Roughly 2.5 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries each year nationwide, according to the Brain Trauma Foundation. And of those cases, about 50,000 are fatal and more than 80,000 result in permanent disabilities. At Gallagher & Hagopian, our attorneys have represented numerous victims over the years who have sustained TBIs in a wide range of accidents, from car and motorcycle crashes to slips and falls, and collisions on the road that involve trucks.
For us, as local lawyers who fight for people in our community every day, and you, it’s important to know the seriousness of these injuries – both the non-fatal and incredibly severe – especially during Brain Injury Awareness Month, which takes place in March. After an accident, you may not feel as though you’re injured or that your injuries are minor. But it’s not only crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible for your health but also the case you may have against a negligent party, and here’s why.
You May Have a TBI and Not Immediately Know
TBIs are unlike many other physical injuries you may suffer as a result of an accident. They’re internal – and can show up at any time, with symptoms appearing in minutes or days to weeks or months after. In the legal world, these are called “latent injuries,” which are injuries that aren’t immediately apparent.
For example, a person may slip on a wet surface and hit their head in a crowded mall, causing sudden dizziness, or the whiplash from an auto accident could result in the loss of consciousness for a brief moment and victim doesn’t remember that it occurred. These injuries are difficult to pinpoint – all the more reason why it’s very important to get evaluated by medical professionals as soon as possible not only for a diagnosis but also treatment.
An Overview of Potential TBI Symptoms
TBIs can manifest in a variety of ways, and symptoms may differ depending on the severity of your injuries. Like we mentioned earlier, these symptoms may not appear immediately – and it’s critical to monitor any physical or cognitive changes you may experience following an accident. Some of the most common indicators of a TBI include:
Your Case Depends on Documentation
A paper trail is essential in personal injury cases, especially when it comes to connecting a TBI to the accident and the negligent party’s actions. Documentation establishes credibility, can help paint a clear picture of the accident, and can directly affect how much you win either through a settlement or court judgement.
At Gallagher & Hagopian, we often talk about the importance of medical records – because an incomplete account of your injuries can poke holes in your case, especially with regard to compensating you fairly for the physical, emotional and financial strain you’ve endured. Here’s a brief overview of what makes a solid case, and what you need to gather after seeking medical help:
Call Us – We’re Ready To Fight for You
If you’ve been injured in an accident, suffering injuries such as a TBI – whether minor or major – contact an experienced attorney, like ours at Gallagher & Hagopian, to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. With over $300 million won for clients in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and a proven track record of navigating complex TBI cases, our law firm can be in your corner every step of the way… and you won’t pay us unless we win for you.
