Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania
By Ben Gobel on January 23, 2024
A traumatic brain injury can have devastating consequences for accident victims, from medical expenses to lost wages.
TBI patients who have suffered through car accidents can contact a Pennsylvania traumatic brain injury lawyer for help. The team at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. has the resources and knowledge to help you recover.
Introduction to Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C.
With more than $250 million recovered for our clients, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. take the effects of catastrophic injuries seriously.
Our team has provided legal care for the people of Pittsburgh for nearly 50 years and is ready to help you get compensated.
Overview of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can happen even in a minor car accident. When motor vehicle accidents cause damage to the brain, there are grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
However, before contacting a personal injury lawyer, you should understand the effects of a severe TBI. You should know about the mental health issues, symptoms, and common causes of traumatic brain injuries in car accidents.
Types of traumatic brain injuries
A brain injury can happen anytime your brain suffers trauma. For example, a mild TBI can be caused by a bump to the head. These types of injuries require medical attention and possibly even physical therapy.
Below are a few different types of traumatic brain injuries:
- Diffuse axonal injuries
- Open injuries where an object penetrates the head
- Closed head injuries
- Concussion
Causes and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death, and TBIs cause a significant number of those deaths. Because these injuries can be so dangerous, understanding what to expect or watch for is vital. Here are a few details you should know.
The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries
Severe TBI may require surgery, so knowing what to look for can make all the difference. You should seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sound sensitivity
- Memory problems or memory loss
- Personality changes
- Headaches
- Physical pain
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Vomiting
The importance of medical attention after a traumatic brain injury
To make a full recovery after a car wreck, you may need specific treatment for your TBI. You have suffered an injury to your brain and nervous system, which can take time and treatments like bed rest, occupational therapy, and even surgery to repair.
Because the effects of TBI can be so severe, you may need to seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible. Then, once the progression of your injuries has stopped, you can seek to protect your legal rights.
The Legal Process for Traumatic Brain Injury Claims
Understanding the legal process involved in a car accident claim is one of the first steps to recovery. Fortunately, your lawyer can guide you through the process, including the following steps to take after a car accident in Pennsylvania.
Gathering evidence for a traumatic brain injury claim
If possible, gathering evidence for your TBI claim at the accident scene can be a huge boon to your case. For example, an accident victim can take photos of the accident scene.
The role of insurance companies in traumatic brain injury claims
When filing an insurance claim, your insurer will want answers about who caused your injuries. Typically, the person who is at fault for the accident is responsible for the damages of a car crash. So, you will typically file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
However, Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning you may have grounds for an insurance claim regardless of fault.
Proving negligence and liability in a car accident case
When your car accident case must be handled in the courtroom, you will need to prove negligence. The negligent party is the one who pays for your injuries, so identifying them is vital. If you are unsure who caused your car accident and brain injury, reach out to an attorney for guidance.
Legal Representation After a Car Accident
Without legal representation in the aftermath of your car accident, you may struggle to get compensation. The at-fault party may be unwilling to settle with you, which makes getting compensated more difficult.
Your attorney can take the pressure off you by gathering information and providing legal representation.
Compensation for traumatic brain injury victims
When understanding car accident compensation in Pennsylvania, you need to know what you are due for your traumatic brain injury. That means knowing your economic and non-economic damages.
These can be hard to calculate alone. Talk to your attorney about calculating the total of all your damages.
Brain Injury FAQ
What is the life expectancy of someone with TBI?
Depending on the severity of the TBI, someone who has suffered a brain injury may have a reduced lifespan. Talk to your doctor about your injury and how you can protect your health.
How much compensation do you get for TBI?
Compensation for a TBI varies depending on the specifics of your injury. Because of this, it is crucial to record information about your injuries and recovery, so you can keep track of your claim’s value.
What is life like for a person with a traumatic brain injury?
Life for TBI patients can vary depending on the severity of their injuries. Those with mild TBIs may be able to return to their normal lives, while those who suffer moderate to severe TBIs may face life-altering changes, like mobility changes, cognitive function issues, and more.
Are personality changes after a TBI permanent?
While the injured body can survive serious trauma, some changes may be permanent, including personality changes. Keep in mind that everyone’s body and mind are different, and there could be different results even among those with similar injuries.
How Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. Can Help
When you need a traumatic brain injury attorney in Pennsylvania, do not hesitate to reach out to our team for a free consultation. The attorneys at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. are here to help, putting our decades of experience to work for you.
Ready to learn more? Reach out for a free consultation by calling or completing our online contact form.
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