Sports fans have been hearing more and more over the last several years about the dangers of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The NFL and NHL lawsuits regarding sports-related head injuries have brought publicity to the devastating long-term effects of concussions. Due to this litigation, sports leagues have been taking more precautions to protect athletes from returning to action too soon. While concussions and TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) occur frequently on the playing field, they are also a common occurrence in motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and slip/trip and fall accidents.
Traumatic Brain injuries can be caused by a blow to the head, but can also be caused by rapid acceleration/deceleration (whiplash) of the head, which often occurs in motor vehicle accidents. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) found that in 2013 motor vehicle accidents were the third leading cause of TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
The effects of a TBI can be temporary, but they can also last for the rest of your life. If you feel you have suffered a TBI seek medical evaluation. The symptoms of a TBI can include:
- Headaches;
- Poor memory;
- Difficulty with word finding;
- Poor concentration;
- Fatigue;
- Unusual Temper;
- Vision changes;
- Changes in sense of smell;
- Changes in sense of taste;
- Depression;
- Irritability;
- Difficulty with organizing daily tasks; and
- Problems with balance, dizziness, or vertigo.
The Trial Attorneys at BGR are experienced in handling claims involving TBIs.
Recently our attorneys Steve Goff, Brian Laule, Tracy Tool, and Dean Rohde participated in the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance 32nd Annual Conference for Professionals in Brain Injury. https://www.braininjurymn.org/events/ The conference was attended by professionals in the brain injury community who also serve the needs of individuals whose lives have been touched by brain injuries. If you have been diagnosed with a TBI contact us for a free case evaluation.