What You Need to Know about Traumatic Brain Injuries

If you, or someone you love, has suffered head trauma, it can be a very stressful time. Before you hire a Dallas brain injury lawyer, become educated on the difference between minor head trauma, such as a slight concussion, and traumatic brain injury, which can have long-term effects. Traumatic brain injury is very serious and can change the course of a person's life, often incurring long-term medical bills that can put a strain on your family and interpersonal relationships.

If you feel you have suffered severe head trauma at the negligence of an individual or corporation, consult a Dallas brain injury lawyer to determine your options and ensure you are being taken care of adequately.

Dallas Brain Injury Attorney | Anatomy 101

Determining the difference between post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury is important. But first, here is a little information about the head and brain. The brain is protected by three barriers: the skull, three layers of tissues, called the meninges, and a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions the spaces between the brain and skull, as well as cavities formed by the curvature of soft brain tissue. It is when these barriers are compromised that head injuries occur.

Concussion
A concussion is the most common form of head injury. It can happen during normal daily activities if the head is knocked by, or comes into contact with, a hard surface. Most of the time, concussions are short term events and do not result in any permanent damage. If you have suffered a head injury and any of the following symptoms occur within 24-hours, seek medical attention immediately:

severe headache
loss of consciousness
changes in your levels of awareness (drowsy or forgetful)
dizziness
queasiness or nausea
vomiting
seeing flashing lights or stars
uneven dilated pupils
difficulty walking
forgetfulness

Usually, a concussion that occurs during a normal daily activity like a sporting event or a mild fall is not permanently harmful. However, when traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs, the above symptoms last longer than 24-hours and more severe symptoms usually emerge.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

There are two types of TBI:

Closed brain injury - when the head suffers a severe blow but nothing penetrates the brain or internal tissues.
Penetrating brain injury - when an object penetrates the skull, or the skull is fractured inward, and comes in contact with the brain or internal tissues.

In addition to the symptoms of a concussion, a victim of Traumatic Brain Injury can also experience the following:

blurred vision
constant haziness or difficulty waking from sleep
seizures/convulsions
chronic headaches
prolonged memory loss/amnesia
a change in personality/moods
irritable or easily agitated
numb/tingly sensation in extremities
slurred speech

Children who experience Traumatic Brain Injuries will suffer prolonged crying bouts and/or they are not able to be comforted. They may even stop eating or nursing.

If you, or someone you know, has had a recent head injury and any of the above symptoms become apparent, seek medical attention immediately. The longer you wait, the greater the damage can be if there is internal bleeding and/or swelling.

What are The Long-term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
Over half of all permanent cases of TBI are incurred in automobile, truck, or motorcycle accidents. Long-term effects of TBI can be devastating. Victims can suffer impaired motor skills, permanent memory loss, or speech impairment. They may also require a lifetime of medical treatment and/or physical therapy. If you are a victim of an accident and have suffered TBI, it is imperative that you contact a Dallas brain injury lawyer. Please also read - Life after a Traumatic Brain Injury — Gabby Giffords’ Story.

Take the time to talk with a board certified personal injury trial lawyer so that you know your rights are being protected by an expert. The right Dallas brain injury lawyer will have your best interests at heart and will stand by your side to help you persevere through the challenging road ahead.

We represent Texas residents who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Call Dallas brain injury attorney Kay Van Wey today at (214) 329-1350 or (800) 489-5082 to learn more about your legal rights and to schedule a free legal consultation with Ms. Van Wey.

Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Van Wey Law serves:

The entire state of Texas, including Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio

The entire state of Oklahoma, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City

Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas

The entire United States for health care fraud, “pill mill” cases, and dangerous pharmaceutical products