How Long Can the Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury Last?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect millions of people of all ages each year and are a major cause of disability and death in the United States. The effects of a TBI can vary, depending on the severity of the injury. Some people can be symptom-free within a few weeks, while others experience long-term or permanent health problems requiring significant ongoing treatment. In the worst cases, TBIs are fatal.
Two leading causes of TBIs are slip and fall accidents and auto accidents. Our brain injury lawyers in South Carolina support clients with compensation cases stemming from these and many other causes. As we are often asked about TBIs, we have prepared this guide to help you understand how long the effects of a traumatic brain injury can last and what we can do to help.
What Is a TBI, and How Does It Affect People?
A TBI is an injury that affects how the brain works, which can alter a person’s personality, relationships, and ability to work or lead independent lives. Even a slight head injury can impair brain function and cause a mild TBI. For example, a concussion after a minor car accident or a fall can result in headaches, depression, and memory problems lasting for weeks. Others may experience problems for months or years.
Serious accidents can cause moderate or severe TBIs. These injuries typically require long-term or permanent ongoing care and treatment, significantly affecting the survivor’s life and future. Coming to terms with a sudden life-changing injury is hugely challenging in itself. You should not have to worry about paying medical bills or trying to find out how the accident happened and who was responsible on top of everything else.
You Are Not in This Alone, and Our Team Is Here to Support You
If there is evidence your injury was caused by the negligence or intentional act of another party, we can help you to recover compensation for financial damages such as:
- Current and future medical bills and treatment costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and other work-related benefits
- Monetary damages if the brain injury affects your employment in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability payments
- Home or vehicle adaptations required as part of your rehabilitation
- Any other costs related to the accident
Our South Carolina brain injury attorneys will get answers to your questions and fight for the compensation you and your family need to move forward, so you can fully focus on your recovery. We take care of everything you need to build and pursue your case using our financial resources, so you do not have to worry about paying anything unless we win your case.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving South Carolina, call 803-222-2222
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of TBIs
After an impact or injury to the head, getting a quick and accurate brain injury diagnosis is important if you or a loved one experience any of the symptoms as noted by Mayo Clinic:
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Clear liquid leaking from the eyes or the nose
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Blurred or double vision or light sensitivity
- Dizziness or problems with your balance
- Difficulty breathing, slow breathing rate
- Weakness or lethargy
- Headache
- Difficulty moving arms or legs, or tingling and numbness in the body
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Ringing in the ears
- Problems with memory, concentration, attention span, or slowed thought process
- Unusual emotional responses such as irritability, depression, anger, or sudden mood changes
If you have concerns, visit your healthcare provider immediately or call 911 in emergencies. Your doctor can conduct a medical exam as a first step and may then order diagnostic tests such as CT or MRI scans.
Treatments for TBI
Treatments for TBI will vary to suit your needs based on the severity of the injury, and your doctor will likely ask you to follow up and monitor your symptoms, so keeping a journal is helpful. Treatments for TBI include:
- Pain medication and other types of medicine to control symptoms
- Surgery to treat bleeding in the brain
- Surgery to repair skull fractures
- Emergency care to reduce secondary damage to the brain
- Physical, neurological, and speech therapies
- Physical rest
- Counseling for emotional support and rehabilitation
- Social workers or case managers to help plan and facilitate ongoing care
- Occupational therapists to organize and assess home adaptations
Further Resources, Support, and Guidance
Patients with TBIs and their families may find the following online resources helpful:
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides links to websites for groups that support people living with TBIs.
- For legal support and information about making a compensation claim, our local brain injury lawyers provide a free consultation and can visit you at your home or the hospital.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 803-222-2222
Strength and Support for You, Every Step of the Way
At Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo, LLC., our reputation for working tirelessly to support our clients highlights our commitment to getting the best outcome for everyone we represent. To learn more about how we can help, contact our team at (800) 313-2546 for a free consultation. Together, we can discuss your situation and then explore your legal options for recovering compensation in more detail, at no obligation.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form