Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer
by Slepkow Law
Brain-injury-lawyer
Rhode Island brain Injury attorney

This post was authored by a Rhode Island Brain injury lawyer. In the course of a calendar year, tens of thousands of people suffer traumatic head injury / traumatic brain injury in car, truck or fall accidents. A decent percent of these injuries require extensive rehabilitation or even a hospital stay.

It is important that people and the loved ones around them are cognizant of the symptoms of a serious head injury. There are numerous deficiencies that could result from a blow or injury to the head. These deficits include memory loss, emotional problems, concentration problems, vision deficiencies, learning disabilities, nausea, hearing loss, coma, cognitive deficiencies or smell issues.

Retain a brain Injury lawyer

If you suffered a concussion or injury to your head as a result of an accident caused by the negligence or carelessness of an individual or corporation then you should retain a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer who is also a RI traumatic brain injury attorney. A Providence car accident lawyer will fight to get you the settlement that you are entitled to.

Not every head injury from a trucking or motor vehicle crash results in death or inability to function on a day to day basis. Many blows to the head result in a concussion. Concussions are serious and do in fact constitute TBI. The Mayo Clinic states: “A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.” Mayo Clinic 

What typically causes tbi?

* Motor vehicle accidents such as truck, motorcycle  accident or car crashes. In particular, motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous especially when the cyclist is not wearing a protective helmet.
* Falls (According to the brain Injury Institute falls make up 35 percent of the traumatic brain injuries )
* Criminal assault, battery and attacks
*19% from impact with a moving object (Brain Institute)

A traumatic brain injury is much more likely to result from a bike, bicycle or motorcycle crash then a car, truck or van collision.  Many brain injuries result from big rig, semi- truck, 18 wheeler and tractor trailer accidents.

Rhode Island TBI Injury attorney 

When you consult with a Personal Injury Attorney in RI make sure that he or she has a substantial background and experience representing victim of traumatic brain injury. A Rhode Island TBI Injury Attorney will know what expert to retain and know the ins and outs of head injury litigation in Providence Superior Court.

Fatal head injury

If a person dies as a result of a traumatic brain injury then the loved ones, family members or children of the deceased should retain a RI wrongful death attorney who is experienced litigating fatal accidents. Traumatic brain injury could also result from a RI slip and fall or a fall from machinery or a cliff fall. In the event of a head injury from a slip and fall then the victim should consider a Providence Slip and fall lawyer.

Workers compensation and TBI

If a person is injured while at work or in the scope of employment they may have a Rhode Island workers compensation cause of action necessitating a workers compensation lawyer in RI. Even if a brain injury is not caused by the negligence, recklessness, carelessness or malfeasance of a motorist then the injured victim may still have a viable social security disability (SSDI) or social security insurance (SSI) claim.

Post-traumatic seizure

MSKT states: “Commonly accepted criteria established by the TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) to identify the presence and severity of TBI include :
Damage to brain tissue caused by an external force and at least one of the following: A documented loss of consciousness The person cannot recall the actual traumatic event (amnesia) The person has a skull fracture, post-traumatic seizure, or an abnormal brain scan due to the trauma” MSKTC

Blow to the head

If you were injured as a result of texting while driving, reckless driving, a rear end accident, drunk driving, or speeding, you want the justice that you deserve. In some instances a blow to the head is caused by a defective or unreasonably dangerous product necessitating a Rhode Island product liability Lawyer.

Brain injury statistics:

The Center for Disease Control (cdc) states: “Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States, contributing to about 30% of all injury deaths.1 Every day, 138 people in the United States die from injuries that include TBI.”   “Effects of TBI can include impaired thinking or memory, movement, sensation (e.g., vision or hearing), or emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, depression).” cdc link  “In 2010, about 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, or deaths were associated with TBI—either alone or in combination with other injuries—in the United States.” cdc link

Bleeding in or around the brain

“A brain injury can occur any time the brain is forced against the inside of your skull due to an accident or injury. A hard blow to the head may cause a movement of the brain inside the skull, a fracture to the skull, or bleeding in or around the brain—or any combination—thus resulting in brain injury. The common forms of brain injury are bruising (bleeding), tearing, and swelling.” Brain injury

Resources available to injured victims:

Brain Injury Association of America “Our mission is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for all individuals impacted by brain injury. Through advocacy, we bring help, hope and healing to millions of individuals living with brain injury, their families and the professionals who serve them.”  Source 

Rhode Island Brain Injury Association “The Association actively collaborates with state and private entities to educate survivors, family members and professionals on all aspects of brain injury prevention, treatment and support needs. The BIA of RI operates a Brain Injury Resource Center to improve access to information on traumatic brain injury, and to enhance the effectiveness of agencies and service providers who work with survivors of brain injury.” Id.

TBIs can vary in severity, and their effects can range from mild to severe. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect a TBI, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Here are some key points to consider regarding TBI from head injuries in car accidents:

  1. Types of TBIs: There are different types of TBIs, including concussions, contusions (bruising of the brain), and more severe injuries like diffuse axonal injuries. The severity of the injury depends on the force and impact during the accident.
  2. Symptoms: Symptoms of a TBI can include confusion, memory problems, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, mood changes, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. These symptoms may not be immediately apparent and could develop over time.
  3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if there are no immediate symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention after a car accident that involves a head injury. Some symptoms may not become evident until hours or days after the accident.
  4. Diagnosis: A healthcare professional will typically conduct a thorough examination, which may include neurological tests and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of the injury.
  5. Treatment: Treatment for TBI can vary depending on the severity. It may include rest, medication for pain or other symptoms, rehabilitation therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
  6. Recovery: The recovery process for TBI can be lengthy and may involve physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as counseling to address emotional and cognitive changes.
  7. Prevention: To prevent head injuries in car accidents, it’s essential to wear seat belts, use appropriate child safety seats, and avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs.
  8. Legal and Insurance Considerations: If the car accident was due to another party’s negligence, you may have legal options for pursuing compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Consult with a personal injury attorney for guidance in such cases.

Remember that every TBI case is unique, and the best course of action should be determined by medical professionals. If you or someone you know is dealing with a TBI, it’s essential to follow their guidance and support them in their recovery journey.

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