Brain injuries can be caused by anything from a slip and fall accident to a football injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.4 million Americans suffer from a brain injury every year.
There are several types of brain injuries. A concussion is caused by a jolt or blow to the head and may result in permanent brain damage. An acquired brain injury is internal and is caused when brain cells are deprived of oxygen; this often occurs with misuse of medication, near-drowning, exposure to toxic substances or other incidents that cut off oxygen. A “closed” head injury may not result in obvious damage to the head, but may cause brain damage—a common example of a “closed” head injury is whiplash.
Brain injuries can be difficult to detect and may be misdiagnosed or missed. They can range from mild to severe, and symptoms may not be obvious. Symptoms may also occur over time. If you or someone you love has been in an accident that involved any sort of head or brain injury, watch for the signs of brain injury outlined below.
- Memory loss
- Inability to concentrate
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Loss of consciousness
- Dilated pupils; pupils of uneven size
- Balance issues
- Blurred vision
- Respiratory issues
- Slow pulse and breathing rate with increase in blood pressure
- Change in mood/behavior/cognitive function
- Persistent headache
- Irritability
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have suffered a brain injury after a trauma, seek medical treatment and advice immediately. If you believe someone is legally liable for a head or brain injury, the first step is to speak with an expert personal injury attorney with experience in brain injury litigation.
Luckily for you, the lawyers at Schuerman Law have over forty years of experience with brain injury personal injury claims. If you need to speak with an attorney about a brain injury, call them today to learn how to get the justice and compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
