The Myths of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any traumatic damage dealt to the brain by an external force. The most common causes of TBIs are motor vehicle accidents, slip/trip, and falls, and propelled or falling objects colliding with one’s head. It’s also possible for self-inflicted traumatic brain injuries to occur, such as someone standing up too fast and banging their head on a countertop.
Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly heard myths pertaining to injuries to the brain.
1.) The injury wasn’t serious because the patient was only in the hospital for a short time.
FALSE
The hospital is almost never the place in which rehabilitation will start for a patient. Life-threatening wounds will be treated, an examination will occur, a diagnosis will be given, and stability will be ensured. Once that process is over, the hospital will calculate the bills and send the patient on his/her way.
If it was a serious TBI—or one that could cause serious damage in the future if not properly maintained—a patient could be attending a rehabilitation center on their free time.
While it can be assumed that a patient who is released from the hospital and is once again operating with society sustained injuries that were not necessarily serious or life-threatening, this is not always the case.
It’s possible for a patient to have a delayed manifestation. In other words, the damage that was caused by the traumatic brain injury could have disabled a certain part of the brain that is not activated or noticed for months or even years to come.
2.) Younger patients (children) heal faster and more efficiently because their brain is not developed yet.
FALSE
This is painfully wrong. Because a child’s brain is still developing, you might assume that it’s not possible for a child to damage a non-existent part of their brain. While this sounds reasonable, it’s not at all true.
You’re born with very simple brain capabilities and low-complexity. As a baby, a very small amount of your neuron pathways have formed completely, but they will eventually. If you damage the foundation that they are “encoded” to be built upon, it can cause often unpredictable brain damage in the future.
3.) Concussions and whiplash are less serious than other TBIs.
HALF-TRUTH
This is both true and false. While about 90% of those who endure a concussion or whiplash are diagnosed with only temporary bodily tissue injuries and are sent home from the hospital on the same day, there are some patients who are diagnosed with serious or life-threatening conditions.
CONTACT OUR TAMPA BAY AREA BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEYS
All of these accidents are open to the possibility that they were caused by another party or person’s lack of care.
If you or a loved one has suffered or is currently suffering from a traumatic brain injury which was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.
We understand how life-changing a traumatic brain injury can be to a patient or the family of same, and we also understand that no amount of compensation can replace the life of a loved one who was victim to a wrongful death. It should be noted, however, that receiving monetary compensation for an accident could be crucial to the continued well-being of a family.
Medical bills, funeral costs, rehabilitation fees, and countless other charges that may arise can put anyone involved in great stress. By receiving both mental and monetary support, it can make dealing with the situation that much easier; even if it is only a little.
Dolman Law Group aims to support those who are injured, suffer mental and emotional distress or are wrongfully killed by the careless actions of another party.
Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation by an experienced brain injury lawyer and learn your rights and options.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
