Traumatic brain injuries are among the most devastating a person can experience because they alter cognitive function, and the side effects may last forever. In many cases, the lasting symptoms can result in a reduced ability to perform work and may put emotional strain on relationships. Most people who suffer this type of injury report a lower quality of life, but how serious are they in Los Angeles?
Different Types of Brain Injury
Brain injuries can typically be split into three categories: concussion, contusion, and penetrative injury. The symptoms following head trauma can either be mild or severe. The most common type of brain injury is contusions and concussions, which often happen when people are involved in car accidents, playing sports, or carrying out manual work tasks. Following this type of injury, a hospital visit will be required to assess the damage and put together a recovery plan.
Penetrating brain injuries are when the head is left open, which causes damage to the brain or bones. Given the exposure to the brain, penetrative brain injuries are the type most likely to kill and often require extensive medical attention.
The Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by any type of damage to the head, but the most common include:
- Vehicle accidents.
- Bicycle accidents.
- Slips and falls.
- Pedestrian accidents.
According to The Los Angeles Times, there are almost 3 million slips and falls, 40,000 vehicle accidents, 1,700 pedestrian accidents, and 1,813 bicycle accidents every single year. These are significantly high figures and opens up plenty of opportunity for the people of LA to experience traumatic brain injuries.
If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury following an accident on business premises, in a public or private space, or after being struck by a negligent driver, then make sure you get in touch with our expert personal injury attorneys now.
Strategies to Avoid Traumatic Brain Injury
There’s no 100% method of avoiding traumatic brain injuries because they can occur no matter what you do. However, you can take on board the following safety precautions to reduce your chances of having an accident:
- Never drink or text while driving.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Wear a helmet if you’re on a bicycle or motorcycle – no matter how far you’re going.
- Always observe traffic and road signs when walking around.
- Being generally alert of your surroundings.
Common Symptoms of Head Injuries
If your accident leads to an open head wound, you’ll know straight away. However, other types of head trauma can be more challenging to recognize. The most common symptoms are:
- Weakness in arms and legs.
- Tingling or numbness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
There are also a number of more serious medical side effects as well, which include:
- Memory problems.
- Reduced cognitive functioning.
- Language and speech problems.
- Personality shifts.
A traumatic brain injury may present with symptoms straight away, and others may take days, weeks, or even years to become apparent. Therefore, no matter how serious the accident was, it’s essential for you to get examined by a medical practitioner.
Are There Any Psychiatric Issues?
The brain is a complex organ that’s responsible for our personalities, behaviors, facial expressions, and everything else. Therefore, the sad truth is that traumatic brain injuries can bring about a series of psychiatric problems, such as:
- Mood swings.
- Anxiety, depression, and feelings of low self-worth.
- Irritability and anger.
- A short fuse.
If you suffer any mental issues as a result of your traumatic brain injury, you should know that our team of lawyers will make sure you are adequately compensated.
How to File a Traumatic Brain Injury Compensation Claim
You are well within your rights to file a lawsuit following a traumatic brain injury in Los Angeles, and the first step you need to take is to contact our offices. You will most likely receive settlement offers from relevant insurance parties, but it’s essential that you don’t accept these and then divert all communication through our firm.
After making the right decision to claim compensation, you’ll need to act fast because there is a two-year statute of limitations in Los Angeles. However, the exact amount of time will depend on the circumstances and how long after the accident your injury was discovered.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, and someone else was at fault, then make sure you contact us at the following office:
536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Or call now for a free consultation on (415) 352-6264.