It is estimated that 2.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year resulting in fatalities or permanent disabilities or medical conditions. Brain injuries from motor vehicle accidents can result in permanent loss of sensation, emotional disorders, and problems with cognitive and motor function. At this time, over 5 million Americans live with a TBI-related disability as the result of a brain injury impairing their ability to perform normal daily activities, hold a job, or enjoy a normal life with their family and friends.
The two types of brain injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents are closed head injuries and penetrating head injuries. A penetrating head injury is the result of an object penetrating the skull and entering the sensitive brain tissue causing damage, typically at the site of penetration.
A closed head injury is much more difficult to diagnose because there may be no outward sign of physical harm. The brain moves within the skull due to the impact of the collisions causing damage to several areas of the brain. Closed head injuries can result in a mild concussion or a TBI that causes permanent brain damage.
Brain injuries are serious and can result in permanent medical conditions and disabilities. In some cases, you may not realize you have a brain injury, especially with a closed head injury. In the days and weeks following the accident, you may begin to experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision. This could be an indication of a very serious brain trauma.
In mild brain trauma, these symptoms may disappear in a few days or weeks. However, if the symptoms continue or become worse, you need to seek immediate medical attention, especially if you experience any of the symptoms listed on the Mayo Clinic’s TBI webpage.
The best course of action after being injured in a vehicle accident is to seek medical attention, especially if you believe you may have a brain injury or a concussion. Medical personnel have a variety of tests to measure the risk of a serious brain injury. The only way to ensure that you are not suffering from a brain injury or a concussion is to seek medical attention.
Yes, you definitely need to contact our office if you or a family member has suffered a brain injury or a concussion in a motor vehicle accident. The average medical cost associated with a traumatic brain injury is $4 million over a person’s lifetime. During the first year, patients requiring rehabilitation can face costs of close to $200,000. Medical and non-medical costs after being released from the hospital can total approximately $152,000. Even accident victims who do not require rehabilitation or surgery can face medical bills close to $15,000 for a mild brain injury or concussion.
These figures are estimates. The actual medical cost of a brain injury or concussion from a vehicle accident can be lower or much higher depending on the severity of the injury and the permanent disability and medical conditions resulting from the brain injury. These figures do not include damages such as lost wages, loss of earning capacity, long-term medical and personal care, physical pain, and mental anguish. Calculating the true value of a brain injury claim is complex and often requires the services of financial, economic, and medical experts.
An experienced brain injury attorney understands the complexities involved with settling a brain injury case. Hiring an attorney can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowed by law for your claim.
If you or a family member has suffered a brain injury or concussion in a motor vehicle accident in Marengo, IL or throughout Illinois, the accident lawyers of Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley can help you. We have been helping accident victims receive a just and fair settlement for their injuries since 1972. You should not be required to bear the financial, physical, and emotional damages caused by a reckless or negligent driver.
Call us or visit our website to schedule a free case evaluation with a compassionate, experienced Marengo vehicle crash attorney. We care about your injuries, your recovery, and your family.