Head and brain injuries are often called a “silent epidemic” because the changes that impair thinking, feeling, language, mood, memory, attention, and emotion are not always as obvious as the physical damage. For those who live with severe brain injuries after a car accident, though, the problem is anything but silent.
Head and brain injuries are often called a “silent epidemic” because the changes that impair thinking, feeling, language, mood, memory, attention, and emotion are not always as obvious as the physical damage. For those who live with severe brain injuries after a car accident, though, the problem is anything but silent.At The Bruning Law Firm, our experienced head injury attorneys have helped numerous clients recover full and fair compensation to get the treatment they need after a severe brain injury. We know this is a traumatic time for you and your family, and we work hard to take the stress off of you. In fact, our outstanding client service and extensive experience has led to us being named as part of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers organization and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Contact us today to discuss how we can fight for the compensation you and your family need to get through this trying time.
Do Not Settle for Less Than You Deserve After a MO Head Injury
If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of a brain injury after a car accident, you are likely going to need immense support in the weeks, months, and possibly years to come. Due to the severity of this type of injury, an insurance company may approach you immediately with a low settlement offer to try to wash their hands of the matter quickly.
Do not sign anything without talking to an experienced head injury attorney about your rights. At The Bruning Law Firm, we will call on our network of medical specialists, financial planners, and accident reconstruction experts to help develop a true estimate of the compensation you and your family need. This could include:
- Compensation for medical bills related to the brain injury, including future treatments you may need
- Payment for lost wages and diminished earning capacity if you can’t go back to work
- Damages for the pain and suffering your brain injury has caused
- Compensation for the repairs to your vehicle
- Punitive damages, which can be used to punish the at-fault party for extreme behavior
You need a strong advocate to fight for you and your family’s rights after a car accident. Let the skilled car accident attorneys at The Bruning Law Firm stand up for you. Schedule a free consultation now.
Common Types of Brain and Head Injuries from MO Car Accidents
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other injuries to the head can take many different forms in a car accident. Some of the most common types of head injuries include:
- Closedhead injuries. In a closedhead injury, the brain is injured within the skull. Concussions are a commonly recognized form of closedhead injury, but they are not the only kind. Any blow to the head or sudden, violent motion that “rattles” the brain inside the skull can result in a closedhead injury. The injury may be “diffuse,” damaging many different areas throughout the brain, or “focal,” damaging brain tissues in one specific location. The symptoms the person suffers depend on the location and severity of the injury.
- Openhead injuries. An open or “penetrating” head injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. In a car accident, the object may be a piece of glass or metal, a rock or debris from the road, or another object. Damage that occurs in an open head injury is typically “focal,” affecting a specific area of the brain.
- Skull or facial fractures. Any blow to the head or face during a car accident can cause fractures in the skull or bones of the face, as well as severe pain, swelling, bruising, and damage to the delicate skin of the face or to the eyes. These injuries often occur when the head hits the dashboard, windshield, or steering wheel during a crash.
An auto accident may also cause other types of head and brain injuries. For instance, damage to the head in a car accident may result in bleeding in the brain, which can be severe or even fatal. Blood loss or loss of oxygen during the accident can also cause parts of the brain to suffocate and die, resulting in brain damage.
Symptoms of TBI After a St. Louis MO Car Crash
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary widely, depending on where the brain is injured and how severe the damage is. Some mild brain injuries are not even noticeable at first, while the adrenaline from the accident is still running high. This is why it is crucial to see a doctor if you even suspect that you may have a head injury, or if you have an injury that is closely related to head trauma, such as whiplash.
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Feeling dazed, confused, or disoriented. You may be unable to remember the crash clearly. Losing consciousness, even briefly, is also a sign of a traumatic brain injury – but many people suffer concussions with no loss of consciousness.
- Headache. Head, neck, face, or jaw pain may also indicate a head or brain injury and should be examined by a qualified physician as soon as possible. If the headache persists or gets worse, see a doctor immediately.
- Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms are very common in brain injuries and should be taken seriously after any accident.If these persist, do not improve, or get worse, see a doctor right away.
- Convulsions or seizures. These symptoms indicate serious brain problems, and the injured person should seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Fatigue or drowsiness. Tiredness, “brain fog,” and changes in sleep patterns often accompany a brain injury. You may sleep more than usual, have trouble sleeping, or notice changes in your dreaming. If a person who has been injured falls asleep and can’t be woken up, call a doctor immediately.
- Sensory changes or sensitivities. These may include blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or a bad taste or smell that isn’t explained by your environment. Sensitivity to light and sound may also occur.
- Weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination. Trouble with gross motor movements (such as walking) and fine motor control (such as writing or fastening buttons) may both indicate damage to the brain.
- Changes in mood. Irritability, depression, anxiety, “numbness,” and loss of interest or ability to pay attention to things you once enjoyed can all be symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. They can also be symptoms of post-traumatic stress after a serious accident, which is also a medical condition that must be treated promptly to maximize the chances at full recovery.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a MO Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a crash and suspect you may have suffered a serious brain injury:
- See a doctor right away. Your doctor can determine whether and how badly you’ve been hurt, prescribe a course of treatment to help you heal, and create a record that establishes the extent of your medical losses.
- Keep all your paperwork related to the accident in a single, safe place. Keep copies of accident reports, letters from insurance companies, and any receipts for bills that were related to the accident. This could include medical bills, repair costs, or the costs of services like yardwork or childcare that you had to pay for because your injuries prevented you from doing them. If you’re not sure what paperwork is related to your accident, keep it anyway – your lawyer can help you decide whether it’s important to the case.
- Finally, talk to an experienced St. Louis car accident injury attorney. At The Bruning Law Firm, we know that you need a strong advocate to stand up for your rights against deep-pocketed insurance companies. We have the experience and the resources to fight for full and fair compensation for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
