Do Not Underestimate Head Injuries
Bumps, blows, or jolts to the head can occur in a variety of different accidents and are one of the most common types of personal injuries. As symptoms can be relatively minor at first, victims often fail to take these injuries seriously and do not report the accident or get the medical care they need. Unfortunately, this can jeopardize your health, as well as your rights in a personal injury claim. Brain injuries that happen as a result can have major impacts on every area of your life. It is important to be aware of the risks and the steps needed to protect yourself.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Head Injuries
Head injuries often occur as a result of car accidents, slips and falls, or due to mishaps that occur while engaged in sports or recreational injuries. Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic warns that even a seemingly minor bump or jolt to the head can end up disrupting neural pathways in the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often happen as a result.
These can have major impacts on victims, resulting in long term disabilities. However, the immediate symptoms are often minor. These may include:
- Momentary loss of consciousness;
- Dizziness and difficulty standing;
- Headaches;
- Blurred vision;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Problems remembering the accident;
- Difficulty communicating or understanding what others are saying;
- Sleepiness and difficulty in waking up.
Anytime a head injury is suspected, seek medical care immediately. If left undiagnosed and untreated, head and brain injuries can prove life threatening and may even be fatal. In addition to getting medical care, make sure an accident report is filed detailing exactly how and why it occurred.
Long Term Impacts That Can Result From Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often happen as a result of concussions, skull fractures, and other types of head injuries. Unfortunately, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that TBI can have long term impacts, affecting victims in the following ways:
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Loss of physical skills: Reductions in reflexes, movement, and coordination are common.
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Disruptions in cognitive functions: This can impact the victim’s judgment, memory, communication skills, and general thought processes.
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Mental health issues: People with TBI often experience depression and increased anxiety.
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Changes in personality: TBI can make people more likely to isolate. It can also cause increased agitation, resulting in angry outbursts and fits of rage.
Even if a head or brain injury is relatively minor, it can take many months to heal and leave victims vulnerable in the future. Additional bumps or blows to the head are likely to have more severe impacts and may result in permanent disabilities.
Contact Us Today for Help
At Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., we are here to help when you or someone you love suffers a head or brain injury. As experienced Daytona Beach brain injury attorneys, we help you get the compensation you need to recover in a claim. To request a consultation, call or contact our office online today.
