Out of the estimated two million people that sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the U.S. each year, more than 500,000 require hospitalizations and evaluations for potential long-term damage. The severity of traumatic brain injuries varies from case to case, but if you believe that your TBI was the result of someone else’s negligence, consider contacting an Iowa brain injury attorney today to learn more about your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation.
A traumatic brain injury is classified into one of two categories: “penetrating,” in which an object passes through the skull into the brain, and “closed,” in which an object strikes the head with a blunt force but does not puncture the brain. Brain injuries are commonly caused by vehicular accidents, sports injuries, or slip and falls, particularly by the elderly and children who are not always entirely stable when walking.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a head injury, even if a traumatic brain injury is not immediately diagnosed. Due to the severity of TBIs and the potential for long-term complications, a patient should be evaluated if any of the following symptoms are noticed:
- Stiff neck
- Fluid drainage
- Scalp wound
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Pupil change
- Skull fracture
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Bleeding
Failing to quickly and properly diagnose a traumatic brain injury can result in prolonged brain damage that can have a permanent and lasting effect on the patient and his or her family. Dismissing a TBI as just a bump, headache, or migraine could have dire consequences.
For this reason, it is important to seek legal counsel from an Iowa brain injury attorney. He or she can help you file a lawsuit to recover damages for any medical treatments or expenses you might have incurred as a result of your injury. Additionally, if you are unable to return to work or if you require long-term rehabilitation or medical care, you may be eligible to seek compensation to help to pay for these costs as well.
Contact an Iowa Brain Injury Attorney if You Believe You Have a Case
To learn more about pursuing a claim for compensation or for additional information about your legal options, contact Attorney Group for Iowa today. We are offering free, no-obligation consultations to help you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit. If you are, we can put you in touch with an affiliated Iowa brain injury attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. Call today.
