About 30 percent of all injury deaths in the United States are the result of brain injuries, and they are also a major contributor to disability. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption of normal brain function caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or any force penetrating or fracturing the skull. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls and motor vehicle crashes account for nearly 55 percent of all TBIs.

Slip-and-fall accidents account for more than 8 million injuries each year, including broken bones, sprains and back and head injuries. Brain injuries from car accidents are also common. Even when there is no direct contact with an object such as the steering wheel or a window, the force of the collision can cause the brain to bounce against the inside of the skull. This can bruise the ¬brain or cause bleeding beneath the skull. A brain injury attorney is familiar with the many types of liability associated with falls and motor vehicle crashes.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries may be delayed

Personality changes and damaged mental functions are common after a brain injury, and these and other health problems may or may not be immediately obvious. After any head trauma, it is important to seek medical attention, even if there do not appear to be any symptoms. A brain injury attorney typically advises against assuming that there will be no repercussions from the accident. Poor memory, headaches or interrupted sleep patterns may appear days or weeks later. Whenever the damage manifests, it is frequently of a serious nature.

Every head injury requires unique treatment

In severe circumstances, doctors may perform surgery to repair bruises or tearing of the brain tissue, or to relieve bleeding beneath the skull. To treat personality changes and decreased physical capacity, physical and occupational therapy are often prescribed in the short or long term to help a patient relearn skills such as walking, talking or problem-solving. Counseling often helps victims to develop coping skills for difficult emotions.

Head trauma frequently causes on-going health needs that affect family and community members. Victims of brain trauma because of another’s negligence or careless actions should contact a brain injury attorney right away. The potential for ongoing treatment and medical expense is high, the symptoms are often delayed, and many states have a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Fault is often difficult to establish, but an experienced lawyer may be able to help gather the evidence necessary to receive compensation that prevents expenses from causing financial devastation.