HOUSTON BRAIN
INJURY LAWYER

What are the symptoms of a brain injury?

One has to be especially careful when a closed head injury or traumatic brain injury is suspected. Symptoms may not show up immediately after the accident. Often, symptoms show up only after an hour or even days after the event. Our traumatic brain injury law firm has helped many head injury victims get maximum compensation.

Because of the dangers inherent with a traumatic brain injury, getting medical help after a sharp blow to the head is always recommended. Numerous tests can be performed, which will help diagnose a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These tests include a CT scan, speech pathology testing, neuropsychological tests, and others.

Here are some of the classic symptoms of a brain injury:

• Headaches
• loss of consciousness
• Confusion or forgetfulness
• nausea or vomiting
• personality changes
• slurring your speech
• balance issues
• mood swings
• memory loss

How TBI is diagnosed?

Traumatic brain injuries are diagnosed with reference to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The GCS is an objective measure of a person’s functioning ability in three areas:

– Speech ability

– Ability to open the eyes

– Ability to move

Medical professionals rate a person’s responses in these three categories and come up with a total score for the person. A score of 13 or higher usually means a mild traumatic brain injury. A score of nine up to 12 indicates a moderate brain injury. Eight and below shows a severe head injury.

Usually, the Glasgow scale is completed on the way to the hospital after an accident. The testing will be repeated throughout a person’s hospital stay. Medical authorities indicate there may not be a correlation between Glasgow, scales, and a person’s ability to recover.

Other diagnostic tests may include a brain scan, X-rays, computed tomography (CAT scan), Electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and blood work.

What About Concussions

According to Brainline, an organization that works to prevent, treat, and aid those that have suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a concussion can be defined as “a result of a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.”

While most individuals might chalk up any head injury as “not being too serious,” the research indicates that even the most minor of concussions can have a wide range of psychological or physical effects.

The research also notes that, while many signs and symptoms of a serious issue can arise just minutes after a traumatic head injury, other signs may take days or even weeks to develop. Thus, one must recognize the symptoms of a concussion to prevent ongoing or additional trauma to the injured individual potentially.

Thus, remember the following concussion symptoms, broken down by subset:

Emotional and Cognition

• The individual cannot think clearly and has trouble concentrating.
• The individual cannot recall old information or store new information.
• The individual feels as if they are “slowed down.”
• The individual has an abrupt change in mood, such as being easily angered or upset, sad, anxious, or nervous.
• The individual is overall more emotional than normal.

Physical Attributes

• A headache, whether minor or moderate.
• Blurred or fuzzy vision.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light or varying noise levels.
• Dizziness.
• Problems with coordination and balance.
• Sleeping more or less than usual.
• Feeling more tired than usual or having no energy.
• Having a hard time trying to fall asleep.

For young children, one should follow:

• Crying more than usual.
• Changes in behavior, such as throwing “temper tantrums,” become easily agitated or upset, or noticeable changes during play.
• Continued headache.
• Changes in sleeping patterns, nursing, or sleep.
• Disinterest in favorite toys or activities.
• Loss of acquired skills; for example, having trouble with toilet training after already mastering this feat.
• Loss of balance and overall trouble with coordination.
• Trouble concentrating.

If you notice someone with the above symptoms after a head injury, the first thing to do is to remain calm. By panicking, one will make the situation worse by not fully understanding the condition and being unable to render aid or seek after help.

Your Case May Require Expert Testimony

Our Houston brain injury attorneys are experienced in winning big damages for our clients. One of the keys to recovering compensation for damages related to a head injury is having qualified experts who can provide testimony about your case. An expert’s opinion and testimony can make the case. Our experienced TBI lawyers will seek out physicians with whom consultation and treatment will likely be needed.

These experts may include professionals with knowledge of:

• future medical expenses;
• accident reconstruction;
• economics or finances; and
• neurology and other medical specialties.

Our head trauma lawyers have helped many clients with moderate to severe head injuries that have resulted in significant damage settlements. Call our Houston brain injury law firm for a consultation about your rights and options.

Treatment of head injuries

Initially, after the injury, medical personnel will check your vital signs, confirm that you are conscious and responsive, and, if possible, ask about your symptoms. Once released, the doctor may ask that a responsible adult monitor your condition for a day or two. This person will be instructed about possible danger signs. Your doctor may recommend a mild painkiller or a stronger one if necessary. Always follow the doctor’s recommendations as certain drugs might increase the risk of bleeding inside the head.

In more severe cases, the doctor may admit the injured person to the intensive care unit or perform surgery to repair a depressed skull fracture or treat a brain hemorrhage.  Long-term, a patient may need ongoing physical, psychological, or occupational therapy to deal with the consequences of their injury.

What Compensation Can I Get in My Brain Injury Case?

If you or your loved one has suffered a brain injury as the result of another party’s negligent act, you can seek compensation for the damages that result. In this type of case, accident victims and their families might suffer an array of damages.

Appropriate compensation may cover some of the following:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Reduced capacity to earn a wage
• Loss of wages
• Home modification requirements
• Emotional distress
• Disability

Dealing with a brain injury after a crash

If you have suffered a head or brain injury in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should discuss your legal options with a head trauma attorney. Negligence means that someone owed a legal duty of care, breached that duty of care, that as a result, the victim suffered an injury, and the breach of care caused the injury.

The consequences of a brain injury can take a painfully personal and financial toll on the injured person and their family. Many victims of a brain injury are severely injured and may suffer a permanent disability. Depending on the nature and extent of the injury, victims may need expensive medical care and assistance with everyday activities. Each situation is unique; life-long care can cost millions of dollars.

Because head injuries and brain injuries are often devastating, greater compensation may be needed. Speaking with a Houston brain injury lawyer is an important step after an accident.  In Texas, damages are divided into two categories: special and general

Discuss the extent of your damages and the types you may recover with a leading Houston head injury attorney, as the damages recoverable will vary on a case-by-case basis. We have helped many victims get multi-million dollar settlements after a head injury accident/