Did you know that car accident are the leading cause of brain injury in Atlanta? Nationwide, car accidents are responsible for nearly one-third of all brain injuries. If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury in an Atlanta car accident, you are not alone.
Common types of head injuries that occur after an Atlanta car accident:
- Concussions
- Brain contusions
- Skull fractures
- Hematomas
Concussions: A concussion occurs when the head is jarred or hit with a hard object. The impact causes the brain to knock against the hard surface of the skull. When this happens, there is a temporary change in the way the brain works.
Some concussion victims experience a loss of consciousness. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, confusion, fatigue and short-term memory loss.
After a concussion, it is important to avoid further injury to the head. Many people can return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months after a concussion. However, repeat concussions can lead to serious medical problems including depression, brain damage and brain disease.
Brain contusions: Contusion is the medical term for " bruise" and a brain contusion is a bruise of the brain. It is caused by the leaking of small blood vessels. This bleeding signifies damage to the brain. When there is a lot of bruising, the brain may swell causing additional brain damage.
A car accident victim with a brain contusion may lose consciousness for a period of time. Symptoms of brain contusions include confusion, tiredness, agitation, memory loss, attention problems, emotional outbursts, lack of coordination, numbness and inability to express oneself verbally.
Minor brain contusions may heal on their own, but serious brain contusions can lead to herniation of the brain and possible coma.
Skull fractures: Fractures are broken bones. A skull fracture occurs when the skull breaks. When this happens, a piece of bone may penetrate the brain. That area of the brain is likely to sustain permanent damage. Skull fractures that cause open brain injuries often lead to death or permanent disability.
Hematomas: A hematoma is formed when blood from an injury to the brain collects and clots, forming a bump. Hematomas take a while to form and there may not be symptoms for days or even weeks. Symptoms include: headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, weakness, dilated pupils, confusion, listlessness, and slurred speech.
Hematomas often require surgery. Recovery may take months and the amount of recovery depends on the size of the hematoma and how quickly it was treated.
Brain injuries are expensive. They can affect a victim's ability to work and may require long-term rehabilitation. Many victims are unable to earn a living after a brain injury. The estimated cost of a serious brain injury is between $600,000 and $4 million over a lifetime.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury after an Atlanta car accident, you may be wondering how you will pay the bills. If the accident was caused by another person's negligence, you may be able to seek monetary compensation. An Atlanta brain injury attorney can determine if you have a claim for damages, including medical expenses, loss of income and/or earning potential, long-term care and therapy, and pain and suffering. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta brain injury attorney, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656
For more information about the rights of Atlanta car accident injury victims, download our free book: "10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case."