What to do after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2.5 million emergency room visits and 56,000 deaths a year pertaining to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries are common in personal injury cases, and should be reviewed after an accident.
What to look for after an accident
If the person injured was unconscious for any amount of time they are at a higher risk of injury and brain trauma. Brain trauma is an internal injury and is sometimes overlooked or not identified right away. In fact, some TBI symptoms do not show until days or weeks after the incident. It is important to always see a doctor after an accident to ensure that all injuries are accounted for.
Being unconscious for less than thirty minutes can still result in a mild brain injury. Look for signs including:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Confusion/ lack of coordination
- Changes in mood
- Memory Loss
- Sensory Issues
- Nausea
- Seizures
Victims with a mild brain injury usually recover fully with time, but can still have a very hard time adjusting to life. A moderate-to-severe TBI usually occurs if the victim was unconscious for an hour or more after the accident. This type of injury can potentially be permanent, and include similar symptoms as a mild injury as well as:
- Dilated Pupils
- Habitual vomiting
- Difficulty with motor skills
- Fluid discharging from ears and nose
Coping after a TBI
Whether the TBI is mild or moderate, temporary or permanent, it affects the quality of life of the victim. Many people who suffer from TBIs go to therapy and support groups to help cope with their injury. Many TBI cases start with negligence of another party. A victim of negligence deserves compensation and repair for damages and suffering.
Social Security Benefits for TBI
If the victim’s TBI is preventing them from working, they may qualify for social security benefits. To qualify for benefits your medical records must coincide with listing 11.18 and document that you have either
- The inability to control at least two extremities for at least three consecutive months, which results in extreme difficulty and imbalance.
OR
- “Marked” (serious to extreme) physical difficulty with thinking, interacting with others, finishing tasks, or controlling behavior.
If you do not have these issues for three consecutive months, but are still too injured to work, your case will instead be discussed under listing 12.02 defining the injury as a neurocognitive disorder.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident or has a traumatic brain injury because of a negligent party, please contact Rob Levine & Associates. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will review your case to help you understand what your next steps should be. At Rob Levine & Associates we are experienced in personal injury cases in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Our team is available 24/7 to help you. Contact us at 888-553-7507 or visit our website for more information.
