Although there has been a great deal of attention paid in recent years to brain injuries arising from participating in dangerous activities like playing football, the reality is that most traumatic brain injuries are the result of an everyday occurrence—car accidents—that can affect anyone at any time. A traumatic brain injury is generally the result of any sudden blow or jolt to the head or body, and the sudden impact of a car collision is often enough to cause such an injury.
Different Kinds of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Medical professionals classify traumatic brain injuries as mild, moderate, or severe. Even a mild traumatic brain injury—sometimes known as a “concussion”—can create serious health problems, however, if not promptly diagnosed and treated by a qualified medical professional.
Here is a simplified overview of each classification of traumatic brain injury:
- Mild: A traumatic brain injury is generally considered “mild” if the person is awake following the impact, i.e., they did not lose consciousness as a result of the car accident. The actual symptoms of a mild brain injury may take a few hours—even days—to present. These symptoms often include confusion, disorientation, nausea, headaches, and even temporary memory loss.
- Moderate: A moderate brain injury can mean the car accident victim loses consciousness for a few minutes or even a few hours. There may be some swelling of the brain itself, which requires medical attention to prevent further damage.
- Severe: If a person is knocked unconscious in a car accident, that is often a sign of a severe brain injury. If the victim cannot be quickly aroused or stimulated, they need to go to the emergency room immediately for immediate medical intervention.
It is important to note that not all traumatic brain injuries are the same in terms of physical damage. A “concussion,” for instance, typically describes a mild injury with no long-term physical damage to the brain. However, a hematoma, in contrast, means that a blood vessel inside the brain has ruptured, which can lead to the formation of potentially fatal blood clots. This type of traumatic brain injury often requires surgical intervention.
Your Legal Options Following a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you have sustained any type of brain injury due to a car accident, you will likely incur substantial medical bills. This can include not only the cost of your treatment but also paying for the expenses of cognitive or physical rehabilitation if you sustained a moderate-to-severe brain injury. In addition, the ongoing symptoms can impair your ability to resume your normal life activities, including going back to your job and earning a living.
So if your car accident was the result of the negligent or reckless acts of another driver or third party, you have the right under California law to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. The team at Oaks Law Firm represents car accident victims throughout Los Angeles who have sustained these types of injuries. We understand the complexities of traumatic brain injury cases and know how to build and win a case for damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation so we can sit down and learn more about your accident and the impact it has had on your life. We are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.