The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there were about 214,110 traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021. Most people suffer a TBI from a fall, firearm-related injury, motor vehicle crash, or assault.
Of all types of injuries, those to the brain—according to the International Brain Injury Association—are among the most likely to “result in death or permanent disability.”
Unfortunately, it’s not always clear when someone has suffered from this type of injury. So-called “hidden” or “unidentified” TBIs can be particularly dangerous, as they can cause symptoms long after the accident.
If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in a car accident, contact our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers before you settle with your insurance company. We can help make sure you receive all the compensation you deserve—including coverage for long-term disability if needed.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that a TBI “refers to a brain injury that is caused by an outside force.” Some of these injuries cause only temporary problems, while others can lead to more serious disability and even death.
A mild concussion is an example of a temporary TBI that may affect learning, memory, and concentration. These injuries are not life-threatening, and patients typically recover fully. Repeated mild TBIs, however, can cause more severe symptoms.
Moderate and severe TBIs can lead to long-term or lifelong health problems. These may include physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments, as well as seizure disorders.
Some TBIs are immediately evident, meaning that it is clear the person has suffered an injury to the brain. We refer to these as “primary” TBIs. Others, however, may not cause symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks after the injury. Medical professionals term these as “secondary” TBIs.
Hidden or Unidentified TBIs
Sometimes individuals may not realize that there could be a connection between the injury they suffered and the symptoms they experience later on.
In an article by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the author noted that millions of people affected by TBIs may remain “unaware that TBI is the underlying cause of problems they subsequently experience, such as poor memory, difficulties in learning and behavioral changes.”
It’s common for an accident victim to believe, once the initial dizziness and headaches go away, that everything is fine. Sometimes doctors don’t help, as they fail to warn patients about possible ongoing symptoms or make them believe the effects will be temporary.
It is possible, however, for a TBI to cause more long-term symptoms, such as:
- Persistent cognitive difficulties
- Social problems that seem to come out of the blue
- Forgetfulness and memory issues
- Changes in emotion, irritability
- Sleep disturbances; fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Personality changes
How Can a Brain Injury Escape Detection?
Usually, the TBI remains hidden because medical professionals or individuals fail to connect the symptoms to the underlying brain injury. Perhaps the person’s diagnosis was incorrect, or the medical professionals were unclear about the potential consequences of the accident.
If a person believes they are fine after a car accident and doesn’t get medical attention, it’s possible that they may not understand the severity of a blow to the head. Thus, they may not get the services and help that they need.
This is why it is so important to see your doctor after a car accident, no matter how you feel. The rush of adrenaline that floods your body during a traumatic experience can hide any injuries from your awareness. You may feel fine, but in truth, have sustained injuries you can’t detect at the time.
Unlike other injuries, TBIs are often invisible to the naked eye. If there is no obvious evidence—such as bleeding or bruising to the head—people may overlook them. Always seek medical attention after an accident, then refuse to sign any settlement offered by the insurance company until you have spoken to your personal injury attorney.
Get Help for Your Hidden TBI Injury
If you or a loved one suffered from a TBI in a car accident, contact Shapiro, Washburn, & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers. We will examine your medical records and ensure that your claim includes all the compensation you will need to recover or manage any long-term disabilities.
An example of our efforts includes a $5.5 million settlement for four members of a family who were involved in a traffic accident. Both of their young daughters suffered traumatic brain injuries. Our firm also services clients in Portsmouth, Hampton, and Norfolk.