Car accidents are one of the leading causes of brain injuries in the U.S. However, many victims do not realize that they have suffered brain trauma after an accident. This could potentially make the situation more dangerous for victims. A brain injury can even be overlooked in an emergency room. This results in an accident victim not receiving the vital care that they so desperately need. In some cases, delayed treatment can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. When this happens, those affected may have a valid medical malpractice claim against the negligent doctor or medical facility.
Brain Injury Misconceptions
Brain trauma can cause confusion for the patient, as well as medical professionals. For instance, many people assume that one must be hit on the head to suffer a brain injury. This is not always the case. Brain injuries can result from a minor collision or other impact to the head. Victims can sustain a brain injury if any portion of their head makes impact with the vehicle or other objects. Additionally, the momentum of a car crash can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. This can lead to concussion, or swelling of the brain, or bleeding. Either scenario can be life threatening.
Another common misconception is the idea that a person must be knocked out or unconscious in order to sustain brain trauma. While many victims may become unconscious after a brain injury, this is not always the case.
Brain Injury Symptoms
Some victims are capable of walking, talking, and resuming normal activities after sustaining a head injury. In these scenarios, it can be even harder to properly diagnose a brain injury. Some patients may not even demonstrate symptoms of brain trauma until hours, days, or even weeks after the incident.
It is critical to know common symptoms of brain trauma. These may include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Numbness
- Slurred speech
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Personality changes
- Difficulty balancing or walking
- Sensitivity to light and sound
What to Do if You Suspect a Brain Injury
If you think you have been subjected to brain trauma after a motor vehicle accident, you should go to your local emergency room immediately. Medical professionals can run the proper tests and perform diagnostics to determine if you have suffered a brain injury. Even if you think you have not sustained any injuries, it is still crucial to seek medical treatment. If left untreated, a brain injury may worsen or become fatal.
You should also ask your doctor specifically about brain trauma. He or she should be familiar with diagnosing a brain injury, concussions, and other brain issues. A specialist may be brought in to run additional tests.
Pittsburgh Car Accident Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Help Brain Injury Victims Claim Compensation
The dedicated team of Pittsburgh car accident lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident. Schedule a consultation by calling 412-765-1888 or toll-free at 800-243-6095. You can also contact us online.
We offer free case evaluations and proudly serve clients throughout the area, including those in Pittsburgh, Washington, and New Castle, Pennsylvania, as well as those in Allegheny County, Washington County, and Lawrence County.