Traumatic brain injuries lead to thousands of cases of disability and death in the United States each year. TBIs are caused by a blow, jolt or bump to the head that disrupts the brain’s normal functioning. They differ from acquired brain injuries which result from something happening inside the body such as a stroke or an aneurysm. TBIs are most often due to vehicular accidents, falls, and falling objects. Like other injuries, TBIs can range from mild to severe. So you should contact our Macon personal injury attorneys to find out what steps to take next.
Despite the high incidence of this type of injury, there are several myths surrounding TBIs. If you don’t have the facts, you won’t be able to make the best decisions for yourself or your loved ones. TBIs that are caused by someone else’s negligence can result in significant damages, so you need to be informed. If you believe the myths, you may unknowingly jeopardize your ability to claim compensation. Here are some of the things you may have heard about TBIs that just aren’t true.
You Must Hit Your Head to Get a TBI
A common misconception is that you have to hit your head or have a visible wound to have a brain injury. However, you can suffer a TBI without sustaining a blow from an object or outside force. This often happens in car crashes. The head may be jolted back and forth forcefully, and in addition to causing whiplash, this can lead to serious brain damage.
It’s Not a TBI If the Injured Person Doesn’t Lose Consciousness
Many people believe that if you suffer a serious head injury, you will pass out. However, you may not lose consciousness if your TBI is mild. Instead, you may be confused or disoriented since your brain cells may be affected only temporarily. Meanwhile, more serious injuries can cause physical damage like bruising, tearing, and bleeding. If you suffer a head injury, you must seek immediate medical attention even if you don’t think the injury is serious. If you believe someone else was responsible for your injuries, you also need to contact a Macon personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Mild Injuries Don’t Cause Long-Term Problems
Many people get a blow to the head at some point in time. Maybe they were struck while playing baseball or they slipped and fell. If they didn’t suffer any lasting problems, they assume that recovery is always quick. In reality, each head injury is different. Many individuals recover from mild TBIs in a short time but some develop post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms include headaches and dizziness. This condition is rare, but it can last for months or even a year or more. If the victim doesn’t recover within three years, their condition could be permanent.
Helmets Prevent TBIs
In Georgia, it is isn’t just highly recommended that motorcyclists wear helmets; it’s required under the law. While high-quality helmets can protect the head from lacerations or puncture injuries, they don’t completely prevent brain injuries. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, you need to exercise caution as you make your way around the city. The good news is that if you get into an accident, the helmet may increase your risk of survival even if you’re injured.
The Effects of a TBI Are Immediately Obvious
You may believe that memory loss or cognitive challenges will be apparent right away. However, this doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, people walk away from the scene of an accident feeling perfectly fine. However, when they resume regular activities, they may begin to experience cognitive, physical or emotional symptoms. Some people may not notice symptoms for weeks or even months after the injury.
Brain Injuries Will Eventually Heal
In books and movies, characters who suffer brain injuries almost always recover, sometimes suddenly. However, recovery can actually be slow in real life and some people never return to the way they once were. The pace of recovery has a lot to do with the severity of the injury, the victim’s age, and their health prior to the injury. Some victims’ lives change forever because they lose cognitive or fine motor skills.
Contact Calvin Smith Law Today to Ensure You’re Fairly Compensated
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer in Macon. You’ll likely have to deal with high medical bills and long-term treatment while you take time off work. This means you won’t be able to earn the money you badly need. Let the team at Calvin Smith Law help you to get the compensation you deserve. Start by booking a free consultation today!
