Serious brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are some of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents and falls. Some accident victims are unaware that they suffered a brain injury because symptoms may be delayed for several days or weeks after the initial injury. However, delayed symptoms could indicate a traumatic brain injury.
Seeking medical attention can help prevent further injury. Also, seeking legal advice from experienced Texas personal injury attorneys can help recover compensation to help pay for the medical costs and other expenses related to a brain injury.
What Symptoms Should You Look For After an Accident?
It is usually a good idea to see a doctor for a complete medical examination after being involved in an accident. Because brain injuries vary significantly in severity and type, you may not notice symptoms immediately after the accident. A delay in symptoms does not mean that you did not suffer a serious brain injury or TBI. Concussions, a very common injury in a car accident or fall, can be severe. Ignoring delayed symptoms could result in life-threatening or debilitating conditions.
Understanding the symptoms of brain injuries can help you know when you need to contact your doctor. Some brain injuries may heal with time and rest. However, you cannot be sure you do not need immediate medical care and supervision by a doctor until you are examined and evaluated by a medical professional.
Symptoms of brain injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Speech problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Being confused, dazed, or disoriented
- Problems focusing or concentrating
- Headaches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Sensory problems, including blurred vision, bad taste in your mouth, ringing in the ears, and sensitivity to light or sound
- Seizures or convulsions
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose
- Numbness or weakness in the extremities
The symptoms of brain injuries in children may also include unusual irritability, changes in feeding habits, loss of interest in favorite activities, persistent crying, and changes in the ability to pay attention.
If you notice any of the above symptoms or other unexplained symptoms after a blow to the head or an accident, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. A medical professional can perform a variety of diagnostic tests to determine the severity of the brain injury and prescribe a treatment plan to reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.
What Are Your Legal Rights After a Brain Injury?
If you or a family member suffers a brain injury in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Texas personal injury laws provide legal recourse for individuals injured because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party.
A monetary award will not undo the damage caused by a brain injury, but it can pay for medical expenses and provide compensation for lost wages and other damages. Brain injuries can be very costly to treat, and you may not be able to return to work for a long time.
Contact our Texas personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Our Texas personal injury lawyers can help you explore your legal options for recovering full and fair compensation for your brain injury.