Any hard blow to the head could cause a brain injury. Given the potentially violent nature of a car accident, it is safe to say that a collision could cause a brain injury. Brain injuries are especially difficult to treat and typically come with high costs that might require the help of a car accident lawyer to hold accountable parties liable.
A brain injury that causes a concussion or more serious head injury, such as a coma, is what medical doctors refer to as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI might be from a blunt force trauma or due to a penetrating injury, such as a bullet or knife wound to the head. Because the brain controls virtually all aspects of movement and cognitive abilities, TBIs can have very long-lasting and widely varying effects.
Car Accidents Rank Highly Among Causes
Johns Hopkins Medicine says vehicular accidents are the most common cause of head injuries. Included among car accident victims are motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists when they are injured by vehicles. Violence that causes head injuries and injuries sustained during falls also rank highly among causes of TBIs in adults.
A TBI could be mild with symptoms that commonly include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness and potential loss of balance
- Nausea and possible vomiting
- Fatigue
Mild TBIs also might include symptoms that cause a ringing in your ears, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Symptoms of mild TBIs often last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months.
More serious brain injuries are rated as either moderate or severe TBIs and could include losing consciousness for several minutes to several hours. A headache that persists and could become worse is another commonly reported symptom in more serious cases. Extreme cases often include time spent in a comatose state that could last indefinitely.
High Cost of Treating TBIs
The cost of treating TBIs often includes multiple surgical procedures, time spent in intensive care, and a great deal of recovery. Some of the more seriously injured patients wind up spending time in assisted living homes while learning the basics of life all over again. The long-term effects can be very significant and greatly limit an accident victim’s ability to maintain his or her standard of living prior to the accident.
About 60 percent of adults with TBIs are unemployed two years following the disabling car accident. That significantly high percentage compares with an about five percent unemployment rate for adults without TBIs. Time away from work and potential lost career opportunities make it difficult to accurately determine the total cost of TBIs. That is especially true following a car accident.
In 2014, comedian Tracy Morgan suffered a TBI in an accident involving a Walmart tractor-trailer. Morgan won an undisclosed settlement from Walmart. Morgan’s injuries caused him to miss 16 months of work and is a good example of why TBIs often are very costly. The more serious the TBI, the more likely costs will continue for many years. Those ongoing costs make it important for you to obtain experienced legal representation to present the best possible case.
Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can Help Victims of Traumatic Brain Injury
A car accident is the most likely potential cause of a TBI for most people. If your injury is severe enough, it could cost you dearly over your remaining life. Instead of letting that happen, the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help TBI victims build strong cases and obtain the best possible settlements for injuries and ongoing treatment costs. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
Google Screened