Editor's note: This post was originally published on June 15, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Baton Rouge or anywhere in Louisiana, seeking immediate medical attention is critical to your recovery and long-term health. TBIs are not always immediately visible or apparent. In some cases, symptoms may develop hours or even days after the initial injury. A prompt evaluation from a qualified medical professional can help identify the severity of the injury and prevent further complications.
Understanding how a TBI can affect your future is just as important as getting the right medical treatment. These injuries can impact your ability to work, care for yourself, and maintain relationships. In severe cases, they may lead to permanent disability or require lifelong care.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden impact, jolt, or penetrating injury disrupts normal brain function. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe injuries that cause permanent disability. Common causes include:
· Motor vehicle accidents, such as car, truck, or motorcycle crashes
· Slip and fall accidents in public or private spaces
· Workplace incidents, particularly in construction or industrial settings
· Sports injuries, from both contact and non-contact activities
· Acts of violence, such as assaults or gunshot wounds
Major Areas of Life Impacted by a TBI
1. Movement and Physical Abilities
A TBI can affect your body’s ability to move, balance, and coordinate. You may experience:
- Loss of strength in certain muscle groups
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Difficulty walking or performing daily tasks
These challenges can make returning to work or daily activities more difficult. They may also require long-term physical therapy.
2. Cognitive Function and Thinking Skills
Brain injuries often affect mental processes, such as:
- Memory and concentration
- Decision-making and judgment
- Problem-solving and reasoning
- Emotional regulation and mood stability
This can interfere with your ability to manage finances, maintain employment, or carry out basic daily responsibilities.
3. Sensory and Perceptual Abilities
Damage to certain parts of the brain can cause sensory changes, including:
- Blurred vision or partial loss of sight
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss
- Changes in touch or temperature perception
These sensory impairments may affect both safety and quality of life.
4. Behavioral and Emotional Side Effects
Depending on the severity and location of the injury, TBIs can also lead to changes in personality and behavior, such as:
- Aggression or irritability
- Depression and anxiety
- Agitation or emotional instability
These symptoms can place strain on personal relationships and make it harder to adapt to post-injury life.
The Importance of Medical and Legal Support for Severe Head Traumas
If a doctor suspects a TBI, they may order diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans to assess the extent of the damage. From there, a tailored treatment plan that includes rehabilitation, therapy, and follow-up care can begin.
Even with the best available treatment, the effects of a TBI can be long-lasting and life-changing. Survivors may face months or years of rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, and significant medical expenses. That is why it is essential to not only focus on healing but also to protect your legal rights if the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Medical bills, lost income, and long-term care costs can be overwhelming. An experienced Baton Rouge personal injury attorney can help you:
- Determine who is legally responsible for your injury
- Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Protect your rights throughout the claims process
Contact a Baton Rouge Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
MGM Injury Attorneys has extensive experience representing individuals and families affected by TBIs in Louisiana. We understand the medical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take, and we fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
