At The Mottley Law Firm, our Richmond traumatic brain injury lawyers regularly work with clients who have been hurt in accidents caused by other people’s negligence. A traumatic brain injury can turn your life–and the lives of your family members–upside down in an instant. Understanding the type of TBI you're dealing with is crucial for getting proper treatment and securing fair compensation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 210,000 people are hospitalized for traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States. While every case is unique, TBIs generally fall into several distinct categories that require different approaches to treatment and recovery.
Concussions: The Most Common Form of TBI
A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or forceful motion causes the brain to move within the skull. While often considered "mild" brain injuries, concussions can have serious consequences if not properly diagnosed and treated.
For example, a construction worker who falls from a ladder might suffer a concussion when their head hits the ground. Even with proper safety equipment, the force of impact can cause the brain to collide with the skull.
Diagnosis
Medical professionals diagnose concussions through various tests, including the Glasgow Coma Scale, cognitive assessments, and imaging studies like CT scans. Even if initial scans appear normal, symptoms may persist for weeks or months.
Symptoms
Common signs of a concussion include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory issues
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Nausea
- Balance problems
- Mood changes
Treatment
Concussion treatment typically involves physical and mental rest, followed by a gradual return to activities. Some patients require specialized therapy to address lingering symptoms.
Contusions: Direct Impact Injuries to the Brain
Brain contusions are bruises on brain tissue, typically caused by direct impact to the head. Like bruises elsewhere in the body, contusions involve bleeding and swelling. However, contusions can be far more serious than external bruising because they occur in the brain.
Consider a car accident victim whose head strikes the steering wheel. The direct impact can cause a contusion at the point of contact and potentially a second contusion on the opposite side of the brain as it rebounds against the skull.
Diagnosis
Doctors often use MRI and CT scans to assess the location and severity of contusions. These tests help determine whether surgical intervention is necessary to reduce pressure inside the skull.
Symptoms
The location of a brain contusion determines its symptoms. Contusions in the frontal lobe often cause:
- Changes in attention and concentration
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Problems with memory
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Confusion or agitation
- Slurred speech
- Headaches that worsen over time
Treatment
Recovery time varies significantly based on the location and size of the contusion. Small contusions may heal with rest and monitoring, while larger ones often require surgery and intensive rehabilitation. Without proper medical care, brain contusions can lead to permanent damage.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries: Widespread Brain Damage
Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) happen when the brain shifts and rotates inside the skull, causing tears in the brain's long connecting nerve fibers.
These injuries commonly occur in car accidents when rapid acceleration-deceleration forces stretch and damage brain tissue. A motorcycle accident victim who is thrown from their bike may suffer a DAI due to the violent rotational forces involved, even if their helmet prevents direct impact to the skull.
Diagnosis
To diagnose DAIs, doctors and medical professionals may use CT scans to identify brain swelling and bleeding, specialized MRI techniques like diffusion tensor imaging, intracranial pressure monitoring, and cognitive function tests.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reports that DAIs are among the most serious types of brain injuries because they can affect multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. The torn nerve fibers disrupt normal brain function and communication between different brain regions. Common DAI symptoms may include:
- Loss of consciousness for six hours or more
- Cognitive processing difficulties
- Problems with attention and memory
- Balance and coordination issues
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Difficulty with visual tracking
- Sleep pattern disruptions
Treatment
Recovery from diffuse axonal injuries often requires a comprehensive rehabilitation program, including:
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and coordination
- Occupational therapy to relearn daily living skills
- Speech therapy to address communication difficulties
- Cognitive therapy to improve memory and thinking skills
Post-Acute Symptoms and Long-Term Complications
Traumatic brain injury symptoms often evolve over time and vary based on the type of TBI suffered. The initial trauma may trigger a cascade of secondary effects that can last months or years. These may include:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Cognitive difficulties
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Vision problems
- Balance issues
Evidence to Support Your Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury Claim
Proper documentation of ongoing TBI symptoms is crucial for both medical treatment and to support legal claims. Keep detailed records of:
- All medical appointments and treatments
- Medication changes and effects
- Daily symptom patterns
- Activity limitations
- Impact on work and daily life
Working With Insurance Companies After a TBI
Insurance companies often try to minimize the severity of brain injuries, especially in cases without obvious physical trauma. They may question the connection between the accident and symptoms, dispute the need for ongoing treatment, undervalue long-term care needs, and push for quick settlements before the full impact is known.
Having experienced legal representation helps ensure your rights are protected during insurance negotiations. Your attorney can:
- Gather and present medical evidence
- Work with expert witnesses
- Calculate future care costs
- Handle communication with insurers
- Advocate for fair compensation
Our Richmond traumatic brain injury lawyer has extensive experience handling TBI cases and helping victims get fair compensation for their injuries. With an in-depth understanding of brain injury science, we can effectively present your case and protect your legal rights.
