Today, nearly 50 percent of all reported brain injuries are due to a motor vehicle accident. Personal injury lawyers in Ontario warn to look out for symptoms of brain injury after any car accident as these often take place hours or even days after the actual event.
Brain Trauma is Often the Invisible Injury
Brain trauma can occur whenever the head strikes an object like the steering wheel or windshield, Concussions are often the result of these types of impacts. There need not be an open wound or even any indication that an injury has happened. In the case of a motor vehicle accident, the force of the accident can cause the brain to hit the inner hard bone of the skull. When the head moves and then comes to a quick stop, the brain keeps moving. This can create a bruising, also known as a contusion, and often hemorrhaging. All of this can be virtually invisible right after an accident,
A blunt trauma injury is another serious traumatic head injury that is often seen after a motor vehicle accident. When the head comes into contact with a hard object or an ejection from the car, it can create an open wound.
Testing for TBI
A serious brain injury often results in a loss of consciousness but it is not always the case. If emergency medical personnel at the scene of an accident suspect that a person has suffered a brain injury, they will use the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine the degree of trauma that a patient may be suffering. This will test the victim’s verbal and motor responses after a suspected injury.
Seek Medical Attention
Even though an accident victim may not show any immediate signs of brain injury, it is important to seek medical attention just in case. Symptoms often don’t show up immediately and a healthcare professional will be best suited to determine if a brain injury may have been suffered.
A TBI Can Have Catastrophic Consequences
Long-term consequences of brain injuries can be catastrophic for the victim as well as the family. They can include cognitive impairments such as memory loss, difficulty with attention and concentration, or problems with spatial orientation. Physical consequences can result in hearing and visual impairments, fatigability, or even seizures. Many victims of brain trauma experience lasting anxiety and depression, mood swings, or lack of proper judgment in social situations.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you don’t have to face this alone. Call the Ontario personal injury lawyers at Personal Injury Lawyers. We can help get the assistance and fair compensation you deserve after an injury. Call us for a complimentary consultation today.