It is possible for someone to receive a brain injury without breaking the skin, bleeding or even showing any immediate signs of distress. Because of this, it is very important for anyone who has suffered any type of head trauma to seek medical attention. Children are especially susceptible to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and they are often caused by a collision while playing sports. It is even possible for someone to suffer a TBI simply by having their head shaken.

Main Causes of Brain Injuries

According to our traumatic brain injury lawyer, in addition to sports, the main causes of brain injuries are falls, traffic accidents, being struck by something and assault. Although falls are the most common cause of a TBI, traffic accidents lead to the most fatalities. In fact, almost 32 percent of all TBI related fatalities occurred as a result of a car crash.

What exactly is a TBI?

A TBI can be caused by a wide range of things, including the main causes listed above, and the severity of it can also vary greatly. Some people who suffer a TBI will exhibit little to no symptoms, but others might showcase an extreme change in personality, memory loss, emotional issues and difficulty with both physical activity and speaking. If you or your child has suffered from any head injury, you should go to the ER or your primary care physician. A doctor will most likely run a wide range of tests to determine the severity of the injury. Depending on the initial results, an x-ray or MRI might be ordered.

Who is Responsible for My TBI?

If your TBI was caused by a traffic accident, assault or any other action that can be considered negligent, you will most likely be able to sue the individual responsible. For example, if you suffered a TBI because someone was driving while intoxicated and they crashed into your vehicle, they will almost certainly be found liable for your injuries by a jury or a judge. If you find yourself in this situation, you should contact a personal injury attorney.

Filing a Lawsuit

Because a TBI cannot be seen, it is common for people to claim that the person who has filed a lawsuit against them is faking their injury. To combat this problem, you should consider obtaining an expert medical witness to testify on your behalf. The doctor who diagnosed you should also make a statement, either in person or via a letter, to back up your claim. Make sure that you provide all applicable evidence to the court, including a copy of your medical records. If an MRI was performed or any x-rays were taken, you should obtain copies to present as evidence. An expert medical witness can help interpret all of these items for the court.

It is important to consider the long-term impact that the TBI will have on your life. In other words, if you have not already healed from your injury when you file a lawsuit, it is possible that you might never fully heal. Any life altering injury will be treated differently by a judge than something that you have already bounced back from, so it is vital to make sure that the judge or jury understands the full extent of your injuries. In either case, you should definitely seek reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages. If you are now disabled, you should also ask for a settlement that includes the wages that you were anticipated to make throughout the rest of your life.

Anthony Joseph is a freelance author, and a contributing writer for traumatic brain injury lawyer Randy Sevenish. His firm knows from experience how to conduct a thorough investigation of each brain injury claim. They pursue every possible route to ensure that you and your family receive the compensation you deserve, including considering any liability from third parties such as manufacturers, employers, or hospitals.