Traumatic Brain Injuries Attorney In Valparaiso, Indiana

Valpo Indiana personal injury lawyer discusses recent traumatic brain injury trial in Lake County.

The Times recently reported that a Lake County jury awarded a DeMotte couple $7.7 million dollars in a brain injury (post-concussion syndrome) case. According to the report, the injury victim was rear-ended by a speeding semi-trailer on Cline Avenue causing a four car crash. The victim suffered a permanent post-concussive brain injury and he was unable to work because of the injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) cases are somewhat difficult for injury victims to prove because standard tests, such as traditional MRI, CT and EEGs are typically reported as normal. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The Centers for Disease Control stated that of the 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries that are reported each year, 50,000 people die, 235,000 are hospitalized, and 1.1 million are treated and released in emergency departments.

The most common causes of TBI are falls (28%), automobile accidents (20%), struck by/against event (19%) and assaults (11%). The victim may or may not lose consciousness, and the injury may be mild, moderate or severe.

A person with a traumatic brain injury may experience a number of symptoms including:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Loss of concentration

• Loss of coordination

• Loss of balance

• Mood changes

Many times the injured person does not even realize that these changes have occurred and it is a family member that notices the changes. Because most people with TBI look normal, the most important part of working up and documenting the condition is by taking a complete history from the injured person, and their family and friends. Additionally, it is very important to relay all these symptoms to the treating healthcare providers. If the doctor does not take the symptoms seriously, the injured person should seek consultation with a physician who is well versed in the diagnosis and management of TBI.

Because of the subtleness of the physical and mental changes an injured person may exhibit, it is important that a TBI be worked up properly from the beginning or the injured person will not be able to receive the appropriate compensation for this type of injury.

Indiana accident law can be complex, if you have any questions about an accident case; you can call one of our Valpo Indiana personal injury lawyers