Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
Brain injuries occur far more often than many people realize. According to the Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, 1.7 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Of those, 52,000 will result in death, and 275,000 will be hospitalized. In their most recent study, Georgians suffered 15,608 traumatic brain injuries as of March 2017, more than half of which were caused by car accidents. If you’ve been in an accident and hit your head, you may have suffered a brain injury that could lead to lasting complications.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Defined
The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury as “a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.” The CDC notes that traumatic brain injuries encompass a range of injuries from mild to severe. The most common mild TBI is a concussion, but we know that even mild concussions can have long-term consequences.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can cause not only physical symptoms but also emotional and cognitive ones. The symptoms can also vary widely in severity, but generally speaking, the more serious the injury the more severe the symptoms. Here are some of the common symptoms you may be experiencing if you’ve suffered a TBI:
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Loss of balance
- Fatigue, lethargy
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Clouded thinking
- Confusion
- Memory loss
Emotional Symptoms
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sadness or depression
- Mood swings
This is not an exhaustive list – these are just some of the symptoms that victims commonly experience. It’s also important to note that if you lost consciousness when you suffered the injury, you more than likely have suffered a TBI.
The Potential Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
From mild to severe, brain injuries typically involve at least some form of medical treatment. In a study released in 2015, Northwestern University estimated that medical treatment for brain injuries range anywhere from $85,000 to $3 million. For people who don’t have sufficient health insurance or don’t have any insurance at all, these costs can be devastating for the victim and possibly their entire family.
In addition to the potential medical expenses, the Northwestern study also concluded that TBI victims are unemployed for an average of two years. For most Americans, the prospect of being unemployed for more than a few weeks is a terrifying prospect. If you’re unable to do your job due to your injury, you may be facing short-term, long-term, or even permanent disability.
Lastly, victims should consider the non-economic effects of a brain injury. The effects of a TBI can be debilitating, leaving you unable to take care of your family, enjoy your hobbies, or simply live your life like you used to.
Contact an Atlanta Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Traumatic brain injuries can change your life forever so you should get the help you need. If you’re suffering from a brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, the attorneys at Slappey & Sadd can help. We work with clients all over Georgia to make sure they get the compensation they deserve. If you’d like to see how we can help you protect your future, call us at 888-474-9616 or contact us online in order to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.