Philadelphia Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

The effects following a traumatic brain injury usually depend on the severity of the event and the specific circumstances behind the location of the trauma. In cases of minor traumatic brain injuries (TBI), patients will have short term memory loss, often forgetting the accident that resulted in the brain trauma, they may also temporarily lose consciousness. Side effects include sleepiness, loss of orientation or dizziness and nausea. These symptoms are considered normal in cases of minor TBIs and go away within a few days. In instances where a victim’s symptoms do not go away or if they result in even more serious symptoms like seizures or dilated pupils, it is suggested that the injured see a doctor. A physician who does a proper study of the patient’s medical history and the events since the TBI will be able to determine the severity of the injury, they may use tests like CAT scan or MRIs to evaluate internal injuries.

In more severe instances, the patient could need surgery or constant monitoring in an intensive care unit in order to be medically stabilized. It could be sometime before the injured is permitted to walk about or even communicate with loved ones. The constant monitoring is to insure that the patient does not go into a coma or other vegetative state, a common side effect of a serious traumatic brain injury. The temporary symptoms of an initial blow to the head should subside, like short term memory loss, nausea, disorientation or even unconsciousness during the initial stay at a hospital, an extended stay can insure this while also giving the patient time to recover physically from their injuries and the treatments they’ve undergone.

After stabilizing the patient, doctors can see the lasting effects the traumatic brain injury will have on the abilities of the injured. These long term, lasting effects can vary widely, depending on the health of the patient, the severity of the TBI and what portion of the brain was affected. Problems can range from issues with basic awareness, like there senses, ability to speak, use of motor skills, memory, reasoning and cognitive ability, even emotion and behavior. Initially patients may not recognize family members or they may act significantly different than they did before the accident. Medical staff will use a series of standardized tests intended to measure the severity of their injuries. Once the results are gathered, TBI experts can sit down with the patient’s family and discuss a plan for long term care and rehabilitation. Therapy options ranging from physical, occupational, speech, and mental health will be discussed and scheduled. Discussions of medication which will be used to control the ongoing symptoms of the TBI, like those that will temper seizures and control pain will occur. The combined efforts of all of the medical experts in the treatment and care process can take many years and cost millions of dollars.

Rehabilitation for TBI victims is not automatic. Research funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that fewer than 20% of those that suffer from traumatic brain injuries receive even the most basic of rehabilitation. The individuals who have obvious symptoms have a much better chance of receiving the proper treatment, as do patients who have loved ones who advocate for them. Victim’s health insurance may also not cover the necessary medical rehabilitation because of a cap on the amount of monies that can be paid out in an individuals lifetime. Health insurance companies have also been known to resort to claiming individuals have had gaps in payment or outright denying claims in an effort to save money.

If you believe that the TBI that you or a loved one has suffered through were caused by the deliberate act of carelessness of another individual you have the right to hold that party legally responsible for the traumatic brain injuries they must now live with. A Philadelphia traumatic brain injury lawsuit can help compensate the injured for their injuries. This can include monies to pay for permanent disabilities, lost wages, medical bills, and even pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury and you believe it was due to the negligence of another, please contact the skilled Pennsylvania brain injury attorneys at Cherry Injury Law today at 215-675-2400 for a free case evaluation.