The Differences Between Mild vs. Severe TBIs
Unlike broken bones or bruising on the skin, suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after an accident is a serious condition that can have far-reaching impacts on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These types of injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the circumstances and severity of the accident.
If you have suffered a TBI following an accident, it's important to consult experienced legal representation who can help you take the necessary steps to protect your well-being and hold the responsible party accountable.
At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, based in Orange County, California, our attorneys are well-versed in California personal injury law, and we have the experience to handle traumatic brain injury cases. We can help you understand the extent of your injury and pursue the compensation you need for your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to an injury of the brain caused by a sudden blow, strike, force, or penetration of the skull that impacts your usual brain function. These injuries can range from minor concussions to life-threatening conditions that could result in permanent mental, emotional, or physical disability, including seizures, loss of coordination or mobility, cognition difficulties, and personality changes.
The most common causes of TBIs include:
Motor vehicle accidents: These are one of the most common causes of TBIs, often caused by strong, sudden impacts with airbags, windshields, or pavement.
Slip and fall accidents: These accidents can cause the head to impact the floor or the walls, potentially resulting in serious injury.
Sports-related accidents: Sudden impacts with the ground, fast-moving balls, or other players can result in injuries from mild concussions to serious contusions.
Whiplash: The sudden jerking of the neck can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, which can result in bruising or bleeding.
In some cases, TBIs may not exhibit symptoms right away. Some injuries could take days or weeks to develop, and considerable damage can still occur even if the skull isn't penetrated. The potential severity of TBIs underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after an accident.
What Constitutes a Mild TBI?
While the terms "mild TBI" and "concussion" are often used interchangeably, the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine defines a mild traumatic brain injury as an injury caused by "an external blow to the head that leaves someone briefly dazed and may or may not result in a loss of consciousness."
These injuries are typically divided into two categories: concussions and subconcussive injuries.
Concussions: The most common type of mild TBI is caused by a sudden movement of the brain inside the skull, such as from whiplash or the sudden impact of the head against the floor or wall.
Subconcussive injury: Common in repeated contact sports, these injuries typically don't result in noticeable symptoms but can have minor long-term brain damage.
Mild TBIs are typically followed by a multitude of minor symptoms, such as confusion, dizziness, headaches, short-term memory loss, impaired thinking, and in some cases, depression. While mild TBIs may not be as severe as life-threatening injuries, it's still important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect injury to the brain.
What Constitutes a Severe TBI?
Unlike mild TBIs, severe TBIs are often serious and life-threatening conditions that can significantly impact your physical well-being. These injuries can either result in a non-penetrating blow to the head or an injury that penetrates the skull.
The common types of severe TBIs include:
Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI): These occur when there is widespread damage to nerve cells throughout the brain, often caused by rotational forces during an accident.
Penetrating brain injury: These occur when a foreign object, such as a bullet or piece of debris, enters the skull and damages brain tissue.
Contusions: These include bruising on the brain, which can result from direct impact to the head or from violent shaking (such as whiplash).
Intracranial hematomas (ICH): These occur when there is significant bleeding inside the brain, often due to a considerable blow or penetration of the skull.
The common symptoms of severe TBIs typically include, but are not limited to, seizures, prolonged loss of consciousness, brain bleeding, brain damage, and impaired vision. If you have experienced these symptoms following a head injury, seek immediate medical attention.
California Statute of Limitations
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury following an accident in California, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim for compensation. Failure to file a claim during this period will prevent you from pursuing compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a claim within this deadline and maximize your opportunities to recover the compensation you need.
Contact an Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Serving Orange County, California
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious conditions that can significantly impact your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you have been injured following an accident, reach out to our attorneys at the Law Offices of Steven Zwick to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand the extent of your injury and pursue fair compensation.
We proudly represent clients across Orange County, including but not limited to Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda.