A traumatic brain injury is defined as any brain injury that results in some form of temporary dysfunction of brain cells. More severely traumatic brain injuries can result in the total loss of function in brain cells, which can lead to permanent, devastating injuries such as paralysis, vegetative states, and death. Traumatic brain injuries can happen to anybody, anywhere and at any time. All that is required to suffer a traumatic brain injury is to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and suffer a significant blow to the head. Head trauma can occur when something physically hits the head – like from a thrown object or as the result of a fall – but it can also occur as the result of “whiplash,” when the head is snapped rapidly due to a strong collision and resulting force; most commonly from a vehicular accident or a work related accident.

There are many symptoms that a traumatic brain injury has occurred. If you were in any accident in Massachusetts involving a blow to the head, you should always see a doctor immediately to assess the seriousness of the incident. Symptoms of a severe traumatic brain injury will usually be apparently evident, such as an extended loss of consciousness, clear fluid leaking from the nose or eyes, and profound mental difficulties.

Some common symptoms of a more mild traumatic brain injury include:

Loss of consciousness
Being confused, dazed or “foggy” for an extended period of time without losing consciousness
Vomiting or feeling nauseous
Severe or constant headaches
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping abnormally long
Constant or severe dizziness or regular spells of dizziness
Blurred vision, a ringing in the ears, odd tastes in the mouth or sudden changes in the ability to smell
Light and sound sensitivity
Wild and random mood swings
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Sudden depression or anxiety

As stated before, traumatic brain injuries can really happen to anybody. However, the most common causes are falls, vehicular accidents, sports injuries, violent assaults, and explosions. Employees working in transportation, construction, and most industrial fields are at the highest risks for experiencing a traumatic brain injury while on the job.

Traumatic brain injuries can cause life-altering and life-threatening complications, depending on the severity of the injury, the location of the injury, the age of the victim, and the quality and timeliness of medical care received after the injury. Traumatic brain injuries can cause some of the most horrifying conditions known to happen, including comas, “locked-in syndrome,” vegetative states, and total brain death.

If someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury…

There is currently no cure for a severe traumatic brain injury. Once brain function is lost in significant amounts, it cannot come back. If somebody you love suffered a traumatic brain injury through no fault of their own, you are entitled to receiving compensation from those responsible to help pay for their medical bills and help alleviate your financial struggles from lost income. Losing a loved one to a traumatic brain injury can never be reconciled by financial recompense, but you will need good legal advice on your side to navigate insurance company lingo as well as any possible legal actions taken by anybody else who may have been involved in the accident that caused your loved one’s pain and suffering.

At Altman & Altman LLP, we have over 40 years of experience guiding clients through confusing and painful times brought about by catastrophic injuries and making sure that you don’t have any additional and unnecessary concerns during your most difficult moments. If anybody is at fault for your loved one’s injury, we will bring the responsible party to justice and get you the financial compensation you are entitled to. A consultation with one of our Boston attorney’s is totally free, and we receive no payment unless you are successful in a claim or a lawsuit. Call us today at 617-492-3000 or toll-free at 800-481-6199. We are available 24/7.