If you are involved in an accident, regardless of if you are in a car, on a motorcycle or if you slip and fall in the grocery store, you may hit your head, or have something hit it. When this happens, there is the real possibility of a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Unfortunately, even if your head aches right away, the signs of a more serious issue are not always evident immediately. As a result, you may postpone getting medical treatment, which can lead to even more serious consequences down the road.
If you suffer any type of head injury after an accident, the best thing you can do is seek medical attention and then contact a personal injury attorney. They can help you recover the compensation you are owed.
Important Facts about Head Injuries
According to statistics, TBIs are the top cause of disability and death in the United States. The top cause of TBIs is car accidents. Every year, over 50,000 people die because of TBIs, and over 230,000 are sent to the hospital. It is also estimated that between 80,000 and 90,000 people suffer some type of long-term disability because of the TBI they suffer, with 5.3 million having a permanent disability.
Tips to Avoid Long Lasting Issues from TBIs
Unfortunately, quite a few people who suffer a serious disability after a TBI could have prevented the situation. The key to avoiding long-term or permanent disabilities from TBIs is to avoid doing certain things after the accident. When you use the tips here, you will be able to save yourself quite a bit of pain and suffering now and in the future.
If you or someone near you suffers a head injury of any type, make sure you avoid doing the following things:
- If there is a wound on the head that is deep or bleeding excessively, it should not be touched by anyone except trained medical personnel. You should not wash the area or apply any pressure.
- If there is an object lodged in the wound, no one by medical professionals should attempt to remove it.
- If a person seems dazed, they should not be shook and should remain as still as possible.
- Unless an injured person’s safety is in jeopardy, they should not be moved.
- If a child has fallen, and there are signs of a head injury, they should be kept as still as possible.
- If a person was wearing a helmet during an accident and you suspect a head injury, you should not try to remove it.
- You should avoid any alcohol for at least 48 hours after a head injury occurs.
- Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen and any other type of anti-inflammatory medication after heat injuries occur, as these drugs can increase the risk of a serious bleed.
Remember, head injuries are always serious. As a result, you need to receive treatment as soon as you can. If you don’t get medical help, the situation may become worse, and may even wind up being fatal.
If you have suffered a head injury after an accident that was not your fault, then it is important to contact an attorney to find out whether or not you can recover compensation. The attorney will be able to help you recover the compensation you are owed.