10 Steps to Take If You Have Sustained a TBI
There are few injuries more severe than a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs are caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head or body. Tragically, most brain injuries are 100% preventable.
At the Mayday Law Office, PLLC, we help individuals and their families recover compensation after a traumatic brain injury. Our lawyers fight hard to get the maximum damages available for our clients. Contact our office today at (281) 741-1162 for a free consultation. Se habla español.
If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury, follow these 10 steps towards recovery:
1. Get Medical Treatment
The most important thing you can do after any head injury is to obtain quality medical care. An early diagnosis can help ensure that you receive the treatment you need following any injury. Even mild brain trauma can result in long-term health problems. A doctor or physician trained in TBIs can put you on the right path toward a successful recovery.
Failure to seek medical treatment immediately can hurt your physical recovery as well as your financial recovery. Damages in traumatic brain injury lawsuits are often based on the severity of the injury. Without proof of continuous treatment, you may not receive the compensation you deserve.
2. File a Report
Slip and fall accidents and motor vehicle crashes are the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. In the event that your head trauma was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you need to file a report with the appropriate authorities.
A slip and fall accident should be reported to the property owner or the person in control of the premises. For instance, if you fall at a restaurant or retail store, you should report the accident to a manager and call for medical assistance.
All car accidents resulting in injury or death must be reported to law enforcement, and any head injuries occurring at work should be reported to your supervisor.
3. Contact an Attorney
Depending on what caused your traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may be entitled to compensation. Contacting an attorney immediately after you sustain an injury can help protect your rights and ensure that all legal deadlines are met.
You only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit based on traumatic brain injury, so it is essential to act quickly. If you sustained a TBI, contact our office to discuss your legal options.
4. Write Down Everything
A head injury can cause forgetfulness and may make it difficult to recall events. As soon after your accident as possible, write down everything that happened before, during, and after the incident. You may also want to consider writing down any symptoms that you are experiencing.
Common symptoms after a head injury include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Struggle focusing
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor balance and coordination
By keeping track of your symptoms, your doctor will have a detailed record of how the TBI is affecting your daily activities. You should also note if you are experiencing pain or fatigue after the accident.
5. Gather Evidence
Keep everything related to your injury together in one place. When you meet with your legal team, bring all of the documents as well as any photos or videos related to the accident.
Evidence in a traumatic brain injury lawsuit may include:
- Medical bills
- Documents related to lost wages
- Physical and mental health evaluations
- Photos or videos of the accident
- Eye-witness statements
- Police or accident reports
The more physical evidence that you can provide, the stronger your case will be. A lawyer may use the evidence to conduct an independent investigation into the cause of your TBI.
6. Continue Treatment
Treatment is critical to a successful recovery after a traumatic brain injury. It is vital to continue medical care even as you begin to feel better. Gaps in treatment or stopping treatment altogether may directly impact your right to receive compensation.
Do not stop treatment unless advised to do so by a medical professional. Brain injuries can result in lifelong health problems and can be fatal if not treated. Watch out for worsening symptoms or conditions like post-concussion syndrome.
7. Focus on Long-term Recovery
Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that moderate or severe TBIs can affect all aspects of a person’s life. It is imperative to focus on your long-term recovery after serious head trauma.
5-year outcomes of persons with TBI:
- 22% died
- 30% became worse
- 22% stayed the same
- 26% improved
Long-term care may include rehabilitation, surgery, or therapy. Being honest with yourself and others can help ensure that you physically and mentally recover after a TBI.
8. Get Mental Health Treatment
Mental health treatment is extremely important following a traumatic brain injury. Individuals who sustain a head injury may feel depressed or have increased anxiety due to their physical limitations.
Focusing on your mental health can help you overcome some of the feelings commonly experienced by individuals who have suffered severe trauma. Counselors and therapists are trained professionals that can get you the care you need.
9. Take Time Off Work
A brain injury may make it difficult for you to focus at school or work. Taking time off can help you alleviate stress and allow you the opportunity to recover.
If another person’s negligence caused your TBI, you might receive compensation for your lost wages or your loss of future earning capacity.
10. Find a Support Group
Finally, consider finding a support group. Surviving a traumatic brain injury is a unique experience. Finding others that have been through it may help you find comfort and deal with feelings of isolation commonly associated with TBI survivors.
Contact the Mayday Law Office for a Free Consultation
If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury, contact our office for a free consultation. There are never any fees unless we win. Call (281) 741-1162 to get started. Se habla español.