Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs are serious head injuries. If you suffer one due to the negligence of someone else, you could be owed compensation. Here is what you need to know about TBIs and what to do after a diagnosis.
How to Determine TBI
Traumatic brain injuries can occur for a number of different reasons. Motor vehicle accidents, falls and being struck with an object are only three ways that people often experience a TBI. Traumatic brain injuries are not always obvious. Often, you need a medical professional to examine your injuries or to perform an imaging test to find out if there is any damage. If you experience any of the following, you could have a TBI:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Ringing in ears
If you suffer any serious head injury, it is crucial to have a doctor look at it.
What to Do After TBI
If your doctor diagnoses you with a TBI, your first priority should be medical treatment. For a mild TBI, your treatment may be as simple as over the counter pain relievers. With a mild injury, you still want to monitor yourself closely. Some TBIs can get worse over time. Your doctor can tell you if it is okay for you to return to work or what type of physical therapy you can be a part of.
Other injuries may require immediate emergency care. It’s important to ensure that you have enough blood and oxygen, without causing any other injuries to your neck or head. In some cases, you may have to spend time in the intensive care unit of the hospital or you may have to undergo surgery for the damage.
Other medical treatments that may occur as a result of a TBI include treatments for seizures, treatments to release pressure in the brain and blood clot removal treatments. After the initial treatments are finished, you may still have to spend time in rehabilitation.
Throughout all of this medical treatment, one other step that you need to take is to contact a lawyer. This is especially important if you suffered losses in wages and have stacked up medical bills as a result of the TBI. Your lawyer can help you file a claim to receive compensation as quickly as possible.
A traumatic brain injury can be life-altering. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI, you need to prioritize your medical care. In addition, you should consider a consultation with a brain injury lawyer, like a Brain Injury Lawyer New Orleans, LA at Ultimate Accident Law, for further information on your next moves.