According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year in the United States. Whether mild or severe, these kinds of injuries can be truly life-changing, sometimes even fatal. In fact, an estimated 30.5 percent of all fatalities in the United States are caused by a traumatic brain injury, making TBI the third leading contributing factor in injury-related deaths.

Motor vehicle collisions in Tulsa occur daily. As more and more motorists enter the roads and highways throughout the state, street congestion and heavily trafficked interstates greatly increase the likelihood of a crash. When the auto accident is catastrophic, traumatic brain injuries are likely to develop. While the damages may range from short-term to long-term, any type of damage to the brain is a serious matter that accident victims must address immediately.

Due to the wide range of functions that the brain controls, when a passenger occupant suffers from a traumatic brain injury they may feel the effects in a variety of different ways. Accident victims who suffer blows to the head may experience the following functional changes:

  • Language
  • Emotion
  • Thinking
  • Sensation

If you or a loved one experience any type of traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The Edwards Law Firm strongly believes that when the negligent acts of another driver cause harm to innocent motorist, the at-fault party must pay for any damages suffered. With years of experience in personal injury litigation, we understand what it takes to achieve the maximum compensation possible for accident victims in Tulsa.

To speak to a personal injury attorney today, simply complete a Free Case Review on this page.

Common Types of Brain Injury

Some of the most common causes of brain injuries are slips and falls, sports-related injuries, and auto accidents. When a direct blow to the head occurs or a forceful impact causes a sudden jerking movement, a number of complications may arise. A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain physically shifts inside of the skull, causing damage to the brain itself.

In addition to TBI, another form of damage is referred to as an acquired brain injury. More often than not, acquired brain injuries are caused by infection, stroke, near drowning, toxic drug, choking, airway obstruction, or electric shock. When any of these damages occur, the brain endures a lack of oxygen and blood flow which causes tissue death. While some of acquired brain injuries are mild and present a chance for recovery, many are severe and leave the accident victim in a coma or vegetative state.

If you or a loved one has experienced any type of damage to the head or brain due to another’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses in which you have suffered. Contact the Edwards Law Firm at your earliest convenience for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Common Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

Due to the wide range of severity levels inherent in traumatic brain injuries, the associated signs and symptoms range vastly as well. Treatments for these kinds of damages vary dependent upon how serious the TBI may be, however, rehabilitation is typically required for a long period of time after the incident. Accident victims should be aware of potential symptoms linked to TBI in order to seek the proper medical care.

The following are some of the most common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Numbness
  • Hearing issues
  • Slurring and/or swallowing difficulty
  • Memory problem
  • Poor attention span
  • Dilated or uneven pupils
  • Vision changes
  • Vomiting
  • Imbalance
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Increases in blood pressure
  • Slow breathing
  • Spinal fluid leaking from nose or ears

A common misconception is that brain injury victims automatically go into a coma. Contrary to popular belief, however, accident victims who suffer from mild traumatic brain injuries may feel the above symptoms without going into a coma. Therefore, if you or a loved one has experienced any of the above signs following a motor vehicle crash, you must seek medical attention immediately. Time is critical, as even some of the more mild injuries will become serious if not treated right away.

Contact a Tulsa Lawyer Today

The Edwards Law Firm strongly believes in protecting the rights of all Oklahoma residents. With years of experience in TBI litigation, as well as millions of dollars won in verdicts and settlements, our personal injury attorneys understand what it takes to win. Our objective is to always fight for the maximum compensation possible for accident victims. Through our hard work, research, investigation, and dedication to seeking fairness in the court of law, we are able to provide a path to justice for all of our clients.