A traumatic brain injury results from a forceful blow to the head, which may happen in an accident or due to someone’s intentional actions. As a brain injury lawyer in Kansas City, MO from a firm like Royce Injury Attorneys LLC can explain, brain injuries can result in damage that may affect the patient’s function. Because neural tissue doesn’t always heal, the damage may be permanent. Because a TBI can be serious, it is important to take immediate action if you suspect one in yourself or someone else.
What To Do if You Suspect a Brain Injury in Yourself
If you have any reason to believe that you have experienced a brain injury, you should see a doctor right away. Chances of successfully treating a brain injury improve the sooner you receive treatment, so a wait-and-see approach is not in your interest.
You should know the symptoms of a brain injury so that you can recognize them. If you lose consciousness following a blow to the head, this is one of the most significant signs. Symptoms of a brain injury also include loss of senses such as smell, sight, and sound or changes to these abilities. You may experience muscle weakness or a loss of function. Cognitive deficits may affect memory or concentration. You may even develop mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. Keep an eye out for these signs and call your doctor if any of these present themselves.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
What To Do if You Suspect a Brain Injury in Someone Else
If someone around you hits his or her head and there is reason to suspect a brain injury, you should call for help right away by calling 911. However, you may have to perform some first aid before emergency services get there. If you suspect a brain injury, do not move the person unless it is absolutely necessary.
If there is a brain injury, the spinal cord may be affected as well. If you do have to move the person, and only if you absolutely have to, place your hands under the shoulders and both sides of the head to stabilize the neck. Observe the person carefully and do not allow him or her to move or resume physical activities. Do not leave him or her alone.
If there is an open wound of the head, you can apply pressure to try to stop any bleeding. However, if there is an object protruding from the wound, you should not try to remove it.
Even with appropriate medical treatment, it may not be possible to return to pre-accident level following a brain injury. Contact our office to find out whether one of our attorneys can help you recover damages for your own or a family member’s brain injury.
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