4 Common Myths About Traumatic Brain Injuries – Number 3 May Surprise You
It’s estimated around 1.5 million Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries each year.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are extremely dangerous, and oftentimes deadly. There were nearly 70,000 traumatic brain injury deaths in 2020.
Any sudden bump, jolt, or blow to the head could lead to a traumatic brain injury. Some of the most common symptoms may include:
- Frequent headaches
- Vision complications
- Difficulty with concentration
- Sleep complications (sleeping too much/not enough)
- Problems maintaining balance or coordination
- Changes in mood (anger, depression, anxiety)
- Memory loss
Unfortunately, many of those injured will shrug off symptoms. There are several myths about traumatic brain injuries that could sway victims from seeking medical attention.
Lack of immediate symptoms
Issues such as mood change or memory loss may not happen right away following a TBI. In fact, some victims might not feel any symptoms.
Regardless of whether or not symptoms are present, if you suffered any kind of head injury, getting checked for any traumatic brain injuries could help you long-term. Doctors may be able to detect a TBI early.
All traumatic brain injuries are the same
The term traumatic brain injury isn’t all encompassing, as there are many different types of TBI’s.
Some of the most frequent types of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Concussions – bumps to the head that force the brain to move.
- Contusions – bruises on the brain.
- Brain hemorrhaging – bleeding on the brain.
Each traumatic brain injury could have different effects, and the severity could lead to serious complications.
I’m too young for any major trauma from a brain injury
While 32 percent of TBI-related hospitalizations were of victims 75 and older, that means 68 percent of victims were younger.
Traumatic brain injuries are not age-specific, and affect people of all different age groups. In fact, a healthy, 25 year-old could suffer a TBI and have complications for the remainder of their life.
MRI’s and other tests aren’t always effective
A traumatic brain injury could be more difficult to detect than a broken bone or scarring cut. These immediate, visible injuries are undoubtedly easier to see because they are visible to the human eye.
It’s still important to get any tests following a head injury. Listen to doctors orders, as an injury may be detected sooner, which could lead to a more helpful diagnosis.
Traumatic brain injuries can happen seemingly anywhere and at any time. Some common causes of a TBI include:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle-riding injuries
- Slip and falls
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
A number of TBI’s affect injured workers, too. For example, construction workers could fall from an elevated location, or a factory worker could have a large box or heavy object hit them in the head.
Regardless of where or how your TBI happened, ignoring myths and instead seeking medical attention could be a vital key to your long-term health outlook.
Traumatic brain injuries are often caused by negligence.
Let’s say Rudy bangs his head on his steering wheel after a speeding driver unable to stop rear-ends his vehicle. The other driver could be found negligent for speeding and ultimately causing the injury-inducing accident.
In another situation, Shawna’s employer doesn’t invest in sturdy ladders for her to climb and retrieve parts needed for her job. One day, a step on the ladder breaks, and Shawna falls, smashing her head against the concrete floor.
In both of these circumstances, the victims injured may be eligible to receive compensation following the accident.
While there is no price tag on health, a claim for traumatic brain injuries could help victims recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and or suffering
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury, you should contact a Los Angeles brain injury lawyer today.
The LA attorneys at C&B Law Group have helped clients recover damages following a traumatic brain injury. We want to try helping you, too.
Depending on how you suffered your injuries, you may seek compensation for a personal injury or workers’ compensation. There are rare situations where victims can file both a workers’ comp claim as well as a suit for personal injuries.
The LA head injury lawyers at C&B Law Group service clients around the Los Angeles area, including:
- DTLA
- Long Beach
- Burbank
- Glendale
- North Hollywood
- Van Nuys
- Canoga Park
- Downey
- Torrance
Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
