What Are the Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury in a Slip and Fall?

 Posted on April 28, 2023 in Personal Injury

There are multiple types of injuries that can occur in a slip and fall accident. The impact with the ground that occurs in a fall can damage a number of different parts of the body, but in many cases, the most serious injuries will affect the head and brain. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in a variety of debilitating symptoms, and in some cases, the full effects of a TBI may not become known for some time after an accident took place. However, these symptoms can persist, affecting a person for months or years or possibly even leading to permanent disabilities. By understanding the short-term and long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries, victims can make sure they will receive the proper treatment, and they can take action to pursue compensation from the person or parties who were responsible for their injury.

Short-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Immediately following a slip and fall accident, the victim may experience symptoms of a TBI. These may include a loss of consciousness, nausea, dizziness, confusion, blurred or double vision, and brief memory loss. In the days and weeks after an injury, a person may also experience issues such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, problems with concentration, loss of balance, or mood swings. In cases involving mild traumatic brain injuries, these symptoms may last for a short period of time, and a person may be able to recover within a few weeks. However, symptoms of moderate or severe TBIs may persist for longer periods of time, impacting a person's ability to work or engage in normal activities.

Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Unfortunately, the effects of a TBI can last long after the initial injury, especially in cases involving moderate or severe brain injuries. Some long-term symptoms of brain injuries may include:

• Persistent headaches or ringing in the ears

• Sensory issues, such as sensitivity to loud sounds or bright lights

• Loss of coordination throughout the body, including difficulty maintaining balance while walking or moving around and weakness in the arms, hands, and legs

• Vision or hearing loss

• Speech issues, including slurred speech and difficulty forming words

• Problems with understanding information, processing language, and reading or writing

• Confusion, difficulty thinking clearly, and problems with concentration and paying attention to conversations and activities

• Mood disorders, including depression or anxiety

• Behavioral issues and personality changes, including irritability, impulsiveness, and difficulty interacting appropriately with others

• Sleep disorders, including difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual

• Fatigue

• Intellectual and cognitive disorders that may affect the ability to learn new information and solve problems

• Memory loss and difficulty remembering new information

• Seizures

Recovery From a Traumatic Brain Injury

The process of recovering from a TBI can be long and difficult, and many people never fully recover from these injuries. The initial phase of recovery may involve hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation to manage symptoms and prevent further damage to the brain. After this, ongoing treatment and therapy may be required to help the victim regain cognitive and physical function. Even with medical intervention, there is no guarantee of full recovery, and many people with TBIs require ongoing care and support.

Contact Our Lombard Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI in a slip and fall accident, it is essential to seek legal help to ensure that issues related to the accident and injuries will be addressed correctly. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our Naperville traumatic brain injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the injury. We can also help ensure that you receive ongoing care and support to manage the long-term effects of a TBI. To arrange a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your case, contact us at 630-932-9100.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/moderate-severe/potential-effects.html

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traumatic-brain-injury