Some of the most severe injuries you can sustain from a car accident are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). According to TreatNOW.org, car accidents contribute to 14% of all traumatic brain injuries. TBIs are exceptionally dangerous injuries because most accident victims are unaware they’ve injured their neurological system until they begin showing symptoms years after the accident.
So, even if your initial symptoms resolve after a car accident, it doesn’t mean you won’t experience complications down the road. It is recommended to continue to receive medical treatment for a brain injury. Continuous and proper medical treatment for a TBI is crucial to preventing permanent damage and reaching a successful settlement from your accident.
Factors that Affect Brain Injury Settlement Amounts in California
Brain injury cases often settle for the highest figures amongst personal injury car accident claims. Since the brain serves as the command center for your entire body, a brain injury typically requires ongoing and future medical care. Average settlement amounts vary widely based on the details of each brain injury, however, the following factor will greatly influence the settlement you can expect to receive:
- The severity of your injury
- Your characteristics:
- Age
- Occupation
- Overall health
- Education
- Insurance policy of the liable party
- Your percentage of liability (if any) in the accident
How Do You Know If You Have a TBI After a Car Accident in California?
According to Medscape, TBIs are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States with nearly two million traumatic brain injuries occurring every year. For that reason, it is important to know how to identify a TBI if you’ve suffered any type of head injury. Traumatic brain injuries fall into two distinct categories. These categories are known as:
- Penetrating TBI: penetrating TBI (pTBI) is a wound in which a projectile breaches the cranium, but does not exit it. Due to the serious nature of this injury, the mortality rate for penetrating head injuries is high. 50% of all trauma deaths are secondary to TBIs. These injuries are extremely obvious and require immediate treatment.
- Non-penetrating TBI: a non-penetrating TBI is also known as a “closed head injury” or a “blunt” TBI. This is caused when an external act causes the brain to move around within the skill. This injury can also be classified as a serious concussion. Common causes of non-penetrating TBIs include car accidents, rough falls, sports accidents, or blunt force trauma to the head. These injuries can lie dormant until a victim’s basic motor skills begin to decline.
If you’ve suffered either one of these TBIs, it is important to pay attention to symptoms that can alert you to serious neurological issues, even while you’re receiving treatment.
- Physical symptoms:
- Pupil dilation
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Cognitive Symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Forgetfulness
- Persistent frustration and irritability
- Perception Symptoms
- Loss of balance
- Sensitivity to light
- Random mood swings
- Depression and anxiety
- Lack of energy
FAQs
Q: How much are TBIs worth?
A: Depending on the details of the injury, TBIs can be worth anywhere from thousands of dollars to millions. Every circumstance is different and certain factors can bring value to the case or reduce what a case is worth. An experienced TBI attorney will be able to help give you an accurate estimation of what your case is worth.
Q: What is a 40% TBI Rating?
A: Every TBI receives a percentage ranking. A TBI ranking reveals the impact a TBI will have on an injured victim’s life. A 40% ranking means your TBI will have an effect on your daily life and hinder your work performance, along with your social life.
Q: What causes a TBI?
A: TBIs can result from any sort of sudden and aggressive trauma to the brain. Typical causes include car accidents, explosions, sports injuries, or combat injuries.
Q: Do I have to be “knocked out” to have a TBI?
A: No, people can have a negative change in brain function without being “knocked out.”
Q: Who is affected by TBI?
A: According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, the most affected individuals of TBIs are the youth and elderly people who experience serious falls. 28% of all TBIs result from falls.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI after a car accident in California, the experienced accident attorneys at Maison Law can help you get top-notch, medical treatment for your injuries, as well as compensation for your damages. At Maison Law, we stand up for accident victims whose lives have been upended by reckless drivers. Get the expert legal advice you need and contact Maison Law today for a free, no-risk case consultation. No upfront money is necessary for our services and we don’t get paid unless we win your case for you.
