Some people walk away from a car accident with minor scrapes or bruises. Others endure severe head trauma that impacts their quality of life. Those who sustain a traumatic brain injury may have grounds to seek financial compensation, but how do legal professionals define this condition?
Learn more about the head injuries that may occur in a car crash. This guide provides insights for victims and how their diagnosis could impact a personal injury claim.
Common Head and Neck Injuries Stemming From Motor Vehicle Accidents
The head and neck are vulnerable to injury after the sudden impact of a collision. Motorists or passengers could sustain any of the following:
- Whiplash: The force exerted on the cervical spine could cause muscle tension or headaches.
- Concussion: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that may cause disorientation, nausea, or sensory changes.
- Diffuse axonal injury: Nerve damage occurs inside the skull, which could lead to long-lasting impairments.
- Increased intracranial pressure: A dramatic increase in the fluid and tissue inside the skull often presents symptoms like headaches, seizures, and changes in motor function.
It’s crucial to seek medical treatment immediately after a crash. Doctors can quickly diagnose and treat any serious injuries in hopes of preventing permanent brain damage.
Defining Traumatic Brain Injuries
When it comes to brain injuries, diagnoses can vary. To be classified as a TBI, they must result in disruption of normal brain function.
For example, increased intracranial pressure could lead someone to slip into a coma. After regaining consciousness, the victim may be left with neurological deficits that impact their quality of life. A diffuse axonal injury could also be considered catastrophic if the patient needs extensive physical therapy to regain basic motor functions.
Extreme motor and cognitive impairments can drastically reduce someone’s quality of life. For instance, a healthy, independent person could need long-term care if a car accident leaves them unable to perform basic activities like bathing or feeding themselves.
Permanent disabilities like these may make accident victims unable to work and reliant on caregivers.
How Someone’s Head Trauma Impacts Their Personal Injury Case
Motor vehicle collisions can take a major toll on victims both physically and mentally. If you were in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. A potential settlement could account for economic and non-economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, and your pain and suffering.
Personal injury lawyers often act in their clients’ interests and aim to hold liable parties accountable. However, the evidence in a case and its potential worth vary based on the victim’s injuries.
Someone with a traumatic brain injury may be able to claim far more economic damages if they require several weeks in the hospital, the aid of an in-home healthcare provider, and ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation. On the other hand, someone with a mild concussion or whiplash symptoms may only require a few doctor’s appointments and over-the-counter medications to help them recover.
Pain and suffering damages can also differ. Victims with permanent disabilities may be able to seek more funds than those with injuries with a short recovery period.
Pursue Compensation After a Car Accident With the Help of an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been diagnosed with a TBI due to a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Explore your legal options with Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. We represent victims of truck, motorcycle, and auto accidents with dedication and compassion.
Give us a call at (855) 521-4406 to schedule a consultation. Discuss your case with a knowledgeable legal professional and learn about your next steps.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
Q: What is considered a traumatic brain injury?
A: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a disruption of normal brain function due to a head trauma, which can range from mild (like a concussion) to severe, potentially causing permanent impairments.
Q: What are common head injuries from car accidents?
A: Common head and neck injuries from car accidents include whiplash, concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, and increased intracranial pressure.
Q: How do traumatic brain injuries affect a personal injury claim?
A: Traumatic brain injuries can significantly impact a personal injury claim’s value, allowing victims to seek compensation for extensive medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to the severity and potential permanence of the injury.
