An attorney can fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
On average, every 16 minutes, someone in Maine becomes the victim of a serious motor vehicle accident. This adds up to more than 30,000 car, truck, and motorcycle accidents in the state every year, according to Maine Department of Transportation data.
Not all crashes are severe, but many are: Nearly 10,000 people were injured in Maine car accidents in 2021. And among the most common car accident injuries are traumatic brain injuries (TBI). March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and to observe this important campaign, our law firm is sharing information about TBI and how to seek help if you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury.
At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, our brain injury attorneys know the challenges that TBI victims and their families face in the aftermath of an accident. Our team has extensive experience helping clients recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to a brain injury caused by negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately and speak with an experienced brain injury lawyer about your legal rights and options. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you're entitled to under Maine law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What is a TBI?
When your head experiences a strong hit or sudden movement, it can cause a lot of harm to your brain and make it function abnormally. This type of injury is known as a traumatic brain injury. TBIs often result from car accidents, assaults, slip and falls, and sports, among other things.
TBI can have a significant impact on a person's life, both in the short term and long term. In the short term, a person may experience difficulties with basic daily activities such as walking, talking, and eating. They may also need to take time off work or school to recover from their injuries. There are two types of TBIs - open injury and closed injury - depending on skull penetration. TBI damage ranges from mild to severe. Some common types of TBIs include:
- Concussion. A mild TBI that may cause temporary loss of consciousness.
- Contusion. Moderate to severe bruising of the brain tissue.
- Penetrating injury. When the skull is penetrated by a foreign object and does damage to brain tissue.
- Hematomas. Bleeding in and around the brain caused by ruptured vessels. Types of hematomas include - epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, and intracerebral.
- Diffuse axonal injury. The force of the bump or blow causes the brain to twist, stretch, or shake, causing tears in the nerve fibers.
- Coup-Contrecoup injury. Contusions on both sides of the brain.
In the long term, TBI can have a profound effect on a person's life. They may experience ongoing physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties impacting their ability to work, drive, and engage in their favorite activities. In severe cases, a person may require ongoing medical care and assistance with daily activities.
TBI symptoms
It is always essential to see a doctor for a thorough medical examination after a car accident to protect your health. The need is even more urgent if a person has suffered a brain injury. While every case is unique, there are some common signs of TBI. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately. TBI symptoms include:
- Headaches that don't get better.
- Dizziness.
- Seizures.
- Clear fluids draining from nose or ears.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Unequal eye pupil size.
- Double or blurred vision.
- Confusion and memory loss.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Irritability.
- Bad taste in the mouth.
- Fatigue.
- Light and sound sensitivity.
- Loss of consciousness.
Brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may not be immediately apparent or may overlap with other medical conditions. A medical professional will typically start with a physical exam to assess the patient's neurological function, reflexes, and motor skills. They may also order diagnostic imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to look for any signs of brain damage. In some cases, additional testing may be needed, such as cognitive tests or psychological evaluations, to assess the patient's memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. Again, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately after any head injury, as delaying treatment could lead to further damage and complicate the diagnosis and treatment of a TBI.
Protect your rights. Talk to a Maine brain injury attorney today.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in an accident due to negligence, it is essential to contact our law firm as soon as possible. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. In addition, we offer free consultations to potential clients. At no cost to you, a member of our team can explain your options and help you decide what to do next. At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, we are committed to helping our clients every step of the way. Don't wait — contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.