While some car accident injuries are easily identifiable by crash victims, traumatic brain injuries can take days or even weeks to appear. These internal head injuries require a thorough medical examination and diagnostic tests to detect and treat.
Without immediate medical action, a victim may not fully recover from a traumatic brain injury. Therefore, it is crucial to treat any head injury seriously after a car accident and follow up emergency care with a specialized recovery plan.
How Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Occur in a Car Accident?
A traumatic brain injury or TBI is a sudden injury resulting from a violent blow or jolt to the head. The force of this movement causes the soft tissue of the brain to make contact with the hard skull.
A TBI may happen in a car accident when a person’s head hits the steering wheel, dash, or another part of the vehicle. Whiplash from a rear-end collision can also cause a traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary amongst car accident victims. However, victims may exhibit any of the following:
- Headaches;
- Vertigo;
- Disorientation or confusion;
- Seizures;
- Slurred speech;
- Lack of concentration;
- Mood swings or depression; and
- Poor memory.
Rehabilitation can help with these symptoms and provide support for victims needing to make lifestyle adaptions after a TBI.
Recovery After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Victims of a TBI may need the following types of rehabilitative therapy:
- Physical;
- Occupational;
- Psychiatric;
- Speech;
- Psychological; and
- Social.
The type of rehabilitative therapy required is dictated by a victim’s injuries and symptoms. Rehabilitative therapy may take place in a variety of inpatient or outpatient settings including home-based care. If a negligent driver was responsible for your brain injury in a car accident, getting legal representation from a personal injury lawyer in Louisville can help you recover compensation for rehabilitation and other medical costs.
How Can Rehabilitative Therapy Help a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Rehabilitative therapy is a preventative measure for sufferers of a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. When a victim follows a prescribed rehabilitative program, it may help in avoiding future complications such as:
- Blood clots;
- Pressure ulcers;
- Pneumonia;
- Muscle weakness;
- Bowel and bladder issues;
- Problems with sexual function; and
- Pain.
Rehabilitation may help some victims return to their previous lifestyles. However, more serious sufferers of a TBI may need care for the rest of their lives.
Future Health Risks Following a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can increase the risk of serious future health problems. These include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Any form of injury to the brain is a serious injury that can have long-term or life-altering impacts which is why it is important to be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Kentucky Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury during a car accident, the experienced Louisville car accident attorneys at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, can help. Not only are our attorneys recognized for excellence in the legal field, but our jury verdicts and settlements for clients exceed $500 million.
Do not wait to contact a Louisville traumatic brain injury attorneys at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC. Kentucky places strict deadlines on filing injury claims for compensation. It is vital to have your claim reviewed today!
To learn more about our firm and how we can help you, call (502) 244-7772. Your consultation is complimentary and confidential.