Traumatic Brain Injuries Lawyers in Madison

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a force to the head or brain disrupting the normal functioning of the brain. A direct blow to the head is not necessary for the injury to be classified as a TBI. Such severe injuries can be caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. The severity of a TBI can vary from minor to severe.

There are various types of brain injuries, including concussion, diffuse axonal injury, contusion, coup-contrecoup injury, second-impact syndrome, and penetrating injury. Each type of brain injury requires specific medical assessment and treatment to address the unique challenges and potential complications.

Traumatic brain injury victims often suffer a wide range of symptoms. The immediate effects of the injury can include loss of consciousness, seizures, confusion, and severe headache. The long-term impacts of TBI include chronic headaches, cognitive impairments, and memory problems.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

There are various types of incidents that can cause damage to the brain. A common cause of traumatic brain injuries is motor vehicle accidents. Even with seatbelts and airbags, the head can strike objects or suffer a forceful jolt, causing damage to the brain. Falling is another common cause of TBIs, especially in the elderly and young children. Other common causes include physical assaults, workplace accidents, and sports injuries. In some cases, recreational activities such as cycling or skateboarding can also result in severe brain injuries.

What Makes Traumatic Brain Injuries So Dangerous?

Brain injuries can happen to anyone at any time and the unpredictability of these devastating injuries is one reason why they are so dangerous. Someone could be playing with their kids or taking a leisurely stroll when they suffer an accident that causes them to suffer a TBI.

Another reason that this injury is particularly dangerous is the complexity and critical role of the brain. Even slight damage to brain cells can cause major issues with the body. For example, repeated concussions, which are common in certain sports, can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a serious degenerative brain condition. Suffering a TBI also increases the chances of the risk of secondary conditions, such as mental health disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

The challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of TBI makes it dangerous as even advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scans, might not be able to detect mild TBIs. Even if the TBI is diagnosed, the treatment is challenging as it may require a multi-pronged approach that includes surgery, physical therapy, medication, and mental health services.

Steps to Take After a Brain Injury

A brain injury can be a confusing and overwhelming event. If you are in a stable condition, there are a few important steps to take immediately after a brain injury. You must call emergency services as soon as possible and seek medical attention. You want to get medical attention to treat the injury and establish a record of the incident, including how you suffered the injury and the symptoms you are experiencing as a result of the incident.

You should also document the accident by taking photos of anything that could be relevant to your case. If there are any eyewitnesses to the incident, ask them if they would be willing to provide their contact information and witness statements.

You also need to notify your health insurance company about the incident. You must notify the insurance provider if the incident resulted from an insured event, such as a car accident. If you think you haven’t received proper medical care for your injury, you can contact the Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin.

Consulting a brain injury lawyer is another key step in protecting your rights and getting compensation for your injury. The top Madison brain injury attorneys can handle all the legal processes while you focus on recovering from the devastating accident. The brain injury attorney can also guide you on the amount of compensation to expect from your case.

While you are resting, avoid activities that could worsen the injury. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with them.