Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in New Orleans: Symptoms, Causes, and Legal Help
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change a person’s life in seconds. In New Orleans, many TBIs happen because of someone else’s negligence. However, the damage is not only physical. Many victims also suffer serious emotional and psychiatric symptoms.
Foe example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression often after a traumatic brain injury. In fact, people who suffer a TBI face a higher risk of long-term mental health challenges.
If you or a loved one sustained a brain injury in Louisiana, understanding your condition and your legal rights is critical.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines a traumatic brain injury as:
- “A bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.”
A TBI may cause mild symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Brief confusion
However, severe TBIs can lead to permanent physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities.
Importantly, no two brain injuries are alike. The outcome depends on the force of impact, the area of the brain affected, and whether bleeding occurs.
Common Impairments After a TBI
A traumatic brain injury can affect nearly every part of daily life. Victims may experience:
- Speech and communication difficulties
- Emotional instability
- Memory and reasoning problems
- Loss of smell, taste, or touch
- Delayed cognitive processing
According to national statistics, approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer a TBI each year. Additionally, more than 5 million people live with long-term brain injury effects.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Doctors classify a TBI as mild if:
- Loss of consciousness lasts less than 30 minutes
- Confusion or disoriented is brief
Even so, “mild” does not mean minor. Victims may still suffer:
- Mood swings
- Memory problems
- Attention deficits
- Chronic headaches
These symptoms can disrupt work and family life. Therefore, you should never ignore a mild brain injury.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
A severe TBI occurs when:
- Loss of consciousness lasts more than 30 minutes
- Memory loss continues for more than 24 hours
Severe injuries may cause:
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Loss of speech
- Cognitive impairment
- Permanent disability
As a result, many survivors require lifelong medical care and assistance.
Common Causes of TBI in Louisiana
In Louisiana, traumatic brain injuries often result from preventable accidents.
The most common causes include:
- Falls (especially among adults over 65)
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sports injuries
- Violent assaults
- Gunshot wounds
For example, during a car crash, the brain may strike the inside of the skull. This force can cause swelling, bruising, or bleeding.
Types of Head and Brain Injuries
TBIs may include:
- Skull fractures
- Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding inside the skull)
- Concussions
- Cerebral contusions
- Open head injuries
- Closed head injuries
- Diffuse axonal injuries
- Hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain)
- Toxic brain injuries
Because these injuries vary widely, doctors must evaluate each case individually.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The severity of the injury determines the symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Balance problems
- Speech difficulties
- Hearing or vision issues
Mental and Emotional Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor decision-making
- Mood swings
If you notice these symptoms after an accident, seek medical care immediately.
Long-Term Effects of TBI
Unfortunately, some victims never fully recover. Long-term effects may include:
- Memory and judgment problems
- Paralysis or motor impairment
- Behavioral changes
- Social anxiety
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
- Speech and language challenges
Because of these lasting effects, many families face overwhelming medical expenses and lost income.
Can a TBI Be Treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on severity.
- Mild TBIs often require rest and monitoring.
- Moderate injuries may require medication
- Severe injuries often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation
Recovery may take months or even years.
Rehabilitation After a TBI
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring lost function and improving quality of life.
Treatment may involve:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychiatric treatment
- Neuropsychological evaluations
Specialists may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Neuropsychologists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
Because rehabilitation is often lengthy and expensive, financial recovery becomes essential.
Legal Options After a Traumatic Brain Injury in Louisiana
A traumatic brain injury affects the entire family. Medical bills rise quickly. Meanwhile, income may stop.
If negligence caused the injury, you may have a legal claim.
Negligence occurs when someone acts carelessly and causes harm. For example, distracted drivers, unsafe property owners, or reckless individuals may be legally responsible.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future care costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
An experienced New Orleans brain injury attorney can investigate your case and determine whether you qualify for compensation.
Why Take Legal Action After a TBI?
You may feel overwhelmed after a traumatic brain injury. However, early legal guidance protects your rights.
Many families do not realize they have a valid claim. Yet substantial compensation may be available to cover long-term care.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our Louisiana brain injury attorneys understand how devastating a TBI can be. We fight for families throughout New Orleans and across Louisiana who suffer because of another party’s negligence.
If you or a loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury, do not face this alone. Contact Cueria Law Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
