Issues Involving Brain and Head Injury Sustained in an Accident

Brain and head injury, more commonly known as traumatic brain injury, occurs when physical damage is inflicted on the brain. These injuries are oftentimes the result of a major or severe blow to one’s head or skull, causing damage to the brain. For instance, when the head hits a hard object with great force, such as a windshield or the dashboard of a car, or when an object passes through the skull and penetrates the brain – brain and head injury may be incurred.

Victims of transportation accidents involving automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians may suffer from brain and head injury. Injuries of this type may range from minor to serious cases, depending on the extent and severity of damage, and its effects on the victim.

Minor head injuries such as abrasions, cuts and mild contusions may be easily treated. On the other hand, serious head injuries generally need urgent medical attention as it can lead to permanent brain damage or worst, death.

Brain and head injury may also cause paralysis, impairment or disability. Depending on what type of injury the brain suffered, the location of the injury (whether localized or diffused), and the degree of the impairment, the effects or changes may be felt by the victim in the exercise of the following functions:

• Cognition - attention/concentration, memory, perception, judgment, information processing, abstract concepts, time and space relationship, reading and writing skills, and mood


• Sensation - tactile sensation and special senses such as vision


• movement abilities - strength, endurance, coordination, tremors, swallowing problems, and balance

Here are the following symptoms of a serious head and brain injury:

• Repeated vomiting or nausea


• Persistent headache


• Convulsions or seizures


• An inability to awaken from sleep


• Dilation of the eyes


• Slurred speech


• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs


• Loss of coordination


• Increased confusion, restlessness or agitation

Head and brain injury sustained in car and vehicle accidents may be recoverable according to law. Damages recoverable from this injury may differ from state to state. However, in California, the compensation that victims generally receive, in addition to medical and rehabilitation expenses are based on the following:

• the nature and extent of the injury (whether the injury is temporary/permanent)


• pain and suffering


• loss of earnings and impairment of earning capacity


• any disfigurement or deformity


• mental anguish


• the loss of enjoyment of life

Because the effects of brain and head injury may not be detectable at once, you have to seek medical attention as soon as possible after getting involved in an accident. In this way, you will not only know what your possible injuries are, but you can have a better chance of documenting your case as well, and eventually, filing a claim for damages for your injuries.

Treatment and rehabilitation often depend on the injury. People with severe injuries usually need rehabilitation and better treatment. In most cases, a victim must first undergo a personalized rehabilitative treatment plan, which includes physical rehabilitation, medication, community support programs, speech/cognitive thought rehabilitation, neuropsychological services, and other options.

Most victims of brain and head injury respond better to treatment when a team of caretakers and supporters, from doctors, nurses, and psychotherapists work together with family members or even coworkers to lend support to the victim.