Are There Different Degrees of TBIs?
With 1.7 million people suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, TBIs are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. The severity of a TBI will be a major factor in recovery time. While many TBI sufferers make complete recoveries, others are forced to live with long-term disabilities.
Our Pottsville traumatic brain injury lawyers understand that the circumstances surrounding a TBI can be complex, making it difficult to determine who is responsible for your injury. Our experienced lawyers are prepared to do whatever it takes to fight for you.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any strike, bump, or blow to the head that interferes with normal brain activity. A TBI is classified as being either a penetrating (open) or non-penetrating (closed) brain injury. A penetrating brain injury occurs when an object penetrates the skull. A non-penetrating injury occurs when the head or body is hit, causing the brain to shake violently within the skull and damaging fragile brain tissue.
How is the Severity of a Brain Injury Diagnosed?
TBI symptoms will determine the severity of a person’s injury. TBIs are classified as either mild, moderate, or severe in nature. The level of consciousness that a person retains is a major factor in determining injury severity.
Symptoms of a mild TBI may involve:
- Headache
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping more than usual
- Sensory problems: Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, or changes in the ability to smell
- Being dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Profound confusion
- Slurred speech
Symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI may involve:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes to several hours
- Worsening headache
- Dilation in one or both pupils
- Inability to awake from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Mood swings: Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
- Slurred speech
- Coma and other consciousness disorders
Recovery Time for TBI Patients
Victims of moderate and severe TBIs are known to have a longer recovery process. One study found that only 50 percent of those who sustained a severe TBI were able to take care of themselves independently one year following their accident. In contrast, 75 percent of those who suffered a moderate TBI were able to return to their normal daily activities after one year.
Five years following a TBI, approximately 57 percent of individuals are permanently disabled. These long-term effects impact a person’s daily life, often preventing them from returning to work and requiring assistance with activities such as grooming and bathing. Family members are often called upon to be caretakers, which can prevent them from earning higher wages.
Speak with a Pottsville Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today
Taking care of someone following a TBI can be costly. At Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C., we understand the extent that a TBI can have on both the victim and loved ones. To learn how we can help, please call us at (570) 622-2455 or by complete our online contact form.