What to Do If You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury
Accidents happen all the time, particularly in work places or on the road. Sometimes those accidents occur because of another person’s negligence, and they leave you with a traumatic brain injury. This injury is caused by any blow to the head that bruises, penetrates or damages the brain. You can also suffer brain damage after a violent encounter, a slip and fall or an explosive blast (usually for military personnel in combat, though other cases exist as well). If you think you might have a brain injury, here’s critical steps to take next.
Seek Medical Attention
Always seek medical attention right away if you’ve suffered any injuries from an accident or incident. You may need to file a claim later, and it is much easier to do so when you have a doctor’s report as proof of when, where and how your injury happened. If possible, take pictures of the scene where you receive your injury and gather witness statements that can prove what happened.
Keep an Eye Out for Brain Injury Signs
Symptoms of a brain injury may not arise right away, and even if they do, you’ll need to be able to recognize them. Look for indicators like:
- Loss of consciousness
- Vision problems
- Memory problems or other cognitive issues
- Issues with speech
- Abnormal behavior
- Confused or dazed mental states
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
Traumatic brain injuries can have mild or very severe symptoms, and you may not experience everything on the list. If you begin inhibiting any of the signs, especially after a blow to the head, see a doctor right away.
Look Into Your Claim Options
An insurance claim can help you get back on your feet faster and provide you with ample compensation for your financial and non-economic losses. When it comes to brain injuries, you can usually file a personal injury claim or, if your employer has it, a workers compensation claim. The social security disability claims process may also be open to you.
Search for Resources Near You
Unfortunately, brain injuries aren’t that uncommon, and there are plenty of resources available to help you. There are nationwide resources, like the Brain Injury Association of America, and statewide and local ones. Consider looking into some close to you to get additional support. On top of these, you can always contact a brain injury lawyer, for legal aid, which can make the claims process considerably easier and less confusing.