One of the leading causes of brain injuries is car accidents, sending thousands to emergency rooms every year. In 2014 alone, statistics showed that approximately 2.87 million emergency department visits stemmed from brain injuries in the U.S. Though some of these injuries are incredibly minor in nature, others are severe and life-altering on a more permanent level. These types of injuries can leave victims with many questions as they navigate the legal system.

Car accidents can easily and quickly lead to brain injury. Injuries affecting the brain are some of the most catastrophic and devastating in nature, especially when they happen at high speeds or involve multiple vehicles. When a vehicle suddenly stops or changes directions at top speeds, a victim could slam their vehicle off of the dashboard or the window, which can cause breaks and inflammation on a severe or even fatal level. It is important for a victim to understand what treatment options are available for them after they have been seriously harmed in one of these accidents.

Receiving Treatment for a Brain Injury

The treatment for a brain injury will depend upon the severity of the accident, in many cases. Most of the treatment options can be expensive and time-consuming in nature, which is why victims might incur a variety of medical bills and time away from work while they are enduring treatment for their injuries.

Emergency Care: Of course, when brain injury is incredibly severe, a victim should immediately be transported to an emergency room for treatment. Emergency professionals are trained in ensuring that the victim has enough oxygen, adequate blood supply, and is skilled in preventing further injury. More damage will occur if the victim does not sustain emergency care.

Follow-up Doctor’s Appointments: When a brain injury is especially mild or seemingly insignificant, it can still cause a huge impact on a victim’s life. A person with a mild injury will be monitored closely to ensure that their condition improves and will have follow-up doctor’s appointments. 

Medication: Medications work to limit any damages to the brain while a person is recovering. These include medications such as diuretics, anti-seizure drugs, and coma-inducing drugs if the person must be entered into a temporary coma as they heal. 

Surgery: In some cases, brain injury is so severe that the victim will endure emergency surgery. This may be required especially in cases where a doctor is concerned about any additional damage to the brain tissue. They might require surgery in cases involving blood clot removal, repairing a skull fracture, controlling bleeding in the brain, or opening a window in the skull. 

Therapy: Many victims will also require rehabilitation for severe brain injuries as they get back on their feet. The type of therapy and duration will depend upon the severity but could include help from a physiatrist, occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, rehabilitation nurse, and many other parties.

Legal Assistance if You Have Sustained a Brain Injury 

Many traumatic brain injuries leave victims with extreme damages and a lengthy road to recovery. Even in the mildest cases, a victim could take years to fully recover and get back on their feet. Because treatments can be incredibly expensive, victims have the right to seek compensation for a wide array of aspects through a personal injury claim. At Sheftall & Associates, our personal injury attorneys have helped many victims involved in unexpected Florida car accidents and will help you navigate the legal system by applying our knowledge of the law to your claim. It is important that you understand your legal rights at this time. Please contact a skilled Florida accident attorney to find out how we can assist you at (904) 575-9026.