Complications After a Head Injury
Head injuries are some of the most severe, devastating aspects of serious falls and car accidents. And while you might think the worst is over after being released from the hospital, only time will tell what long-term effects your injury may have. While some victims enjoy a full recovery, others are left with varying degrees of paralysis, migraines, cognitive impairments, nerve damage, and other disabilities that manifest gradually as time passes. Furthermore, secondary injuries that are usually considered minor may cause devastating damage due to the weakened and damaged condition of your brain tissue.
Potential Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are defined by the CDC as:
“a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury.”
A concussion is often considered a mild form of a TBI. While most patients can usually expect a full recovery from concussions and other mild TBI’s, moderate and severe TBI’s can cause disabilities that can last a lifetime. Many victims of TBI’s suffer from:
- Slowed thought processes
- Paralysis
- Reduced motor function
- Difficulty lifting and carrying objects
- Impaired vision
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of memory
- Loss of social ability
While some of these effects are visible immediately, others are more subtle and may not become evident until the victim returns to work or resumes their usual activities.
Secondary Injuries
Once a person has suffered a moderate or severe TBI, penetrating wound, fractured skull, or any other form of head injury, they are often at increased risk for a secondary injury. An accident or condition that would otherwise cause only a mild concussion may result in further, unrepairable damage—leaving the person disabled for the rest of their life.
If you or a loved one have suffered a head injury, you must keep a close eye out for any signs of long-term brain damage, including (but not limited to):
- Extensive headaches that could indicate edema (brain swelling)
- Seizures
- Mild or severe paralysis
- Fever or illnesses that indicate a possible cranial infection
- Any other physiological or functional impairments
- Inability to sleep
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hormonal changes
- Changes in appetite
Reporting these conditions to a doctor should be your top priority, as it could be a sign of serious complications that may require immediate treatment.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered a Head Injury?
If you or a loved one suffered a head injury from the carelessness or negligence of another, it is essential that you retain an experienced California personal injury attorney. The compensation you receive in a personal injury claim or lawsuit can cover everything needed you need to rebuild your life. It is easy to discount the potential long-term effects of head injuries, but it is important to ensure every aspect of your injury, from medical treatment to changes in your career, are accounted for in a claim so that you are not left with unnecessary bills.
At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, we work with your doctors and consult medical experts and professionals to evaluate all possible effects of your injuries when determining your compensation. We strive to ensure each victim gets what they need to deal with a lifetime of potential impacts, including covering future medical costs and all costs associated with rehabilitation.
Victims of head injuries need help to recover as much as possible, and we believe they deserve that help. Understanding the ramifications of head injuries and keeping a close eye on secondary injuries is the best way to give victims the best life possible—and our firm is here to facilitate victims and their families in doing just that.
If you have suffered such an injury and need legal representation, call us today at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to schedule a free consultation. We are on your side.