Traumatic Brain Injury From a Truck Accident
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain from a blow or jolt to the head, which is common in truck crashes. Even a mild TBI or concussion can cause lasting problems with memory, concentration, mood and sleep. Symptoms can be delayed, so medical evaluation after any head impact is important.
What are the symptoms of a brain injury?
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea or sensitivity to light and noise.
- Memory problems, confusion or difficulty concentrating.
- Mood changes, irritability, anxiety or depression.
- Sleep problems and fatigue.
- In severe cases, loss of consciousness, seizures, weakness or speech problems.
How is a TBI diagnosed?
Doctors use clinical assessment, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, and imaging such as CT and MRI. Mild TBIs often do not show on standard scans, so neuropsychological testing, which measures memory, attention and processing speed, is often important evidence in a claim.
What can a brain injury claim include?
Claims can cover medical and rehabilitation costs, cognitive and speech therapy, future care, lost wages and lost earning capacity, home support, and pain and suffering. Because brain injuries can change someone's personality and independence, family members' testimony about the changes is often powerful evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can a concussion from a truck accident cause long-term problems?
Yes. While many people recover from a mild TBI, some have lasting problems with memory, concentration, headaches and mood.
Why didn't my brain injury show on a CT scan?
Mild brain injuries often do not appear on standard imaging. Neuropsychological testing and specialist evaluation can identify problems scans miss.
How long after a crash do brain injury symptoms appear?
Some symptoms appear immediately, but others develop or become noticeable over days or weeks. See a doctor after any head impact.
What is a brain injury claim worth?
It depends on severity, recovery, effect on work and daily life, and future care needs. Serious TBIs often involve lifetime care and lost earning capacity.
Can family members claim for a loved one's brain injury?
A spouse may have a loss of consortium claim in many states, and family testimony is important evidence of how the injury changed the person.