What you might not be aware of is that concussions are actually a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While they tend to be less severe, concussions still require medical attention and may have an impact on your daily life.
Serious TBIs can have a very profound impact on your life. They might affect your ability to work or function on a daily basis. If you’ve suffered from a TBI, including a concussion, it’s important to have a medical assessment to determine the severity of your injuries. You may be entitled to insurance benefits. Find out how a personal injury lawyer Edmonton can help you access the compensation you need in order to move forward with your life after a TBI.
What is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow or jolt to your head or body. It can also be caused by an object that penetrates the brain, such as a bullet.
TBIs can be mild or severe and have a long list of possible symptoms ranging from a headache to concussions and seizures, or even death. Concussions are just one type of TBI.
You may have been injured from a fall, a motor vehicle accident, a violent incident, sports-related activities, or even from combat and explosive blasts. Because TBIs are ‘invisible injuries’, having a medical assessment is essential to support your claim to compensation.
What kinds of symptoms do TBIs have?
As we mentioned already, the symptoms are wide-ranging and vary greatly in severity.
Mild TBIs might cause physical symptoms like headaches and nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, speech problems, dizziness, or loss of balance. Blurred vision, ringing in your ears, and changes to taste, smell, and light sensitivity are also all possible.
More serious TBIs can have significant symptoms including convulsions, seizures, lack of coordination, slurred speech, or coma. In some cases, they are fatal.
Brain injuries can also cause cognitive symptoms. Loss of consciousness, mood and memory problems, depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping are just some of the issues you might be experiencing. You may even notice changes to your personality or the increased occurrence of outbursts.
How does compensation work?
If you have insurance through extended health benefits or your place of employment, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, it may be possible to hold them accountable.
It’s always recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and that you understand the process of making a claim. If your claim is denied, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to find out what options you have.
Compensation for TBIs varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life. You might be entitled to coverage for medical expenses, attendant care, and lost income (including future earnings). You can also be compensated for your pain and suffering. If your ability to work is compromised, you might also have access to disability benefits from your employer.
A mild TBI or concussion might only affect you temporarily, but a more serious one can have long term implications. That’s why it’s important to seek legal advice to ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
What should you do first?
Always seek medical support if you’ve been injured. Taking care of yourself and focusing on your recovery will always be the most important thing you do.
However, if you might be eligible for insurance funds or disability benefits, it’s also essential that you document everything that happens and consult a personal injury lawyers Edmonton as soon as possible. Many offer free consultations and can answer any questions you may have as well as inform you of your rights and recommended actions.
The invisible nature of many of the symptoms caused by traumatic brain injuries can be problematic when filing a claim. Having a lawyer in these cases is invaluable to facilitate the process.
How can you prevent traumatic brain injuries?
Suffering a TBI can be overwhelming and life-altering. There are things you can do to help prevent these sorts of injuries.
Always wear a seatbelt and drive in a vehicle with an airbag. If you’re on a bicycle or motorbike, wear a helmet and proper protective gear. Never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and take extra caution to always be aware of your surroundings.
It’s also important to take precautionary measures to prevent TBIs in children. Child-proofing your home, including preventing falls, is critical.
If you do end up having an accident or incident that causes a concussion or TBI, seek medical help and contact a personal injury lawyer to find out your options. You may be entitled to compensation and benefits that will help you get your and your family’s life back on track.
