Cincinnati Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
A traumatic brain injury can come with a host of challenges for the victim and their families. Whether resulting from vehicle accidents or slip and falls, the road to recovery can be long, filled with mounting medical bills and the need for a skilled personal injury attorney to navigate the intricacies of an injury claim. Those who suffer from a TBI are often unable to return to the quality of life before the injury. They may be left to cope with the emotional, physical, and financial consequences caused by another person’s negligent or careless act. But if you or a loved one suffered a brain injury caused by another party, you have the right to seek damages to help you recover from your injuries and be compensated for your losses.
The personal injury lawyers at Slater & Zurz are prepared to fight tirelessly for justice. We will hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and advocate aggressively to get you the compensation you need and deserve. Our seasoned legal team has over a century of combined experience fighting for the health and well-being of our injured clients and will do everything within our power to get you the maximum recovery for your losses. We are willing and able to take on large corporations, insurance companies, and their lawyers to ensure a successful resolution to your case.
The Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of injury, the damage’s severity, and the injury’s location. TBIs can affect the exact place where the injury occurred or include the surrounding brain tissue. This means symptoms can appear immediately, while others can appear several days to weeks after the initial injury.
Symptoms of a mild TBI
An individual who has suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Dilated pupil in one or both eyes
- Blurred vision
- Short-term memory loss
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Mood changes
- Trouble with attention, concentration, or thinking
A concussion is commonly referred to by doctors as a mild TBI. An individual who has suffered a concussion may or may not experience a loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of moderate to severe TBIs
An individual with a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury may have several of the symptoms listed above but may experience additional symptoms, such as:
- A loss of consciousness for a few minutes or longer
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of vision
- Persistent vomiting or nausea
- Inability to wake from sleep
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Drastic mood swings
- Numbness in their arms or legs
- Sensory problems
Anyone who suffers a head injury should seek medical attention immediately. Often, symptoms do not appear right away, or existing symptoms become significantly worse with time.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a blow, bump, or jolt to the head that causes damage to the brain. A TBI can also occur when an object penetrates the skull. Injuries vary greatly, ranging from mild to severe. Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury from which most injured individuals can completely recover. More severe TBIs can result in lifelong mental, emotional, and physical challenges, coma, or even death. Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Falls
- Car accidents
- Sports injuries
- Violence, such as child abuse or domestic violence
- Explosions
- Bullet or knife wounds
- Blunt force trauma
- Bone fragments that penetrate the brain after a skull fracture
While falls and car accidents, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, are among the top causes, other incidents like closed head injuries from unexpected slip and falls also lead to significant TBIs, highlighting the critical role of law firms experienced in personal injury to secure just compensation.
The Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries
After any head injury, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. A qualified medical professional can diagnose a TBI regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms. If you have suffered a mild TBI (concussion), you will likely recover by resting and taking over-the-counter medication. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries require some level of medical treatment, depending on the nature and extent of the injury. Doctors use several methods to treat a TBI, including:
Surgery
Surgical procedures may be needed to prevent or minimize any further damage. Surgeries to remove blood clots, stop bleeding on or within the brain, and repair skull fractures or remove skull fragments are commonly performed in patients with moderate to severe TBIs.
Medication
Doctors may prescribe medication to control symptoms and prevent further damage.
- Sedation – Sedatives are used to slow down brain activity, reduce pressure in the brain, prevent seizures, and reduce agitation.
- Anti-seizure medication – Seizures are common for up to a week after a TBI. Anti-seizure medications prevent or minimize further brain damage caused by seizures.
- Coma-inducing medication – A coma allows the brain to rest. Coma-inducing drugs decrease brain swelling and lower brain activity, allowing the brain to heal.
- Diuretics – To reduce the pressure in the brain and drain excess cerebrospinal fluid, diuretics are often prescribed following a TBI.
The journey towards recovery often extends into the long term, requiring not only immediate but also prolonged medical care and rehabilitation. This emphasizes the importance of having experienced law firms by your side, ready to fight for the coverage of your ongoing medical bills and ensure you receive the comprehensive support you need.
Legal Support for Your Journey
Navigating the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury is complex and challenging. With Slater & Zurz, your journey is supported by compassionate personal injury attorneys who understand the nuances of motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and the impact of a closed head injury. Our law firms are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for your injury claim, offering you a lifeline in managing both short and long-term consequences of your injury. Let us take on the burden of fighting for your rights while you focus on your recovery. Call Slater & Zurz now to speak with our qualified personal injury lawyer in Cincinnati. Call (513)496-3331 today.