How Do I Know If I Have a Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident?

One of the most common questions we receive after an accident is, “How do I know if I have a traumatic brain injury?” As experienced traumatic brain injury lawyers, we understand the complexities involved in these cases and the challenges individuals face when identifying and treating brain injuries. After an accident, it’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and seek the appropriate care.

In this article, we’ll explain how to identify the signs of a brain injury, why it’s important to get specialized treatment, and how a traumatic brain injury attorney can help protect your rights if you’ve suffered from one.

If you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms after an accident, don’t wait to seek help. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we represent traumatic brain injury victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.

How Can You Tell If You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

After a serious accident, individuals often visit the emergency room, where doctors may give general instructions to follow up with a primary care physician if symptoms persist. While this advice is helpful, it’s essential to understand that traumatic brain injuries require specialized treatment beyond what an ER or general practitioner can provide.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms after an accident, it may be a sign that you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury:

  • Persistent headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating
  • Problems with memory or comprehension
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Dizziness or balance issues
  • Difficulty articulating words or forming thoughts

These symptoms can develop shortly after the accident or in the days and weeks that follow. Traumatic brain injuries can occur even if you didn’t lose consciousness or if the injury seemed mild at first. Ongoing symptoms like these may indicate a concussion or more severe brain damage.

Why Specialized Treatment Is Essential for Traumatic Brain Injuries

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is critical to seek treatment from a specialist who has experience diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries. General advice from an emergency room or primary care doctor may not be enough to diagnose the injury or provide the right care properly.

A traumatic brain injury requires evaluation from:

  • neurologists,
  • neuropsychologists, and other
  • medical professionals who specialize in brain injuries.

Delaying treatment can lead to further complications and long-term health issues. Getting a proper diagnosis and the appropriate medical care early on can make a significant difference in your recovery. If you’ve been injured and are experiencing ongoing symptoms, a brain injury lawyer can also help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Call our offices today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Traumatic Brain Injury?

If you suspect that you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury, there are a few important steps to take:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Contact a specialist or visit a medical professional with experience in diagnosing TBIs. The earlier the diagnosis, the better your chances for recovery.
  • Document Your Symptoms. Keep a record of the symptoms you’re experiencing, noting when they began and how they’ve impacted your daily life. This information will be important for both medical treatment and your legal case.
  • Consult a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, a brain injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our experienced brain injury lawyers will work with medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

Why You Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Brain injury cases are often complicated and require specialized knowledge of both the medical and legal aspects of traumatic brain injuries. Here’s how our traumatic brain injury law firm can help:

  • Investigating the Cause of the Injury. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury, whether it occurred in a car accident, workplace accident, or another event. Our brain injury lawyers will gather evidence to show how the accident led to your TBI and who may be held liable.
  • Collaborating with Medical Experts. We work with top neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other brain injury specialists to ensure that your condition is fully understood and documented. This expert testimony can be crucial in proving the extent of your injury and its impact on your life.
  • Pursuing Compensation. As traumatic brain injury attorneys with decades of experience, we will help you in seeking full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future care you may need. Brain injuries can have long-term effects, and it’s essential to pursue the full amount of damages you’re entitled to.
  • Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of brain injuries, especially if the symptoms aren’t immediately apparent. Our brain injury law firm knows how to deal with these tactics and will fight to ensure that your rights are protected.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can vary in severity, and each type of injury requires a different approach to treatment and legal representation. Some common types of TBIs include:

  • Concussions. Often caused by a blow to the head or a violent jolt, concussions are one of the most common types of brain injuries. While they are often classified as “mild,” they can have long-lasting effects, especially if not treated properly.
  • Contusions. These are bruises on the brain caused by direct impact. Contusions can range from mild to severe and, if bleeding occurs, may require surgical intervention.
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI). occurs when the brain is shaken or rotated inside the skull, damaging brain cells. DAIs are often seen in car accidents and can result in severe cognitive impairments.
  • Penetrating Brain Injuries. These occur when an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue. Penetrating brain injuries are extremely serious and often require immediate surgery.

If you or a loved one has suffered from any of these types of injuries, consulting with a brain injury lawyer is the first step in protecting your legal rights.

Contact Our Traumatic Brain Injury Law Firm Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury or are experiencing symptoms after an accident, it’s essential to seek both medical and legal help. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our brain injury attorneys have been representing clients in traumatic brain injury cases for decades, helping them recover the compensation they deserve. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Call us today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer and let us help you get the care and compensation you need.