Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can be life-changing events. For people in Pennsylvania, lost wages and medical bills due to this kind of catastrophic injury are a serious issue. When a TBI is precipitated by negligence, it can be possible to seek damages in court. Restoring someone financially will not solve all of the problems related to brain trauma. But it’s an important first step in helping them rebuild their lives.
The basics of TBIs
The brain is one of the most important, and most sensitive, structures in the human body. There are two major causes of traumatic brain injuries. The first is external. When someone is hit in the head, or jolted substantially, the brain may be thrust against the hard, bony structure of the skull. This causes bruising and bleeding.
The second cause of traumatic brain injury is the penetration of the skull. Phineas Gage, whose skull was penetrated by an iron rod, became one of the first famous cases of this kind of brain trauma. He survived the incident, but his whole demeanor and personality changed. His injury, in the 1800s, was one of the most important in helping the medical profession start to understand the brain.
Signs of a TBI include the loss of consciousness. Other symptoms are headaches, nausea and drowsiness. Causes of TBIs can include exposure to explosions during military service. Car accidents and injuries on the job are also causes of TBIs. Safe working practices and the proper use of PPE can help prevent TBIs.
If you or a loved one has experienced these kinds of catastrophic injuries, it’s prudent to seek legal advice. An experienced attorney can help you understand if the case is actionable and what kinds of damages should be pursued in court.