When an accident in Chicago causes an individual to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), they may be facing a long road of recovery and treatment. If the negligence or carelessness of another was the cause of that accident, the negligent party may be held legally liable for expenses and damages related to the victim’s injuries.
A Chicago injury attorney will carefully evaluate your case to determine if negligence is what led to your traumatic brain injury. Your attorney can investigate all aspects of your accident in Chicago and help collect the evidence necessary to build a solid personal injury claim.
Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur in even a mild impact car accident in Chicago. When the head strikes an object or is struck during the collision, there can be brain damage that is not immediately evident.
A TBI can be mild and result in a concussion or it can be so severe that it leads to a complete change in personality and brain function, altering an individual’s life significantly.
It may also result in the individual facing a lifetime of treatment, depending on the severity and extent of the brain damage.
One long-term effect of a TBI is post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Unlike a concussion that heals in a short period of time, this condition can last from a few weeks to several years or a lifetime.
Even those who haven’t experienced a concussion may suffer from post-concussion syndrome. This can include symptoms such as headache, vertigo, irritability, difficulty concentrating or remembering, and depression.
Another long-term effect of a TBI is hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal spinal.
This causes pressure in the brain and isn’t always detected right after the initial brain injury. In fact, it is not uncommon for hydrocephalus to be discovered until a few months after the event that caused the injury.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus include behavioral changes, imbalance and difficulty holding urine.
Treatment may require draining the fluid through a shunt.
When a penetrating head injury or a brain contusion results in seizures this is known as post-traumatic epilepsy. This kind of epilepsy may last a few weeks or several years and require ongoing treatment with medication.
Another potential long-term effect of a TBI is cerebreospinal fluid leakage which can surround the brain or even leak out of the individual’s eyes and nose. Surgery may be required to stop the leakage and repair any skull fracture. This type of delicate surgery can lead to a lengthy recovery time.
Some of the other long-term effects that can be suffered as a result of a traumatic brain injury from an accident in Chicago include damaged blood vessels, cranial nerve injuries and chronic pain.
Surgery, rehabilitation and medication may be necessary forms of treatment.
All of these complications can decrease an individual’s quality of life and result in disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and even the inability to socialize or continue to work.
Some of the disabilities that an individual with a traumatic brain injury can suffer from include:
- memory loss;
- cognitive dysfunction;
- inability to concentrate or pay attention;
- inability to make judgments or problem solve;
- language/communication problems;
- impaired senses; and
- emotional/behavioral problems.
All of these conditions can prevent an individual from returning to work, taking care of their children or otherwise living the life they once lived. Treatment and non-economic considerations associated with traumatic brain injuries may be recoverable through a personal injury claim when they are the result of someone else’s negligence from an accident in Chicago.
Consulting with a knowledgeable and experienced Chicago injury attorney is the best way to fully understand what your legal rights are during this time. A Chicago injury attorney will explain what options you have available in pursuing a personal injury claim.
When to Hire a Chicago Injury Attorney
A Chicago injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.
