A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head disrupts normal brain function. Although many TBIs are mild, such as concussions, some injuries are moderate or severe, posing long-term risks to health, well-being, and financial stability.
Moderate and severe TBIs can significantly impact quality of life, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Rehabilitation may be extensive, while medical bills and lost income can accumulate quickly. Obtaining skilled legal representation is essential to secure the financial resources needed during treatment and recovery.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the CDC, TBIs are categorized into three main types:
- Mild TBI or concussion
- Moderate TBI
- Severe TBI
TBI Statistics in the United States
TBIs are a major cause of death and disability across all age groups. In 2021:
- There were over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States, which equates to about 190 deaths every day.
- TBIs affect people of all ages, but some groups are at higher risk of dying or experiencing long-term health problems following an injury.
Who is at Risk for Head Injuries
- Older adults: Most emergency room visits and hospitalizations for TBIs in older adults result from falls.
- Infants, children, and teens: Falls account for nearly half of all TBI-related ER visits in this age group.
- Workplace and public spaces: Brain injuries can occur due to safety negligence in professional or commercial environments.
- Sports and recreational activities: Contact sports and recreational accidents can result in TBIs.
- Motor vehicle accidents: TBIs sustained in car crashes account for 20% of all TBI hospitalizations.
- Acts of violence and combat settings can also cause traumatic brain injuries.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms can appear immediately or days and months after the injury. They generally fall into four categories:
- Cognitive difficulties: Trouble concentrating, memory problems, or learning new information.
- Physical health issues: Headache, blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
- Sleep changes: Trouble falling asleep, sleeping too much, or too little.
- Emotional and behavioral changes: Anxiety, irritability, sadness, and other mood disturbances.
These symptoms often leave individuals feeling slowed down and hinder daily life.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
While many TBIs are mild, some require urgent attention. Go to the nearest emergency department if you or a loved one experience:
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Worsening headache
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Difficulty recognizing familiar faces or places
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness or drowsiness
- Unequal pupil size
- Unusual behavior
Legal Support for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Recovering from a TBI often involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices to restore mobility and daily function. If a TBI occurs due to another person’s negligence—whether in a car accident, fall, or other incident—contacting a DC head injury lawyer immediately is critical.
The experienced team at The Lapidus Law Firm brings over forty years of legal expertise, handling insurance companies and advocating for fair settlements. We work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other losses, allowing you to focus on recovery.
A free, no-obligation consultation is available to discuss your rights and guide you through the legal process. Call (202) 785-5111 today to speak with a knowledgeable DC head injury lawyer.