Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
TBIs can result in a wide range of symptoms, which vary considerably in intensity and duration. They are broadly classified into three categories based on the severity of the TBI in question:
Mild TBI Symptoms
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision or tired eyes
- Ringing in the ears
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Behavioral or mood changes
- Trouble with memory or concentration
Moderate TBI Symptoms
- Persistent headache or a headache that worsens
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
- Loss of coordination
- Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
Severe TBI Symptoms
- Extended periods of unconsciousness or coma
- Profound confusion
- Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
- Partial or total paralysis
- Persistent vegetative state
Long-Term Impacts of a Brain Injury
Experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be life-altering, with immediate and long-lasting impacts. When the injury is severe, it can significantly affect your cognitive abilities, behavior, physical health, and overall quality of life. The long-term effects of a TBI can vary dramatically depending on which part of the brain is affected and the severity of the damage.
For example, damage to the frontal lobe can hinder reasoning, problem-solving, and impulse control, potentially facilitating risky or inappropriate behaviors. Trauma to the left side of the brain can impair speech and logic, while injury to the right side often affects visual processing.
In severe cases, the long-term consequences of a TBI can include the following chronic conditions:
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Visual changes
- Sleep trouble
- Fatigue
- Paralysis
- Balance issues
- Reduced language skills
- Mood swings
Some of these issues might not manifest for days, weeks, or even months after the initial injury, but they can still be permanent. These chronic conditions can contribute to difficulties with learning, decision-making, communicating, and interacting socially. Moreover, TBI has been linked to an increased risk of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and detrimental effects on childhood development among affected minors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 50 percent of TBI patients experience significant quality of life reductions following their injuries, with 57 percent developing a moderate or severe disability that prevents them from returning to work. The long-term financial consequences of TBIs can be devastating, compounding the physical and psychological strain accompanying them.
What Compensation Can I Pursue for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to another party’s wrongdoing, you could be entitled to money for a range of personal and financial losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
How Long Do I Have to File a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the standard time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including cases related to traumatic brain injury, is two years. This means you have a two-year window from the date of your traumatic brain injury to bring your case to court. Once this deadline passes, you typically lose the right to sue, regardless of the merits of your underlying case.
However, this timeframe could vary in certain circumstances, so you might have less than two years to act, depending on the specifics of your case. Additionally, the two-year limit does not apply to insurance claims, which often have their own, typically much more stringent, deadlines.
Given the significant implications of missing these deadlines, it’s wise to consult a knowledgeable TBI attorney as soon as possible following your injury. A traumatic brain injury lawyer in Houston can provide detailed advice tailored to your situation and help protect your rights.
What a Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Do
Dealing with the repercussions of head trauma can be a demanding task. When you hire an experienced Houston traumatic brain injury lawyer, you choose an advocate who can handle the legal details, allowing you to concentrate on your health.
A Houston catastrophic injury lawyer from Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you in various ways, including by:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the TBI to identify liable parties and helpful evidence
- Evaluating the specifics of your case to determine all possible sources of recovery for your losses
- Consulting medical professionals to understand the full extent and likely consequences of the TBI
- Engaging expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your traumatic brain injury case
- Handling complex insurance procedures and interacting with insurance providers on your behalf
- Preparing and filing necessary case documents in line with relevant timelines and requirements
- Educating you on your rights and legal options so you can make informed decisions at each stage
- Negotiating aggressively with the other side or their insurance company for a fair settlement
- Presenting compelling arguments in court if a satisfactory out-of-court settlement isn’t possible