Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability in Florida and across the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 64,000 Americans died from TBI-related injuries in 2020, which is around 176 fatalities per day.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury is a sudden head injury that disrupts the way the brain works. It can occur during any event that causes a bump, blow, jolt or penetrating injury to the head. Common causes of TBI include car accidents, falls, sports injuries, gunshot wounds and physical assaults.
Symptoms of a mild TBI may include:
- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Memory or concentration problems
Symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI may include:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Convulsions or seizures
- Clear fluids draining from nose or ears
- Profound confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Agitation or combativeness
Health problems associated with traumatic brain injuries
A TBI can lead to a variety of short- or long-term health conditions, including memory problems, mood changes and coordination issues. People with a mild TBI may recover after a few weeks or months, but people with more serious injuries could face years of rehabilitation or be left with a permanent disability. In the most severe cases, a TBI can cause coma, a vegetative state or brain death.
Individuals who suffer a TBI due to the actions of another party, such as a negligent driver, may seek compensation for their losses in court. Typical damages sought in personal injury cases include pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages.