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Did you know that there are different types of traumatic brain injuries? The term “traumatic brain injuries” sounds, well, traumatic. And when you hear the term used by a doctor to describe your injuries or those of a loved one, it can feel overwhelming.
Your doctor is simply using the medical terms of art they are used to, but for you, they can be difficult to understand and absorb. The unexpected nature of an accident and the uncertainty of the future are enough to deal with.
Here, we’ve assembled the answers to many of the questions you may have after the diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury. After an accident, it is important to fully understand what you’re dealing with, including the types of traumatic brain injuries, symptoms, treatments, causes, possible settlements, and more.
You’ll also benefit from a FREE consultation with a meticulous Houston brain injury attorney who can further assist with your injury claim. Call Patrick Daniel Law today at (713) 999-6666 for help. We represent clients in Houston and throughout Texas.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by an external force. This injury “usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body” or an object piercing the brain tissue (Mayo Clinic). TBIs range in severity from mild to more serious injuries that can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
TBIs are a significant public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States saw approximately 214,110 hospitalizations due to traumatic brain injuries in 2020. In 2021, these injuries were the cause of 69,473 deaths.
TBIs can have lasting impacts on the lives of victims and their families. Understanding the different types of traumatic brain injuries and how they affect people informs us on how to treat, rehabilitate, and compensate victims.
Each injury is unique. TBIs can vary drastically in type and severity, each with its own set of challenges. The nature of your traumatic brain injury can significantly impact your immediate symptoms and long-term prognosis.
TBIs are often categorized based on when the brain injury developed, what area of the brain is affected, how the injury affects the skull, and the severity of the injury.
This categorization is concerned with exactly when the brain injury develops. A primary brain injury is the initial damage to the brain that occurs at the moment of impact. These could result from a blow to the head, violent shaking, or penetration by an object.
Examples of primary injuries include:
A secondary brain injury develops in the hours and days following the initial trauma. These can result from swelling, reduced blood flow, or increased pressure within the skull. Secondary injuries can be even more dangerous than primary injuries. They can lead to further brain damage and complications.
Examples of secondary injuries include:
This categorization involves the location of damage within the brain. A focal injury is localized to a specific area. These often result from direct trauma, like being struck by an object or hitting the head on a hard surface.
Examples of focal injuries include:
Diffuse injuries affect a larger portion of the brain. These injuries often stem from the brain experiencing rapid movement within the skull. This can happen in a car accident or from a fall. This injury can disrupt connections between the brain cells and cause more generalized symptoms, such as cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, and difficulties with coordination and balance.
Examples of diffuse injuries include:
This categorization relates to whether the skull was penetrated. An open head injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. These injuries are very serious and require immediate medical attention.
Examples of open head injuries include:
A closed head injury happens when the brain is injured without any breach of the skull. These are often the result of blunt force trauma or rapid acceleration or deceleration forces. They are seen in car accidents and sports injuries.
Examples of closed head injuries include:
TBIs can also be categorized by their severity. The seriousness of the injury will influence symptoms, treatment options, and the likelihood of recovery.
A mild TBI is often referred to as a concussion and can temporarily affect brain cells (Mayo Clinic). Symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, but some people may experience prolonged issues (post-concussion syndrome).
A moderate TBI can present similarly to a mild traumatic brain injury but involve a longer period of unconsciousness or confusion, often lasting from several minutes to hours. A severe TBI can be life-threatening and involve extended periods of unconsciousness or coma.
Both moderate and severe TBIs can cause injuries that require extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care. Severe traumatic brain injuries may result in brain damage, long-term or permanent physical, emotional, and cognitive impairment, or even death.
Understanding the different types of traumatic brain injuries helps us determine the appropriate medical response and legal action after an injury. We want you to be in the best possible position when healing from your injuries. That requires compensation to cover your medical bills and further treatment if you were injured due to the negligence of another. Consult a brain injury attorney at your earliest convenience to ensure you are pursuing every opportunity for justice.
The symptoms you may see after a TBI can vary depending on the type and severity of your injury. Symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury may include:
Symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI may include:
If you suspect a TBI, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
After an accident, it is always important to seek medical care immediately—especially if your head or neck was impacted. If left untreated, some traumatic brain injuries can worsen, sometimes causing irreparable damage.
Treatment for TBIs will differ, taking into consideration the severity and circumstances of the injury. However, early and appropriate care will always be key to improving outcomes.
The suggested treatment for a mild TBI or concussion is often rest, pain management, and follow-up care to monitor symptoms. Further evaluation may be necessary.
Emergency care is necessary for a moderate to severe TBI. Stabilization and immediate treatment can help prevent further damage. In some cases, surgery will be needed to relieve pressure, remove clots, or repair fractures. Anti-seizure drugs, diuretics, and other medications might be prescribed.
In serious cases, rehabilitation may be required. The impact on quality of life can be so great that a variety of supportive treatments must be employed. These could include:
Ongoing care and support are vital for recovery, especially in severe cases. A tailored treatment plan will be created to address the specific needs of your injury.
In addition to medical support, legal representation could prove to be in your best interest. When your injury is the result of negligence, you may be eligible for a range of damages that could help relieve your financial burden and ensure that your future treatment is covered.
Traumatic brain injuries can be permanent, but not all are. While mild TBIs may heal over time with appropriate care, more severe injuries often result in long-term or lifelong challenges. The 5-year outcomes for patients receiving rehabilitation services for a moderate to severe TBI show that 26% improved, 22% stayed the same, 30% worsened, and 22% passed away (CDC).
The chances of recovery depend on the injury’s severity, the area of the brain affected, and how quickly treatment is administered. In some cases, ongoing treatment and rehabilitation can help manage symptoms, but those symptoms may persist indefinitely.
Some common long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries include:
These long-term effects can dramatically impact daily life. Continued medical care and rehabilitation can help to manage and hopefully improve quality of life.
TBIs can be caused by a variety of accidents. At Patrick Daniel Law, we see many that are a result of negligence or unsafe conditions. These warrant legal action to secure compensation for the victims.
Some of the most frequent causes of TBIs include:
No matter the cause, when victims suffer injuries that require long-term care, financial security becomes uncertain. A brain injury lawyer can help determine liability in your case and pursue compensation for your injuries, bringing some relief in these tough times.
Coming to a settlement in a traumatic brain injury case can take anywhere from several months to a few years. Each case is different, so the timeline can vary greatly. One of the most impactful factors will be the severity of your injuries.
Severe injuries require ongoing medical treatment, and the extent of that treatment won’t be immediately evident. In order to secure an adequate settlement, your doctors and attorney will need to have a sense of what your future medical expenses will be.
Other factors that contribute to the time it may take to settle are the complexity of the case and the willingness of the liable party(ies) to negotiate. If there is a dispute about liability or difficulty gathering evidence, that can complicate matters. And if an insurance company is stalling negotiations or refuses to settle, you may have to go to court.
The average settlement for a TBI also depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the case. Settlement amounts can range from tens of thousands to millions. Due to the long-term impacts of TBIs, ongoing care, and the effect on the victim’s ability to work and quality of life, settlements in these cases tend to be higher.
Consulting a Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. Houston brain injury attorney can give you a better idea of the viability and strength of your claim. Patrick Daniel Law has experience handling TBI claims and can fight for your rights while you fight to recover.
Now that you know a little more about the types of traumatic brain injuries, we’re sure you realize just how complicated these cases can get. When you’re injured and struggling to get back to some semblance of the life you had before, you need all the help you can get.
At Patrick Daniel Law, we look forward to championing your rights and pursuing the compensation you need when you need it most. And we won’t just focus on your immediate needs but on setting you right for long-term recovery and success.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation. Let us assist you in deciding if you have a viable case. We stand ready to answer your questions and guide you through this difficult process. Don’t hesitate another second to go after the compensation you deserve.
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Best of The Best Attorneys
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Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Houston 2021
American Association for Justice Member
The National Trial Lawyers 2016 – (Top 40 under 40)
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum 2016 (Top Trial Lawyer)
Million Dollar Advocates Forum 2019 (Top Trial Lawyer)
America’s Top 100 Attorneys 2020 (High Stake Litigators)
Lawyers of Distinction 2019, 2020 (Recognizing Excellence in Personal Injury)
American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 2020 (Top 10 Best Attorneys – Client Satisfaction)
American Institute of Legal Advocates 2020 (Membership)
Association of American Trial Lawyers 2018 - Top 100 Award recognizing excellence in personal injury law
American Institute of Legal Professionals 2020 (Lawyer of the Year)
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