Although most of the tips in this guide are common sense; a few important things to remember about head injuries. Take the right safety precautions, seek medical attention right away and, perhaps most crucially, consult a brain injury attorney in Norwich, CT. Read on to learn more about these devastating injuries.
Open vs. Closed Injuries
Whether it’s a minor bump or a TBI (traumatic brain injury), the initial severity of an injury may be deceiving at first. There are two head injury types: closed and open. A closed injury typically has to do with brain damage, while an open injury may appear as a lump, bump or skull fracture. A slight injury is usually referred to as a concussion, but with more substantial injuries, brain swelling and tissue compression may occur, resulting in lasting damage.
Safety Is First and Foremost
It might seem obvious, but thousands of brain injuries occur each year because victims didn’t take the right safety precautions. For instance, everyone in a car should buckle up, and if there are children along for the ride, all doors should be locked before departing. Motorcyclists should always wear a full-face helmet. These simple steps will substantially reduce the chances of a TBI, although it may not prevent all head injuries.
See a Doctor Right Away
Just because a person doesn’t experience any harmful effects right away doesn’t mean the injury isn’t severe. In many cases, victims sustain head injuries without being aware of their seriousness. Knowing the symptoms of a head injury, such as confusion, slurred speech, changes in balance and blurred vision, is important.
Receive a Diagnosis
Once a victim sees a doctor for a head injury, they’ll likely undergo a neurological exam. During the examination, the doctor will ask questions designed to determine whether the victim is in their right mind. CT scans may be ordered to look for brain swelling, bleeding and skull fractures.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help
If a person has suffered a head injury, it’s in their best interest to file a claim with the help of a brain injury attorney in Norwich, CT. With a lawyer’s help, a victim can obtain the award they need for their suffering, pain, medical bills and injury-related emotional losses. Browse the website for more details or call attorney Stephen M. Reck to schedule an appointment.
