According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 1.7 million people in the United States suffer traumatic brain injuries each year. From motor vehicle accidents to sports activities, a wide variety of accidents can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When another individual or entity acts with negligence and causes an accident that leads to a TBI in you or a loved one, a dedicated Will County traumatic brain injury lawyer may be able to evaluate your situation and determine the merits of any claim that you may have.
A dedicated catastrophic injury attorney can take many factors into account in considering whether you have a viable legal claim for damages. Allocation of fault, the reasonableness of the actions of other parties, and the nature and extent of your injuries all directly impact personal injury claims. Taking the necessary steps to evaluate the merits of a personal injury claim may be key to holding negligent individuals responsible for their actions.
The Range of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur when there is an external force that causes brain dysfunction. The most common scenarios that result in TBI are a jolt or blow to the head or an object that pierces the skull, the latter of which is called an open or penetrating head injury. Medical professionals classify TBIs as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the damage and handicaps they cause.
Brain injuries may be diffuse or focal in nature. A diffuse TBI affects a large portion or all of the brain and often is the result of shaking or whiplash. In contrast, a focal TBI involves an injury to only a specific part of the brain and is more likely to result from a blow or impact to the head.
The most severe TBIs can cause permanent brain damage, which can lead to life-long impairment and disability. When the careless or reckless actions of another lead to any type of traumatic brain injury, victims should make efforts to contact a Will County traumatic brain injury lawyer for assistance.
Recognizing the Signs of a TBI
Traumatic brain injuries may trigger symptoms immediately, but in some cases, symptoms may not appear for a few days or even weeks. Some of the most common symptoms that may arise from TBI include:
- Dizziness and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Extreme fatigue and an inability to focus or concentrate
No two TBIs are the same or will result in the same symptoms. However, it is essential to closely monitor anyone with a potential head injury for several hours or days to determine whether further treatment is necessary.
Establishing and Maintaining a TBI Claim
Many traumatic brain injury claims—and personal injury claims in general—stem from the negligent behavior of another person. A traumatic brain injury lawyer in Will County could work to prove that the negligent party in a particular plaintiff’s case owed a duty of care to the victim, violated that reasonable duty of care, and caused the victim to sustain injury as a direct result of the negligent party’s actions.
In a motor vehicle accident, for example, the negligence analysis may be fairly straightforward. All drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and look out for the safety of others using the roadway. When drivers fail to meet that duty of care and cause an accident that leads to injuries, the injury victims may have a personal injury claim against the negligent driver.
Cases involving traumatic brain injuries, however, can be more complicated. There is often no definitive way to diagnose a head injury, determine the extent of the injury, and judge how long it may cause symptoms that impair the ability of individuals to function. Beyond medical records, evidence may consist of employment-related performance reviews, grades, or the testimony of individuals who know the injury victims well to prove the existence of a continuing TBI.
Talking to a Will County Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
Individuals who have suffered a TBI themselves or have a loved one who sustained a brain injury may want to consult a Will County traumatic brain injury lawyer for advice. If the negligence of another party directly caused their TBI, they may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
If retained, your TBI attorney could work with you to hold negligent parties accountable for their behavior. The first step to recovery may be determining the validity of any personal injury claim against one or more parties, so call today to schedule a consultation and get started analyzing yours.