Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is any disturbance to normal brain function as a result of a blow or jolt to the head. The abrupt movement causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull bruising the brain and damaging delicate brain cells and tissues. These damages, and the chemical and physical changes that occur as a result, can alter brain function. While any type of a TBI is a serious injury and should be brought to the attention of a medical care professional, there are three different categories of TBIs: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild TBIs, usually diagnosed as concussions, are most common.
Symptoms for mild TBIs usually last two to three weeks; symptoms of moderate to severe TBIs last longer and in some cases, symptoms can be lifelong and life altering. Symptoms may last longer for people who are most at risk of developing TBIs. People most at risk of TBIs are newborns, young children, young adults, and adults over 60. Males are also more at risk than females, and those who have previously suffered from a TBI are more at risk of obtaining another one and may have a slower recovery. Suffering multiple TBIs can be dangerous, especially if the brain has not had time to fully recover from the previous injury. The odds of the brain functioning completely returning to normal become less likely with each TBI, and additional side effects may occur. Recent research suggests that repeated TBIs increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Signs and Symptoms
There are many symptoms of TBIs. If someone who has recently injured their head experiences a change to their normal thinking, mood, or sleeping patterns, they should see a doctor for a potential TBI. Symptoms can include trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, processing information in a timely manner, and remembering. If you or someone you know who has suffered from a car accident seems to forget recent conversations, is frequently “zoning out”, or appears to be having trouble drawing speedy conclusions, this could be a result of a TBI.
People who suffer from a TBI may be more emotional than usual and may have more defined mood swings. They may feel an increase in irritability, sadness, or anxiety. Additionally, as a result of a TBI, one’s sleep patterns are often interrupted. A person suffering from a TBI may sleep more or less than usual. They may also have trouble falling asleep and often feel tired.
TBIs may produce physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, increased sensitivity to noise or light, dizziness, or lack of energy. There may be a disruption to the senses such as blurry vision, ringing in the ears, changes in the ability to smell, or even a bad taste in their mouth. In addition to seeking medical attention for noticeable differences in thought, mood, or sleep, people should also see a doctor if they experience any of the physical symptoms described. It is important to note that not all symptoms may appear immediately following the accident and some may even emerge days or months afterwards.
These signs may be hard to notice, so it is important to monitor closely. If the potential TBI sufferer is a child, the signs may be more difficult to see because a child may have more trouble communicating effectively. In addition to the symptoms stated above, a child with a TBI may also change eating or nursing habits, cry persistently, or lose interest in favorite toys.
In extreme cases, someone who has a moderate or severe TBI may experience additional symptoms that appear sometime within the first couple of days after the accident. These additional symptoms include seizures, dilation of pupils, exertion of clear fluids from the nose or ears, inability to wake up, loss of feeling or weakness in fingers and toes, poor coordination, or slurred speech. While in every scenario where someone may have a potential TBI, a doctor should be consulted, if these additional symptoms occur, one should seek medical help immediately. Additional information regarding TBI symptoms can be found at the CDC’s website and the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Marasco & Nesselbush’s Reputation & Expertise in Handling Complex Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Marasco & Nesselbush has developed a well-deserved reputation for our expertise in handling complex cases involving traumatic brain injuries. Due to our recognized expertise, we have been invited to present at the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island’s Annual Conferences on legal matters relating to brain injury. In addition, Marasco & Nesselbush received the first ever Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island Leadership Award and continues partner with the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island and support all the good work they do.
Recent Results with Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Marasco & Nesselbush has achieved extraordinary results on behalf of our clients who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries.
$4,500,000 award for a client who was the victim of a car accident that resulted in a TBI
$1,500,000 secured for wrongful death due to an undiagnosed brain injury in the emergency room
$1,000,000 recovery for a pedestrian stuck by a vehicle who sustained a brain injury
$1,200,000 recovered on behalf of an adolescent who sustained a TBI when hit by a drunk driver
$1,000,000 secured for a client who sustained a TBI in a fall from a second-floor window
$1,000,000 for the family of a client who sustained a brain injury and subsequent wrongful death in a truck accident
How Marasco & Nesselbush Can Help
Founded in 1999, Marasco & Nesselbush is Rhode Island’s trusted injury law firm. Our award-winning team of twelve attorneys has more than 200 years of combined experience advocating for clients who have suffered life-altering injuries. With over $100,000,000 recovered for our clients, we have a proven track record of successfully resolving complex serious injury cases.
Above all else, our firm is dedicated to the well-being of every client we work with. We make a commitment to treat every client with compassion and take pride in providing an exceptional client experience while achieving extraordinary legal results.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury and are in need of legal care, give us a call or contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation.
