A traumatic brain injury - or TBI - is a sudden disruptive interference of normal brain functioning. It often can create dysfunction in the brain after a serious blow to the head and is most common in car crashes or being harshly struck in sports-related accidents.

If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI, you may choose to hire an attorney to help you recover damages. An attorney can help relieve the burdens faced by TBI survivors and their families by working to get compensation for:

• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Past and future medical expenses

Knowing the warning signs of a traumatic brain injury can improve the recovery process and increase the chance of positive outcomes. Some symptoms are easily recognizable, quick to find, and can resolve within days. However, more severe TBIs are much more difficult to notice and can cause symptoms that last for weeks, months, or years. The following symptoms may indicate a severe traumatic brain injury and may require immediate medical attention:

• Severe headache that gets worse and does not resolve
• Weakness and numbness
• Dizziness or loss of vision
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• One pupil larger than the other (black part of the eye)
• Vomiting or nausea
• Seizures and convulsions

TBI settlements are decided upon by financial factors due to the severity of the injury (costs of medical care, loss of income, etc.) as well as emotional or physical distresses. The impact of the injury on brain function also plays a strong role. Compensation can vary from a few thousand to over a million depending on factors of the incident.

A TBI can lead to a variety of health issues ranging from memory loss and trouble sleeping to seizures, coma, and death. Studies have indicated that it can take up to 10 years to fully recover from a TBI. The cost can be a tremendous burden on the individuals and their families, but that is only the beginning. Survivors may also suffer cognitive, sensory, motor, and emotional impairments for the rest of their lives. People who sustain traumatic brain injuries are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It is important to recognize when you or a loved one has suffered from a TBI. Catastrophic injuries, illnesses, or death can occur if multiple mild traumatic brain injuries are suffered within a short period of time.