Being involved in an accident of any kind will always be a stressful and challenging experience. One of the most significant concerns that someone can have if they are involved in an accident is if they incur any type of injury, some of the most serious of which are brain injuries. There are various common brain injuries that can occur due to an accident.
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Concussion
The most common type of brain injury that people can incur is a concussion. A concussion is a common brain injury that can take place during a vehicle accident, when participating in various sports, and in other situations. A concussion is typically characterized as the brain moving and hitting the side of the skull. Some common symptoms of a concussion can include confusion, headaches, lack of coordination, or even temporary memory loss. While the normal symptoms will usually clear up within a couple of days, there is continuing evidence that concussions can cause long-term brain damage as well.
Swelling of the Brain
Another common condition that can occur during a brain injury is edema, or swelling of the brain. With this condition, the brain will swell enough to where it presses against the side of the skull. Since the skull is sturdy and will not move, it can start to put pressure on all sides of the brain. If you are experiencing brain edema, it is very likely that you will have headaches, nausea, or neck pain. While edema could subside naturally, you will often need to receive immediate medical attention to evaluate the condition and potentially require a full procedure.
Skull Fractures
If you are involved in an accident, another type of traumatic brain injury that you could incur is a skull fracture. While the skull is very durable and designed to protect the brain, there is always a chance that it could incur a fracture. If this is the case, it could cause a variety of brain impairments that will need to be closely monitored. If the fracture is minor enough, it may repair naturally on its own. However, depressed fractures and more significant fractures will typically require you to go through various procedures to ensure it is fixed and that your brain is properly protected.
Hematoma
When you are involved in an accident that results in any type of brain injury, one of the most significant concerns is that you could incur a hematoma. When you do incur a hematoma, it will be characterized as blood collecting in the brain, which would typically be due to a burst blood vessel. The severity and overall symptoms of a hematoma can depend based on the location of the burst vessel. Some common symptoms of a hematoma can include vomiting, headaches, and difficulty speaking. A hematoma will need to be closely monitored and could require brain surgery to ensure it is repaired and cleaned up properly
Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you are involved in an accident that results in a brain injury, you likely are going to experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While traumatic brain injuries are serious, you should also look out for non-traumatic brain injuries that you could develop as a result of the accident over time. Some of the most common non-traumatic brain injuries that you can incur include a stroke, hemorrhage, or an anoxic brain injury. If you ever notice that you are feeling dizzy, have unexplained headaches, or are dealing with any loss of brain function, it is very important that you come in for an evaluation to ensure it is not due to a brain injury.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
A diffuse axonal injury is another type of traumatic brain injury that can be difficult to manage. With a diffuse axonal injury, you likely will not experience any bleeding, and swelling may not be as significant. However, it can still be considered just as serious of a brain injury as it can cause permanent damage to the axons within the brain. Some symptoms of this brain injury will include headaches, vomiting, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness. A neurologist will be needed to evaluate this brain injury and determine if additional medical care or treatment is necessary.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney
If you are involved in an accident that results in a brain injury, it is important that you retain legal support. Due to a brain injury, you can incur a range of different losses. This includes medical and therapy bills, lost wages, and an overall impact on your quality of life. When you hire an attorney, they can help you receive a fair amount of financial support from the party that caused the accident or an appropriate insurance company. This will ensure that your rights are properly represented and that you are able to focus on your recovery.
It is clearly a good idea that you hire legal counsel after incurring a brain injury. When you are looking for a brain injury attorney in Atlanta, you should reach out to the team with the Stoddard Law Firm. The team here can provide you with a full consultation on your case and any legal services that you need. This will include preparing all legal notices and filing, handling negotiations with the other parties, and even support during a full civil case. This will help ensure your rights are represented and that you receive a fair final outcome.
