Brain injuries can occur in many ways and are classified from severe and traumatic brain injury to mild brain injuries. Car accidents are the cause of a majority of brain injuries in Southern California.
Traumatic brain injuries typically result from accidents in which the head strikes an object, from a car crash or a fall. However, brain injuries may also be caused by insufficient oxygen, poisoning, or infection, can cause similar deficits. According to the CDC, in 2010 there were 2.5 million traumatic brain injuries. Among all age groups, motor vehicle crashes and traffic related incidents were responsible for the largest percentage of traumatic brain injury related deaths. Often times, the victims of accident are not at fault and can pursue legal action against the wrongdoer that inflicted a potentially life long injury upon them.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) are characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: a brief loss (or no loss) of consciousness, loss of memory immediately before or after the injury, any alteration in mental state at the time of the accident, or focal neurological deficits. In many MTBI cases, the person seems fine on the surface, yet continues to endure chronic functional problems. Some people suffer long-term effects of MTBI, known as postconcussion syndrome.
Traumatic brain injury or Mild Traumatic Brain injuries are often over looked in the assessment of car accident victims. Diagnosing a mild traumatic brain injury or a concussion resulting from a car accident can be difficult. For example, a car crash victim may complain of headaches for months after the accident and it will likely take a medical specialist to figure out the headaches are a result of an injury to the neck, not the brain.
Some researchers wanted to find out why post-concussion symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, forgetfulness and headaches, persisted longer than the first few weeks or months. They found that being in a motor vehicle accident rendered participants more likely to have significant ongoing problems.
It is important to contact attorneys who understands traumatic brain injury to pursue legal action on your behalf. The attorneys at Martinez & Schill LLP understand brain injuries and the long lasting effects. Please contact our San Diego office or Riverside office should you wish to discuss your potential case.
Other Resources:
Many people suffering a brain injury understand the importance of obtaining medical care or engaging a lawyer to fight for their right, but there are also support networks for victims of traumatic brain injury and their families.
- The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation has created the following guide to recovery for brain injury victims. SDBIF Guide
- Riverside County list of resources for victims of traumatic brain injury.