A traumatic brain injury results from a severe blow to the head or body, and auto accidents are one of the most common causes. Brain injuries can be mild and simply require rest for a person to recover. However, many are severe, leading to long-lasting or permanent health conditions.
In 2018, 2,231 people received serious injuries in vehicle crashes across the state, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. That was in addition to 545 people killed on state roadways. Of those injured, hundreds were treated for head injuries.
Seek immediate medical care when symptoms arise
A mild brain injury usually has only temporary effects, while more severe cases can result in bleeding, bruising and torn tissue in and around the brain. The physical and cognitive signs include:
- Losing consciousness for hours or minutes
- Convulsions or seizures
- Vomiting and nausea
- Constant or worsening headaches
- Dilated pupils of the eyes
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Difficult time waking from sleep
- Confusion
- Being agitated or combative
- Slurring your speech
Avoiding care can lead to complications
People who are injured and ignore these symptoms can suffer catastrophic consequences, some severe such as losing consciousness, developing seizures, fluid buildup in the brain or infections. Others may experience milder effects, like vertigo and headaches. However, traumatic brain injuries can also change a person’s emotional state, communication skills and personality.
Seek compassionate legal advice
Traumatic brain injuries can change a person’s life in a split second and cause massive medical costs, lost wages and other related expenses. If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney here in Washington will aggressively defend your rights to receive the compensation you deserve.
