Pursuing Compensation for a Brain Injury After an Illinois Car Accident

Our brain is one of our most vital organs – it controls nearly everything our body does and how it operates. Though it is vital, it is also one of the most fragile organs. Even a small jolt or bump could cause damage to your brain. One of the most notorious causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are responsible for 20 percent of all TBI-related hospitalizations. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI as a result of the negligence of another driver, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options for compensation.

A traumatic brain injury is usually the result of a violent blow or harsh force to the head or body. TBIs are usually put into different categories based on severity. The most common type of TBI that occurs from traffic accidents is called a concussion. Concussions occur when a person’s brain hits the sides of their skull and are usually mild to moderate in nature. Symptoms that could appear from a mild to moderate TBI include:

• Being dazed, confused or disoriented
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Problems with sleeping, balance and/or speech

In some cases, complications could arise from a TBI or a TBI could be severe. In most moderate to severe TBIs, more serious symptoms appear a few days after the initial symptoms of a mild TBI. Symptoms of a severe TBI could include:

• Loss of consciousness for more than a few minutes
• Persistent headache
• Convulsions or seizures
• Clear fluid drainage from the nose and/or ears
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion, agitation, combativeness or other abnormal behavior

Brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries that could occur from a car accident. In some cases, a brain injury could cause you to take time off of work, missing out on much-needed wages. You could also be responsible for thousands of dollars of medical costs for doctor’s visits, surgeries, medication or even continuing care for a long-term injury. If your car accident was caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to recover compensation for these things.

There are many different types of injuries that you could experience if you are in a car accident. One of the more common injuries that could occur is a TBI such as a concussion. In some cases, a TBI could become serious and could affect you for the rest of your life. At the Law Office of John S. Fotopoulos, P.C, we can help you fight for compensation for your injuries caused by a negligent driver. To schedule a free consultation, call our skilled Cook County car accident injury lawyers today at 708-942-8400.

Sources:

TBI: Get the Facts

Traumatic Brain Injury