How Do You Prove Traumatic Brain Injury?
Unfortunately, even a mild blow or jolt on the head may cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). And while TBI may take a toll on your health and physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities, you may be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation; primarily if someone else’s negligence was the cause of the injury. Read on to learn more about how to prove TBI.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an alteration of the brain's normal function that may result from a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury.
You may sustain TBI after a road accident, a fall, a sports-related injury, or other accidents that cause a blow to your head.
What are the Signs of TBI?
The signs and symptoms of TBI depend on the extent of the brain damage, so the signs may range from mild to moderate and severe. Common signs include:
- Confusion or dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical help immediately for diagnosis.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Your medical specialist may diagnose TBI based on immediate symptoms after the accident. For example, your doctor may diagnose you with TBI if you suffer unconsciousness, confusion, disorientation, or memory loss after an injury.
However, you still need to undergo tests to confirm the situation. For example, your doctor may conduct brain-imaging tests such as computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for any internal bleeding or tissue damage.
You may also need a neuropsychological assessment conducted by a specialist to help identify any changes in thinking, mood, and behavior after the injury. Note that mild TBI is more challenging to diagnose, as the symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
What Are the Treatments for TBI?
The treatment for TBI varies depending on the severity of the injury. For moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, you may undergo surgery to stop bleeding or remove any damaged tissue.
After the surgery, you will likely need rehabilitation to help you relearn lost skills and regain cognitive abilities.
Counseling is a critical treatment for TBI to help you cope with any emotional or behavioral changes after the injury. Your doctor may also advise you to rest and avoid activities that can strain your brain.
How Can You Prove TBI?
The easiest and most believable way to prove TBI is by undergoing a thorough medical assessment conducted by a qualified physician. During the medical evaluation, your doctor may ask about your symptoms and conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Your doctor will document the diagnosis in your medical records, which you can use as evidence to support your claim. In addition to the diagnosis, your medical records should include information about your prognosis, treatment plan, and other relevant information about your condition.
Suppose you do not have medical records to support your claim. In that case, you may be able to prove TBI using other evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, photos or videos of the accident, and expert testimony.
For a successful claim, you must prove that someone else breached their duty of care, which led to the accident that caused your TBI. In addition, you will need to show that the other party was negligent in their actions and that their negligence resulted in your injuries.
Proving TBI can be complex but manageable with a reliable personal injury lawyer. The attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a solid case to get the compensation you deserve. You can trust us at Wegner & Associates to help you through this difficult time. With our experience and resources, we will fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us for a consultation.