Common Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Physical Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The following can be physical signs of a traumatic brain injury:

• Headache 
• Dizziness or loss of balance 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Fatigue or drowsiness 
• Blurred vision 
• Sensitivity to light or sound 
• Ringing in the ears 
• Changes in smell or taste 
• Seizures 
• Loss of consciousness 

Cognitive Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The following can be cognitive signs of a TBI:

• Confusion or disorientation 
• Memory problems 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Trouble communicating or following conversations 
• Difficulty making decisions 
• Difficulty completing everyday tasks 
• Brain fog 

Emotional and Behavioral Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The following can be emotional or behavioral signs of a traumatic brain injury:

• Mood swings 
• Irritability or anger 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Changes in personality 
• Loss of interest in activities 
• Impulsivity or changes in behavior

When Do Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms Appear?

Some traumatic brain injury symptoms can appear immediately after the accident. Others can take hours, days, or even weeks before they show up. Every person is different, and the timeline depends on the severity of the injury. Symptoms could also be delayed due to chemical changes, bleeding, or swelling in the brain.

Even if you feel okay, you should still seek medical care as soon as possible, as delayed onset could result in serious outcomes. For example, with brain bleeding, it can take hours or days before the skull fills with blood. Once it does, you could lose consciousness and fall into a coma.

Signs of a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

The following are signs of a severe TBI:

• Loss of consciousness 
• Seizures 
• Increasing confusion 
• Repeated vomiting 
• Severe or worsening headache 
• Difficulty waking or staying awake 
• Slurred speech 
• Weakness or numbness 
• Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears 

Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The long-term effects of a brain injury can last for years or the rest of your life, including:

• Persistent cognitive difficulties 
• Memory problems 
• Emotional changes 
• Personality changes 
• Chronic headaches 
• Difficulty working 
• Difficulty maintaining relationships 
• Ongoing medical or rehabilitation needs 

Complications From a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

A brain injury may produce complications, as well as direct symptoms. Complications may include:

• Infection
• Coma or persistent vegetative state
• Fluid build-up, especially around the brain
• Blood vessel damage
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Post-concussion syndrome

These complications may appear immediately or after a period of time. Complications can increase or decrease over time and throughout treatment. Even with treatment, complications may continue.

What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury may cause symptoms long-term. Whether or not the brain injury is properly treated, victims still may experience traumatic brain injury symptoms years later. For example, five years after a brain injury from a car accident, a victim may suffer from crippling anxiety. They may wonder why they are unable to maintain employment or stable relationships. The victim may not realize that they are suffering from symptoms tied to their brain injury from five years ago. Traumatic brain injury symptoms can significantly impact a victim’s well-being and daily activities long-term.

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms And Legal Claims

Traumatic brain injury symptoms are complicated because injuries are often hidden and subtle. Injuries may not be known immediately. If they are known, the long-term implications may vary. All of this uncertainty can complicate legal claims associated with brain injury symptoms.

Colorado law allows a personal injury victim to claim the full amount of compensation, whatever it may be (subject to non-economic damage caps). That means if the victim suffers long-term damages, they are entitled to the compensation that coincides with these injuries. Medical care may be included for as long as the victim needs it. If the victim is unable to work because of subtle but serious long-term damages, they may include lost wages in their claim.

The long-term damages need to be identified at the outset of a legal claim. The victim has one opportunity to get the best result for their case. They must be sure to identify the possibility of long-term damages. Valuing them to a certain degree to prove a legal claim can be a challenge. The victim must be prepared with medical experts and documentation in order to verify the extent of injuries and the amount claimed.

Legal Cases Involving Traumatic Brain Injury

One case that illustrates the damages that may be available to a victim for brain injury symptoms is Walker v. Ford Motor Company 2020 COA 164 No. 19CA1243¹. The Colorado case involved a victim who was rear-ended while driving a Ford Explorer. The victim suffered from brain injury and soft tissue damage. He blamed the damages on a faulty seat in the vehicle. In the case, the court addressed disputes over jury instructions and post-judgment interest. The court upheld the verdict of $2.9 million.

Fair Accident Compensation For Traumatic Brain Injury

As a victim pursuing a legal claim, the most important take-away is to seek medical care as soon as possible when there are signs of a brain injury. Not only is the care essential for health, but it also verifies the link between the accident and the victim’s injuries. Furthermore, working with specialized and experienced medical experts is crucial to efficiently and thoroughly presenting the information to the court.

Attorney For Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

If you suffer from signs of a traumatic brain injury after an accident, the party responsible for causing the accident may owe you financial compensation. However, to receive this compensation, you must have the evidence to identify the injury, show the long-term implications of the injury and value the associated damages.

Our attorneys for traumatic brain injury cases have extensive training and experience in helping brain injury victims fight for their rights. We offer full-service representation designed to get results for deserving victims. Start your case today by contacting our office for your complimentary consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

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