TBIs found about 55% were unemployed five years after their injury.
- Dependency: According to the CDC, one-third of individuals with moderate or severe TBIs rely on others for help with everyday activities.
Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
Treating a traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on the severity of the injury, but one thing is true across the board: the sooner you get help, the better the outcome. For milder TBIs, like concussions, rest is usually the first step. This means giving your brain the time it needs to heal by avoiding strenuous physical or mental activities.
Treatment for moderate or severe TBIs often begins in the hospital. These injuries can involve swelling or bleeding in the brain, which may require surgery. Once the immediate danger has passed, the focus shifts to rehabilitation. This can include physical therapy to regain movement and strength, occupational therapy to relearn everyday tasks, and speech therapy if communication skills have been affected.
One of the most important parts of TBI treatment is ongoing support. Counseling, therapy, and support groups can help people cope with stress, depression, and anxiety.
Compensation for a TBI After a Car Accident
If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident, you can seek various types of damages. Let’s break down what types of compensation you may be able to recover.
- Medical Bills: You can claim compensation for all medical costs, including emergency room visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation. You can seek damages for future medical treatment.
- Assistive Devices and Home Modifications: You can recover compensation for the cost of assistive devices or home modifications for a disability.
- Lost Wages: This includes income you lost during recovery and future earnings if you cannot work or earn less money because of the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: This addresses the impact on your quality of life, such as persistent pain, depression, and anxiety.
- Punitive Damages: If the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence—like drunk driving—the court may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant.
How an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Victims
After a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident, it can feel overwhelming to figure out your next steps. That’s where an Atlanta car accident lawyer can make all the difference. An attorney can handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most—your recovery.
An auto accident attorney gathers evidence to support your case. This might include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even expert testimony to demonstrate the full scope of your injuries and the other driver’s negligence.
One of the biggest ways a lawyer can help is by navigating the insurance claims process. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts. An experienced lawyer can negotiate on your behalf. They will fight for compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
Finally, an Atlanta car accident lawyer is your advocate in and out of the courtroom. While many cases are resolved through negotiations, sometimes a trial is necessary. If it comes to that, your lawyer will be prepared to represent your interests passionately and effectively.
Contact the Weinstein Firm for a Free Case Review
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, you don’t have to face the challenges ahead alone. The team at The Weinstein Firm is here to provide the support you need to pursue fair compensation. Our law firm has recovered over $30,000,000 for accident victims in Georgia.
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees to hire a car accident lawyer. Instead, your Atlanta car accident attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or compensation award.
Call 770-HELP-NOW or contact us online for a free case review.
