A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change how a person thinks, feels, moves, and handles daily tasks. Some people recover within weeks. Others face lasting problems that affect their health, work, and family life.
Brain injuries can happen in car crashes, falls, workplace accidents, and other events. Even an injury that seems mild at first can cause serious symptoms.
This traumatic brain injury guide explains common causes, warning signs, treatment options, and the steps you can take after an accident in New York.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden impact, blow, or jolt affects how the brain works. An object that enters the skull can also cause a TBI.
Doctors often describe brain injuries as mild, moderate, or severe. A concussion is a type of mild TBI, but it can still cause symptoms that last for months.
Not everyone loses consciousness after a brain injury. Some people remain awake and alert but later notice headaches, memory problems, or changes in mood. A medical exam is important after a head injury, even when symptoms seem minor.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries can happen in many types of accidents. A person may hit their head against an object or experience a sudden movement that causes the brain to shift inside the skull.
Common causes include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle crashes
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Sports and recreational injuries
- Physical assaults
- Falling objects
Some accidents involve more than one cause. For example, a worker may suffer a brain injury after falling from a ladder because of unsafe working conditions.
Understanding how the injury happened can help doctors plan treatment and determine whether someone else’s negligence played a role.
What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Injury?
TBI symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the following hours or days. They may affect a person’s body, thinking, emotions, and behavior.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes or irritability
- Difficulty speaking or maintaining balance
Seek emergency care for seizures, repeated vomiting, worsening headaches, unusual behavior, weakness, or difficulty waking up.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Children and older adults may show different warning signs. Anyone with a suspected brain injury should receive prompt medical attention.
How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat a TBI?
Doctors evaluate brain injuries by reviewing symptoms, checking memory and movement, and asking how the accident occurred. They may order a CT scan or MRI to look for bleeding, swelling, or other damage.
Treatment depends on the injury’s severity. Some patients need rest, follow-up appointments, and a gradual return to normal activities. Others require surgery, hospital care, or rehabilitation.
Recovery may involve physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling. Patients should follow medical advice and report new or worsening symptoms. Returning to work or sports too soon may increase the risk of further harm.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Brain Injury?
Some people recover fully after a TBI. Others develop lasting problems that affect their independence and quality of life.
Long-term effects may include memory loss, difficulty focusing, chronic headaches, fatigue, emotional changes, and trouble with balance. Severe injuries may require ongoing medical care or help with daily activities.
These challenges can also affect a person’s ability to earn money, maintain relationships, and enjoy hobbies. Family members may need to provide additional care. Because recovery is different for everyone, doctors may need time to understand the full impact of an injury.
Can You File a Brain Injury Claim in New York?
You may have grounds for a personal injury claim if another person’s negligence caused your brain injury. For example, a driver who runs a red light or a property owner who fails to address a dangerous condition may be legally responsible.
A claim may seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214, most negligence-based personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the injury. However, shorter deadlines and special notice requirements may apply, especially when a government entity is involved.
What Should You Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Taking the right steps after an accident can protect your health and help preserve evidence for a possible claim.
Important steps include:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible
- Follow your doctor’s treatment instructions
- Keep copies of medical records and bills
- Save photographs and accident reports
- Record symptoms and changes in daily activities
- Keep track of missed work and lost income
- Speak with a personal injury attorney about your options
Avoid making assumptions about your recovery before doctors have assessed your condition. Brain injury symptoms and treatment needs may change over time.
Contact the New York Personal Injury Lawyers at Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC for Help Today
A traumatic brain injury can create medical, financial, and personal challenges that last long after an accident. You deserve to understand your legal options and the compensation that may be available.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, our New York personal injury attorneys help injured people investigate accidents, gather medical evidence, and pursue compensation from responsible parties.
Contact us today at (212) 433-3100 to discuss your brain injury case and learn how our attorneys can help you move forward.
