Pursuing a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim After an Ohio Car Accident

Your brain is one of the most sensitive organs in your body. It can suffer an injury, even in a minor car accident. Some victims with a concussion find they have permanent brain damage. The consequences of injuring your brain will vary from accident to accident, which is why it is crucial to hire an experienced Ohio brain injury attorney.

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, our legal team can help you assess how serious your head injury is and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Please do not make the mistake of assuming you can tell how severe a head injury is by looking at it without a doctor’s assessment.

Common Types of Brain Injuries in an Ohio Car Accident

A head injury is either closed or open. Closed head injuries do not break the skull, whereas an open head injury is a penetrating one. Something breaks through the skull and enters your brain. Some of the most common types of brain injuries we see in Ohio car accidents include:

• Concussion: A concussion can occur when the force of the car accident causes your brain to strike against the inside of your skull. In many cases, concussions will not cause permanent damage. However, there is an increased risk of damage if it is not your first concussion.
• Hematoma: A hematoma in the brain could be very serious as it involves blood clots. It can cause the pressure inside your skull to increase and cause permanent damage.
• Hemorrhage: When there is uncontrolled bleeding in or around your brain, it can be very dangerous. The severity of damage will depend on where the bleeding is and how much there is. If not discovered, it can also cause pressure buildup.
• Skull fracture: Severe car accidents could result in a skull fracture. When your head makes a direct impact that causes a skull fracture, there is a greater chance you will suffer injury to your brain, as well.  
• Edema: Edema is swelling, which is serious because your skull cannot expand to accommodate the increased pressure. You could suffer damage when your brain presses against your skull.

Diagnosing a brain injury after an accident is imperative. You should seek treatment immediately following an accident, especially if your head made a direct impact against something.

Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Since brain injuries are not something you can see when looking at a person, you need to monitor yourself for symptoms after an accident. Watch for signs such as:

• Loss of consciousness,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Inability to focus your eyes,
• Coordination or balance issues,
• Memory loss,
• Inability to mentally focus,
• Disorientation,
• Mood changes,
• Loss of muscle control,
• Worsening headache, and
• Fluid leaking from the ear or nose.

If you experience any combination of these symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical treatment right away.

Contact an Ohio Brain Injury Lawyer

If you sustained a head injury after an auto accident in Ohio, please contact Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.