New Hampshire And Vermont Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma disrupts the normal function of the brain. The trauma may occur when an object strikes the head, when the head strikes an object, or when an object fractures the skull and enters the brain. TBI is commonly caused by one or more of the following events:
- Car accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Snowmobile accident
- Construction accident
- Falls
- Assault or abuse
- Being struck by a falling object
According to the CDC, each year 1.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury. Of these, more than 50,000 people die and 235,00 are admitted to the hospital. Traumatic brain injury can be hard to diagnose, as symptoms do not always surface immediately and the damage done by a mild TBI may not show up during MRIs or CAT scans.
If you’ve sustained trauma to the head during an accident, contact our New Hampshire and Vermont injury attorneys at 603-212-1176 for legal guidance. Rousseau & Ross may be able to help you recover damages.
TBI Symptoms
A traumatic brain injury may not cause noticeable symptoms for days, even weeks after the injury occurs. Often the accident victim may not be aware that they are injured until they begin experiencing serious, debilitating symptoms. The following lists are intended as a basic guide on symptoms of TBI. If you have been in an accident, always seek medical attention. Some common symptoms of mild to moderate TBI include:
- A dazed or not quite “with it” feeling
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision or any vision changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Behavior or mood changes
- Memory issues
- Inability to concentrate
- Inattention
- Trouble focusing on a task or thinking
A moderate to severe TBI may also produce the following symptoms:
- A headache that does not go away or intensifies
- Vomiting or nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- An inability to wake up
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness of the legs or arms
- Loss of coordination
- Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
Be aware that any of these symptoms may not be experienced until hours, days, or even weeks after the traumatic event. In addition, depending on the type and severity of the injury, typical diagnostic tests may not indicate an injury, even if you are experiencing multiple symptoms.
Brain Injury Treatment
The treatment of a TBI consists of three stages: acute, subacute and chronic. Outlined below are the treatments that fall under each stage. Acute care takes place immediately after the accident. The victim will be rushed to the hospital and a physician may treat them in the following ways:
- Check for and remove any blood clots
- Clear airways
- Medicate the patient (to prevent further injury)
- Monitor and/or relieve high levels of intracranial pressure
- If necessary, place on life support
- Once stable transfer to a subacute treatment center
- Repair injuries to the skull/scalp
During the subacute phase of treatment the patient may be treated in the following ways:
- A full evaluation will take place
- An appropriate map toward recovery will be created
- Physical, speech and/or behavioral therapy will begin
The final stage of treatment for people with TBI is called chronic or long-term treatment. Those with mild to moderate TBI might skip the first two stages and begin their treatment here. Chronic treatment of TBI may include:
- Implementation of and training with assistive devices
- Counseling and therapy
- Medications
- Physical, speech, and/or behavioral therapy
Compensation For Traumatic Brain Injury Victims
A traumatic brain injury can have life-changing consequences and require a lifetime of medical treatment. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury as a result of another party’s negligence, you may be able to seek legal recourse. An attorney can help you file a personal injury claim against the responsible parties and fight to secure the compensation you need to push forward. Victims of traumatic brain injuries may be entitled to compensation for:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning potential
- In-home treatment and medical equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
Reasons To Hire A Brain Injury Lawyer
Brain injury cases can be particularly challenging for a number of reasons. Because brain injuries can be “invisible,” it can be difficult to explain to insurance companies the significant impact and changes brain damage can have on a victim’s life and their relationship with their family.
Brain injury claims also tend to have a high financial cost, making them more likely to be scrutinized and challenged by insurance companies. As such, these cases typically require the expertise of an experienced lawyer who has the knowledge and resources to dedicate to your case. An attorney experienced in handling brain injury claims can bring a variety of benefits to your case:
- They can keep your case on track and help you avoid costly delays
- They can help you recover a higher settlement that fully compensates you for your losses
- They can handle all negotiations and investigations on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind
- They can help you pursue litigation if an acceptable agreement cannot be reached
If you or a loved one has been injured and sustained a traumatic brain injury, please contact our brain injury lawyers in New Hampshire at Rousseau & Ross today. Fill out our online form or reach us by phone at 603-212-1176 for a free initial consultation. We are located in Lebanon, New Hampshire and have successfully represented clients throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.