Unfortunately, a traumatic brain injury can occur far too often for the unsuspecting bystander. Those who work in the insurance field or deal with injury victims on a regular basis are trying to get a better understanding of just how a traumatic brain injury (TBI) actually happens. Scientific research is constantly changing and developing new and increasingly complex theories of how the brain can be injured, even in minor accidents. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers want you to understand just how these types of serious injuries happen, and what you can do if you or someone you love suffer a TBI.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is exactly what it sounds like: it’s an injury to the brain. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that something must puncture the skull and touch the brain to cause an injury. A TBI can result in changes in mood, sensory problems, and a host of other complex symptoms, many of which are temporary, but some of which can be permanent. This is why it is so important to work with an attorney who understands TBI and can help you get the treatment you need right away.
How Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Happen?
There are many scenarios that can lead to TBI, but the most common three mechanisms of injury are as follows:
Puncture Wounds. Obviously, the brain can be injured if something punctures the skull and physically strikes the brain. These are generally among the most serious injuries, and they can happen in car accidents, workplace accidents, or anytime that a sharp object penetrates the skull.
Blows to the Head. Even a somewhat mild strike to the head can cause a TBI, because it’s not the force of the strike, but rather, it is the internal movement of the brain inside the skull that causes the injury. When the brain shifts inside the skull, it can be bruised or injured, leading to serious consequences.
Whiplash Injuries. Amazingly, the human brain can suffer injury even in the absence of physical contact. In fact, the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs openly acknowledges that a TBI can occur even without any physical contact with the head. The VA states that a TBI can occur in situations such as whiplash, where the brain is “shaken inside the skull.”
Challenges Getting a Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosed
When a person suffers a TBI, it can be very difficult to diagnose at first, especially if the accident seemed minor at first. Doctors may not think to perform the types of tests that would normally be required to discover TBI. Likewise, symptoms may take weeks or even months to fully manifest. Finally, the symptoms are often complex and misleading. They can point to various other conditions that may or may not accompany TBI, such as concussion, and they may be masked by pain medications.
TBIs Are a Serious Public Health Concern
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were roughly 2.5 million TBIs diagnosed in 2010 alone. Many of these were related to auto accidents and other types of injuries, both on and off the job.
Fight For the Compensation You Deserve
Don’t let an insurance company tell you nothing is wrong. If you are experiencing the symptoms of TBI, call the attorneys of the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm today to schedule a completely free initial case evaluation.
