Whether it’s a mild concussion from a minor fall or a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to a car accident, brain injuries vary in seriousness and longevity. Understanding the different types of brain injuries is crucial not only for effective medical treatment but also for legal recourse.
If you have suffered any type of head trauma, seek medical attention right away to prevent any dangerous complications. Then, contact a Bakersfield personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Symptoms of Mild Brain Injuries
A mild TBI or concussion may present symptoms that are not immediately noticeable, sometimes taking hours or days to manifest. These symptoms are not uniform and can vary from person to person, which can make a mild brain injury difficult to treat. Usually, these symptoms subside within a couple of weeks, but other cases can last for a longer period.
Some of the most common signs of a mild brain injury:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vision problems
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty with memory
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Changes in sleep habits
- Irritability and mood swings
- Loss of consciousness for a few minutes
Symptoms of Moderate and Severe Brain Injuries
Moderate brain injuries generally involve a loss of consciousness that lasts for over 30 minutes but less than a day. Severe brain injuries, on the other hand, can result in a loss of consciousness for more than a day.
Both types of injuries can lead to temporary or even permanent impairments that can greatly affect your quality of life. Due to the potentially life-altering consequences of moderate and severe TBIs, immediate medical attention is vital even if symptoms are initially absent or minimal.
Alongside the symptoms associated with mild brain injuries, moderate and severe TBI cases can also exhibit:
- Persistent, worsening headaches
- Vision loss in one or both eyes
- Continued nausea or repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions or seizures
- Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
- Enlarged pupils
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Lack of coordination
- Increased confusion or agitation
What to Do If You Suffer a Brain Injury in California
If you suspect that you’ve sustained a brain injury, your first step should be to seek medical care. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can greatly influence the outcome and speed of your recovery. After your medical needs are addressed, you may want to consult with a California personal injury lawyer who specializes in brain injury lawsuits.
Many mild, moderate, and severe TBIs are caused by the actions of another person or entity. For example, your head could hit the dashboard when a distracted driver rear ends your vehicle. You could crack your skull during a slip and fall accident at a grocery store. In these situations, you may be eligible for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
By filing a claim, you could recover compensation to help pay for the cost of your medical care, disability accommodations, lost wages, and other damages. However, successfully proving a claim can be challenging without the knowledge and experience of an attorney.
A Bakersfield brain injury attorney can help you build a compelling case in your favor and recover the settlement that you deserve. Schedule a free case consultation as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.