You may feel fine right after a car accident–adrenaline is high, and you assume that if you can walk away with only a few cuts and bruises, you avoided serious injury. But some of the most serious injuries after a crash are not immediately visible.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can develop gradually after a collision. Headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems may only begin to be noticed hours or even days after the collision. Because these injuries affect the brain rather than bones or muscles, many people do not realize something is wrong until the effects begin interfering with their everyday life.

Even when symptoms seem mild at first, they should never be ignored. A brain injury can affect memory, concentration, mood, coordination, and many other essential functions.

If you or someone you love was involved in a crash and start noticing unusual physical, cognitive, or emotional changes, seeking medical care is critical. Speaking with a medical professional and consulting an experienced Oklahoma traumatic brain injury lawyer may also help protect both your health and your legal rights. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

How Brain Injuries Can Occur in a Car Accident

Many people assume a brain injury only happens when the head strikes something inside the vehicle, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or window. While a direct blow can certainly lead to serious harm, it is not the only way these injuries can occur.

The violent force of a collision can cause the head to snap forward or backward. This rapid movement may cause the brain to shift inside the skull and strike its inner walls, disrupting normal brain function even when there are no visible signs of injury.

Because head trauma is not always obvious right away, it is important to monitor your health carefully after any accident. Warning signs may take time to appear, and early medical evaluation can help identify problems before they worsen.

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident

TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering conditions. The effects may vary depending on the severity of the injury and which areas of the brain are affected.

These injuries can produce a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, including:

It may take hours or even days for these signs to appear after a collision, and they can change over time. Because traumatic injuries to the brain can worsen without proper treatment, any concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Why Prompt Medical Care Matters

Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Even if you feel relatively normal after the crash, a doctor can check for signs of a traumatic brain injury that may not be immediately obvious.

Doctors may perform neurological exams, imaging tests, and ongoing observation to determine whether the brain has been affected. Early diagnosis allows doctors to monitor symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment, and reduce the risk of more serious complications.

If you did not seek treatment right away, it is still important to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice any health concerns. Waiting too long can allow a brain injury to worsen and may also make it more difficult to link the injury to the accident later.

Documenting Changes After the Crash

Brain injuries often affect thinking, memory, and personality rather than causing obvious physical damage. Because these injuries can be difficult to see or measure, insurance companies sometimes question their severity, or even their existence. Keeping detailed records can help demonstrate how the injury affects your daily life and overall well-being.

Consider taking the following steps to document the impact of a TBI:

• Write down new symptoms as they appear, such as headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems.
• Track when symptoms occur and how they affect everyday activities, such as work, sleep, and routine tasks.
• Ask family members, friends, or coworkers to note behavioral or personality changes they observe.
• Keep copies of medical visits, diagnoses, imaging results, and treatment recommendations related to the injury.

Maintaining clear documentation can help healthcare providers better understand your condition and may also serve as important evidence if you pursue compensation after the accident.

Legal Support After a Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs. When these injuries affect a person’s ability to work or carry out daily activities, financial compensation can play an important role in rebuilding stability after a crash.

Unfortunately, many TBI victims accept settlements that fail to reflect the true long-term impact of their injuries. Insurance companies may question the severity of the injury, dispute whether the accident caused the condition, or pressure victims to settle quickly. Without guidance from an experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyer, responding to these tactics can be difficult.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we help injured clients pursue the compensation they deserve.

Our team can:

• Investigate the crash and preserve critical evidence
• Work with neurologists and other specialists to document the injury
• Handle communications with insurance companies
• Calculate long-term damages such as future care and lost earning capacity

By building strong cases supported by medical experts and detailed evidence, we work to ensure the full impact of a brain injury is recognized so our clients have the resources they need for treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support.

Protect Your Health and Your Rights After a Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury can affect memory, ability to work, emotional health, and daily independence. If you or a loved one may have suffered a brain injury after a crash, understanding your legal options is an important step toward protecting your future.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we represent accident victims across Oklahoma and have extensive experience handling complex brain injury claims. Our team pursues the compensation needed for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and future care.

Before accepting a settlement, it is important to understand the full impact of a brain injury. Contact our law firm for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we may be able to help.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not only a major health problem, but it can also be extremely expensive to treat and manage. The direct and indirect costs associated with a TBI can place a substantial financial burden on individuals and their families after injury-causing accidents, and it’s common for many victims to struggle to pay for their normal living expenses on top of their TBI-related costs.

In this blog post, we will explore the common financial damages of traumatic brain injury and provide insights into how to mitigate these challenges.

Medical Expenses

The most immediate and substantial financial damage caused by a traumatic brain injury is the cost of medical treatment. Treating a TBI often requires a wide and expensive range of medical interventions, often including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, and long-term therapies. These expenses can quickly escalate, and even with insurance, the associated copayments, deductibles, and uncovered services can strain an individual’s finances.

Rehabilitation Costs

Recovery from a serious TBI often involves extensive rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. These treatments are essential for regaining lost abilities, but they come with their own financial burden. The costs associated with long-term rehabilitation can mount over time, posing a significant challenge for TBI survivors and their families.

Lost Income and Employment

A TBI can lead to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that may render an individual unable to work for long periods of time, or ever again, or at least significantly reduce their earning capacity potentially permanently. Lost income is a major financial damage, especially if the individual was the primary breadwinner of the family. In addition to lost wages, individuals may also experience reductions in employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement contributions.

Caregiver Expenses

Many individuals with a serious TBI require ongoing care and support, which often falls on the shoulders of family members or hired caregivers. The costs associated with hiring caregivers or modifications to the home to accommodate the needs of the TBI survivor can be substantial. These expenses, along with the lost income of family members who become caregivers, add to the financial strain.

Assistive Devices and Home Modifications

TBI survivors often require assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive technology. Home modifications may also be necessary to improve accessibility and safety. These expenses can be significant and may not always be fully covered by insurance.

Transportation Costs

Individuals with a TBI may need ongoing transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and support groups. These costs can add up, particularly if the individual’s mobility is limited or specialized transportation is required.

Specialized Education

A TBI can affect cognitive and learning abilities, making it necessary for children and young adults to receive specialized education or tutoring. These educational services can be costly, and the financial impact can extend over many years.

Emotional and Psychological Costs

The emotional and psychological toll of a TBI on both the victim and their family can lead to additional costs. These may include expenses related to mental health services, counseling, and support groups to help individuals cope with the emotional fallout of the injury.

How Can TBI Victims Pay for Their Injury-Related Expenses?

While the financial damages of traumatic brain injury are substantial, there are steps that individuals and families can take to mitigate these challenges:

• Health Insurance—If you or your spouse have health insurance through your job or through a private policy, some of your TBI-related expenses may be covered. Familiarize yourself with your policy and understand its limitations.
• Disability Benefits—If you or a loved one cannot work due to a TBI, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits (if the injury happened at work), Social Security Disability benefits, or disability benefits through a private insurance policy.
• Support Services—Certain public support services, such as community organizations and government programs, can sometimes help TBI victims and their families offset some costs.
• Injury Claim—While insurance, disability benefits, and social support services can help, pursuing an injury claim against the at-fault party if you were hurt in an accident or because of someone else’s negligence can result in significant compensation for you and your loved ones.

Our Oklahoma Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation

TBIs are among the most devastating types of injuries people can suffer in accidents. They can profoundly change every aspect of not just the victims’ lives, but the lives of their loved ones, too. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma brain injury attorneys work hard to help victims through every step of the recovery process.

When you contact us, we’ll build your claim with one goal in mind: getting you the settlement you deserve to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free case review. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we work hard to help our clients get the money they need both now and in the future after suffering serious injuries through no fault of their own. That’s because many injuries cause complications that can keep victims out of work for months or even years—all while their medical bills keep piling up.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most likely injuries to cause long-term complications. The complications of TBIs can be disabling, disruptive, and extremely expensive for victims and their families. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 57% of TBI victims are moderately or severely disabled, and 55% were employed at the time of their injuries but are no longer able to work.

When we build TBI claims for our clients, we dig deep to discover how their injuries will affect them. Some of the most common long-term complications we help our clients get compensation for include the following.

Memory Loss

It’s common for people who suffer from TBIs to experience memory loss of the moments, hours, or even days just before their injuries occurred. In some cases, victims may also develop short- and long-term memory problems after their accidents.

Both short- and long-term memory loss can be highly disruptive to victims’ daily lives and their ability to work. For example, people with short-term memory loss may find it difficult to follow recently provided directions or complete new tasks at work, while people with long-term memory loss may struggle to remember who they are, where they live, and their occupations.

Dizziness and Balance Problems

TBIs often cause victims to feel dizzy and have difficulty maintaining their balance. These symptoms usually lessen or go away in some victims, but they may be permanent in others. People with dizziness and balance problems may find working difficult or even impossible, especially if their jobs require standing or moving around throughout the day.

Depending on the severity, TBI victims who experience dizziness and balance problems may need assistance getting around in public or their homes. For example, they may require canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, and their homes may need to be equipped with ramps, stair lifts, and bath/shower rails.

Headaches or Migraines

Headache is another TBI complication that initially appears in almost all cases but usually diminishes over time. Unfortunately, some TBI victims deal with this complication for years or even for the rest of their lives.

Headaches and migraines can be extremely debilitating and disabling, especially when chronic and severe. In addition to making it extremely difficult for TBI victims to work, severe and chronic headaches and migraines may require them to undergo expensive imaging procedures and surgeries to diagnose and attempt to treat their causes.

Fatigue

TBIs often affect the energy levels of victims. It’s common for TBI victims to require much more sleep than before their injuries, and they may still not feel rested even after sleeping for long periods of time. Excessive sleepiness and reduced energy can wreak havoc on victims’ ability to work or live independently.

In severe cases, people with TBI-related fatigue may need assistance with routine tasks like making meals, cleaning their homes, and caring for their children. The cost of these services can be enormous, and many TBI victims can’t afford them without getting compensation through injury claims.

Seizures

People who suffer TBIs can develop seizure disorders, including epilepsy, even if they’ve never had seizures before. Seizures are extremely disruptive to daily life, as they can occur with little or no warning. Seizures can make working difficult for victims, especially if they have public-facing roles or work with heavy machinery.

Many TBI victims who suffer from seizures need to take medication to help reduce their frequency and severity, while others may require surgery to address the root cause. In addition to these treatments, victims may need expensive lifestyle changes to accommodate their condition, including home modifications.

Our Oklahoma City Brain Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help

All injuries have the potential to be disruptive, debilitating, and disabling, but the sheer number of short- and long-term complications associated with TBIs often puts them in a class of their own.

Simply put, there are few parts of life that TBIs can’t affect or change, and those changes are almost always for the worse.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we believe TBI victims shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for complications of injuries that weren’t their fault. If you or someone you love suffered a TBI, contact us today for a free consultation. We want to help you and your family get the money you need to treat your TBI, replace your lost wages, and compensate you for your pain and suffering.

Brain injuries are among the most impactful injuries that people suffer during accidents. The negative effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be wide-reaching. Victims may experience difficulty with their balance, fine motor skills, memory, and cognition. Their behaviors and personalities also may change, which can be upsetting to them and their loved ones.

But unlike cuts, contusions, and broken bones, TBIs can’t be seen visually or even easily diagnosed. Because of that, many victims are unaware of the full extent of their TBIs and the problems it may cause them months or even years down the road.

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident and you suspect a TBI occurred, it’s extremely important to get as accurate of a diagnosis as possible. Here’s why.

It Helps You Get Fair Compensation for Your Medical Bills

In some cases, the best treatment for a TBI is simply rest and a few days away from work and other responsibilities. But for severe TBIs, the best treatments may involve physical and cognitive rehabilitation and even surgery.

The costs of treating severe TBIs can be enormous. In some cases, victims may even require lifelong medical care. Without an accurate diagnosis of the severity of their TBIs, it can be difficult for victims to receive or even ask for the amount of compensation they deserve for their TBI-related expenses.

It Helps You Get Fair Compensation for Your Lost Wages

TBIs often affect victims’ ability to work. That’s because they can affect victims’ ability to type, use tools, and even walk, and they can also affect their ability to process and remember information. People in virtually all occupations and trades can be affected by TBIs, from salesmen and teachers to carpenters and police officers.

Compensation for lost wages is an important part of any personal injury claim, but without an accurate diagnosis, TBI victims may not know how long they’ll be out of work or how profoundly their careers will be affected. Victims who suffered severe TBIs may need compensation for a lifetime of lost wages or lost earning potential if their impairments make it difficult or impossible for them to progress in their careers.

It Helps You Get Fair Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering

It can be difficult for people other than TBI victims themselves to understand how devastating, disorienting, and disabling these injuries can be. Victims often report feeling out of sorts for years after their injuries, and many complain that they simply don’t feel like themselves anymore. Those changes in addition to the cognitive and motor skills changes can make TBIs extremely distressing.

TBI victims are often left unable to enjoy their hobbies, and they may even find it difficult to enjoy spending time with friends and family. Many TBI victims also experience persistent physical symptoms, including tinnitus, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and more. The pain and suffering TBI victims experience can be profound, and they deserve to be properly compensated for it.

How Do You Get an Accurate Diagnosis of Your Brain Injury?

TBIs can’t be diagnosed on sight, and even patients describing their symptoms doesn’t always tell doctors the full tale of their extent and severity. To detect TBIs, doctors often perform the following tests:

• Neurological exams—These exams evaluate patients’ thinking, motor function, sensory function, coordination, eye movement, and reflexes.
• Imaging tests—CT scans and MRI scans can help doctors detect bleeding in the brain that can help them determine if a TBI needs immediate intervention, including surgery.
• Intracranial pressure monitor—TBIs can cause the brain to swell. This can be life-threatening, and when severe TBIs are suspected, this monitor may be used to help determine if pressure inside the skull is increasing to dangerous levels.

In some cases, second opinions are helpful when patients feel like their TBIs aren’t being taken seriously. Getting a proper diagnosis from a caring and thorough doctor can go a long way in helping a patient get the money they deserve after an accident that results in a TBI.

We Help TBI Victims and Their Families Get Maximum Compensation

With an accurate diagnosis in hand, your next step should be calling an experienced Oklahoma brain injury lawyer. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped many TBI victims get the money they need for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Now we want to help you and your loved ones move forward with your lives with the financial compensation you need and deserve.

Contact us anytime, day or night, for a free consultation. There’s no risk to hire us, as our No Fee Guarantee® means we only get paid if YOU get paid.

Few injuries have the potential to change victims’ lives like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs are injuries caused by an impact to the head, such as in a fall or a car crash. Concussions are one of the most common forms of TBI.

People who suffer TBIs are often affected in unpredictable and often profound ways. Some victims may experience changes in personality and judgment, while others may experience cognitive difficulties and impaired balance.

In order to be fully compensated for brain injuries that they suffer in accidents, victims need accurate diagnoses. However, TBIs aren’t visible to the naked eye, and simply describing their symptoms is rarely enough to get victims the money they’re owed. Instead, they need accurate and trustworthy evidence that they and their lawyers can show the insurance company.

If you or someone you love suffered a TBI, these tests can help your doctor determine its full extent.

CT Scan

A computerized tomography (CT) scan takes X-ray images of a person’s brain from different angles. Once compiled, these images show a complete picture of their brain. This imagery makes it easier for doctors and surgeons to determine the extent of a person’s brain injury, including what regions were damaged and whether their brain is bleeding, bruised, or severely damaged.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) works similarly to a CT scan, but instead of using X-rays, it uses magnets and radio waves. It also produces clearer and more detailed images of the brain than a CT scan. However, because it’s a costlier and more time-consuming scan, it’s rarely done for an initial diagnosis. Instead, MRIs are typically used during follow-up examinations or to get clearer pictures of damaged areas of the brain.

Glasgow Coma Scale

Despite its name, this test isn’t solely performed on people in comas or who are suspected to be comatose. It measures three things:

• Ability to speak, including whether victims can speak at all, and if they can, whether they speak normally and if the things they say make sense.
• Ability to open eyes, including whether victims open their eyes at will or only when asked to do so.
• Ability to move, which ranges from being able to move easily and with no pain to not moving even in response to pain, such as pinching.

Victims are scored in all three categories based on their responses to each test. Victims whose combined scores are 13 or higher may have suffered only mild brain injuries, victims who score between 12 and 9 may have suffered moderate brain injuries, while victims who score 8 or below may have suffered severe brain injuries.

These tests may be performed again and again as victims recover from their brain injuries to show whether they are improving and, if so, which functions they’re regaining.

Cognition Tests

Doctors may have patients undergo speech and language tests to determine if their ability to use language, which includes speaking, reading, and writing, was affected by their injuries. They also may have them participate in role-playing scenarios to find out if their behavior and socialization skills were diminished or altered.

Some patients may be tested on their thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding, and memorization abilities. Finally, patients may be tested to determine how well they can control their behavior and actions in a variety of scenarios. All of these tests can help doctors determine the extent of victims’ brain injuries, especially when used in conjunction with imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs.

Blood Test

According to the National Institutes of Health, blood tests are an emerging area of research for diagnosing traumatic brain injuries, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a blood test for TBI diagnosis in 2018.

The blood test is used to detect the presence of two proteins called UCH-L1 and GFAP which are released into the brain when a mild concussion occurs. This can help doctors determine if a person suffered a TBI when a CT scan doesn’t show evidence of an injury.

Let Us Build Your Brain Injury Claim

The first steps towards getting compensation for a traumatic brain injury are proving that it happened due to someone else’s negligence and proving its severity and disruption to your life. That means getting a prompt and accurate diagnosis, which may require getting a second opinion from another doctor if you think your symptoms weren’t taken seriously or your TBI wasn’t properly diagnosed.

But it’s not enough to have an accurate diagnosis—you also need an aggressive and experienced legal team. That’s where we come in. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma City brain injury attorneys know how to build claims for innocent victims like you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We want to help you get the money you’re owed.

Each day, approximately 155 people in the U.S. die from injuries that include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). For each of these deaths, many more suffer injuries that aren’t fatal but are incredibly debilitating.

How do we reduce the number of brain injuries? One of the many solutions is increasing awareness of the problem. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, which means that we have an opportunity to start the important conversation about traumatic brain injuries.

Spreading the Message About Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

We’ve put together a guide on TBIs to provide you with valuable information about:

• How traumatic brain injuries happen
• The common causes of brain injuries
• The long-term impact of traumatic brain injuries
• The legal options TBI sufferers might be able to pursue

After reading this brief guide, you’ll have the information you need to start the conversation about brain injuries. Simply click below to get started.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Serious Brain Injury

Brain injury symptoms vary greatly from one injury to another. Though people tend to associate brain injuries with a loss of consciousness, the truth is that other, more subtle symptoms are far more likely after someone suffers a blow or jolt to the head. Signs of a brain injury include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Loss of consciousness
• Blurred vision

If you notice these signs of a TBI in yourself or a loved one, it’s vital that you seek medical assistance immediately. When left untreated, brain injuries can lead to permanent physical disability, cognitive impairment, and even death.

When Your TBI Is Someone Else’s Fault, You Have Options

The consequences of TBIs can be overwhelming for sufferers and their families. Costly medical bills and a limited earning capacity can put anyone suffering from a brain injury at risk for financial catastrophe. This is one of the many reasons we encourage people who have sustained a brain injury through no fault of their own to speak to an attorney.

Many brain injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you have the chance to talk over your case with an experienced lawyer. You’ll face no pressure to move forward with a claim if you don’t wish to do so.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Free Case Review

It never hurts to speak to an attorney. Take advantage of Parrish DeVaughn’s free consultations, so we can hear your story and help you explore your legal options. Contact our Oklahoma City brain injury attorneys today to get started.

Victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often suffer life-changing complications. In addition to the physical disabilities associated with brain injuries, victims also may experience profound changes in cognition and even personality. When TBIs are severe, victims often require around-the-clock care from medical professionals.

The costs and emotional toll associated with caring for TBI victims can be difficult for many families to bear. And because the brain is limited in its capacity to heal or regenerate lost tissue and cells, many TBI victims have little hope of significant recovery or regaining lost physical and cognitive function.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating TBIs are for victims and their loved ones. Families are forever changed by those injuries, and they often feel like they can’t afford to give victims the professional care they need due to the enormous costs. Our Oklahoma City brain injury lawyers may be able to help you get the compensation you need to give your loved one the help he or she deserves.

No Matter What Caused the TBI, We’re Here to Help

TBIs are common injuries that can occur during a variety of accidents. Car accidents, falls, truck accidents, workplace accidents, and even violent assaults can all lead to TBIs. Regardless of the cause of your or your loved one’s TBI, you can count on us to give you the individualized attention and legal representation that your claim deserves.

Because TBIs are so disruptive to victims’ lives, the compensation that they require can often be different than what’s commonly associated with other types of injuries. When we build claims for TBI victims, we don’t just calculate how much the injury will cost them right now—we also calculate how much will it cost in the future due to potentially lifelong medical costs and a lifetime of lost income.

Contact us today to get our experienced legal team on your side.

When you’re in any serious accident, recovering from your injuries is your number one priority. However, there is one type of injury that can feel almost impossible to bounce back from: Traumatic head injuries. Traumatic head injuries (THI) can be extremely serious, affecting your ability to function in your everyday life and limiting your future prospects.

Because this happen oftentimes with little to no warning, it’s important that you do everything in your power to protect yourself from this dangerous, sometimes deadly, category of injury. Here are a few ways to prevent traumatic head injuries, as well as advice for when you need to consult an Oklahoma personal injury attorney.

What is a TBI and What Are its Effects?

Before we go into ways you can hopefully avoid a traumatic brain injury, it can be helpful to learn a little more about this type of injury. Although you may not know it, THIs are one of the major causes of death and disability every single year.

A traumatic head injury is any blow to the head that results in damage to your brain and consequences to your life functioning. Most people associate THIs with serious car accidents, but they can actually result from any impact to your head, including falls around the house.

The fact that THIs are so commonplace makes it of vital importance that you take the precautions necessary to protect you and your family.

Staying Safe in the Car

First, as mentioned, THIs are often caused in automobile accidents. Even minor fender benders can result in a head injury if you don’t practice proper vehicle safety, so here are a few tips to stay safe on the road.

If you have children, it’s important that they are in age and weight-appropriate car seats. Generally speaking, your child should be in some sort of car seat until the age of 9. Traumatic head injuries suffered by children can limit their development to a large degree, so do everything in your power to protect your most vulnerable passengers.

Car safety is important for adults as well. Whenever you’re in your car, make sure to wear your seatbelt at all times, even for quick trips to the corner store. You never know when a car wreck and a THI will occur, so you should be ready for whatever comes your way.

Securing Your Home

While it’s not as high a cause as car accidents, it is possible to suffer a traumatic head injury in your own home, especially if you have elderly relatives living with you. To make your home as safe as possible, you should limit the possibilities of falls by laying down non-slip mats in your bathroom and kitchen and removing any obvious tripping hazards.

Improving the safety of your home is quick, easy and will go a long way towards the prevention of THIs.

Avoiding Head Injuries When Having Fun

Finally, everyday recreation opportunities like riding a bike or skating can also cause a THI if you’re not careful. Whenever you and your children engage in one of these outdoor activities, make sure to wear the proper safety equipment, such as protective helmets.

It only takes a moment, but making sure you and your children are safe while at play will give you peace of mind and protect you from the tragedy of a traumatic head injury.

Retain an Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney

Unfortunately, even if you are as vigilant as possible, it’s still possible to suffer a THI due to the negligence or direct actions of another.  If you believe you’ve suffered a traumatic head injury because of the actions of another party, then you need the legal advice from an Oklahoma personal injury lawyer from the Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm. We will examine the facts of your case and let you know whether you should file a personal injury suit. Contact us today for more information.

There are several classifications of brain injury, and many places where they may occur outside of sports activity. Brain injuries can also result from a trip, a slip, or a fall. This may be a result of clumsiness on your part, or carelessness on someone else’s. Were signs or blockades installed to clearly indicate a problem? Brain injuries can also happen from long-term exposure to toxic substances, which may occur in a confined space without proper ventilation, or a sustained lack of oxygen such as in a near drowning. Violent assault, including baby shaking, can also cause damage to the brain.

Types of Brain Injuries

Concussions are just one of four major types of brain injury, also known as head or brain trauma. Brain trauma is a term used to generally describe almost any head injury that affects the brain’s ability to function normally, whether from a shake, blow, penetration or bump.

• Concussion is the result of the brain shaking inside the skull. This is the most commonly recognized brain injury, and happens often in sports activity.
• Penetrating Injury is when a foreign object penetrates the skull to the brain. This is typically from violence or an accident. Foreign objects could be knives or bullets, or metal or glass from a car accident.
• Closed Injury shows little to no noticeable or external side effects. There is no penetration of the skull or external blood loss.
• Acquired Injury does not result from a sudden event. Acquired injuries happen from chemical ingestion or sustained lack of oxygen, such as drowning or suffocation.

Symptoms of Brain Injury

Brain injury is not always the easiest thing to recognize or diagnose. For this reason it is important that if you or a loved one suffer from an event that might have caused trauma, with or without symptoms, you seek medical treatment immediately. Many people erroneously believe that if they maintain consciousness they don’t need a doctor. A loss of consciousness is common with brain trauma, but it is not the only symptom.

If you or a loved one has experienced some sort of head trauma, your doctor can evaluate symptoms, which may include:

• A headache that won’t go away
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Memory loss
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of concentration
• Behavioral changes
• Trouble with cognitive function (reading, speaking, thinking)

The types of symptoms that manifest will depend on the individual, the severity and type of the brain injury. This is not an all-inclusive list. Keep in mind that mild brain injuries are notoriously hard to diagnose and are therefore often missed. Keep close watch over anyone you suspect to have a brain injury in the days following the accident.

Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

An experienced Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer, like the ones you’ll find at Parrish DeVaughn, will have the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact us today for a free consultation.