Traumatic Brain Injury After a Louisiana Car Accident
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a Louisiana car accident, you deserve to know what kind of legal options are available to you. If you have experienced car accident injuries in Louisiana, you only have 1 year from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit according to Louisiana statute of limitation laws, so it is vital to speak with an experienced Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury Causes During Car Accidents
According to the National Caregivers Association National Center for Caregiving, estimates indicate that about 28% of the total number of traumatic brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents. However, when looking at the total number of patients admitted to hospitals with traumatic brain injuries, the statistic jumps to 49%. In other words, almost half of the people who end up being hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury got that injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury will vary according to the injury’s severity, what areas of the brain were damaged, and other case specific factors.
Mild symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
- Mood Swings
A person with a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury may have all of the symptoms of a mild injury, but may also experience additional symptoms such as:
- headaches that don’t go away
- inability to wake up
- convulsions
- slurred speech
- frequent vomiting
- dilated pupils
It’s also important to note that while some traumatic brain injuries will be apparent directly following an accident, some may not appear for hours or even days afterwards. These injuries can often be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if you feel that your injuries are minor or non-existent.
Treating a Louisiana Car Accident Traumatic Brain Injury
Doctors will first try to stabilize a patient with a traumatic brain injury to prevent further injury from taking place. The focus will be on making sure that the brain gets adequate oxygen, controlling blood pressure, and ensuring that blood continues to circulate through the body.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, almost half of those who receive severe head injuries will need surgery to fix broken blood vessels or bruised brain tissue.
Disabilities that may result from a severe traumatic brain injury include:
- Difficulties in thinking or communicating
- Difficulties in tasting
- Changes in behavior
- Epilepsy
- Stupor
- Coma
The effects of a traumatic brain injury will vary by case and may result in temporary, long-term, or permanent injuries. Treatment methods may include physical rehabilitation, surgeries, emotional counseling, and therapies designed to treat your specific symptoms. In severe cases, patients may need to re-learn how to do basic activities like tying shoes or even speaking.
The costs for this long-term care can be staggering. A Louisiana personal injury lawsuit can get you the compensation you need to ensure you or your injured love one can receive the treatment and care that is needed.
Contacting a Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, filing a Louisiana personal injury lawsuit can help you recover the funds you need. Contact a Louisiana personal injury lawyer today at the Law Offices of J. Price McNamara – 866-248-0580.
