Brain injury differs from other types of injury because brain damage is often invisible to the untrained eye. After a crash or a fall, it is usually possible to tell right away when there has been damage to bones and other body parts, but when the head is involved in an impact or experiences sudden acceleration or deceleration, the brain can be damaged without any obvious or major physical damage to the face or head. For this reason, many brain injuries are not immediately treated, raising the risk of serious complications or death.
Each instance of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is different. Some people lose consciousness immediately, but others don’t notice anything wrong for days. This was the case recently for a Florida boy who fell off of a bike and only noticed injuries to his elbow and knee, even though he wasn’t wearing a helmet. His health took a turn two days later when he woke up feeling groggy and began vomiting.
A hospital quickly determined that the boy had suffered a fractured skull and that blood was filling the space between his brain and his skull. This type of injury, known as a hematoma, can build up over the course of days, putting more and more pressure on brain tissue. If it is not treated in time, it can cause permanent damage or even death. While this boy survived after undergoing surgery, many people who wait to have head injuries examined are not as lucky.
After any type of accident, it is essential that you seek medical attention. Symptoms of brain damage and other internal injuries may not appear for days, increasing the risk of serious complications. If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in Florida, the traumatic brain injury attorneys at the Bradenton firm of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh can help you understand your rights.