Some lawyers find that a number of their clients drive to their offices on a motorcycle. Any personal injury lawyer in Chatham realizes that a client that owns and rides a motorcycle stands at risk for suffering a traumatic brain injury.
One example of a TBI (traumatic brain injury): a concussion
The medical profession has chosen to categorize the various TBIs. Some belong to the mild category; others display the features associated with a moderate or severe TBI. The fact that lawyers find to be of greatest significance relates to the timeline for the injuries in each category.
Even a mild traumatic brain injury can trigger the development of long-lasting effects. That fact sticks in the minds of personal injury lawyers, because a motorcycle rider should accept the likelihood of having his or her head make contact with the hard pavement. Consequently, a large number of such riders suffer a concussion, while traveling from place to place on a 2-wheeled vehicle.
The link between a sudden jolt and a TBI
No one would argue with the fact that someone who has been involved in an automobile accident has most certainly felt a sudden jolt. Anyone riding a motorcycle experiences the same feeling, upon being hit. Consider what happens to the brain, as a driver, passenger or motorcyclist seeks to recover from an unexpected jolt.
Sometimes the brain hits the inside wall of the skull. That movement of the brain can set in motion a series of changes, changes that can aid creation of a serious medical problem. For instance, the traumatized brain could cease to carry out all of its functions. That would include the job of absorbing any excess fluid in the brain’s ventricles. A build-up of such fluid results in development of a condition known as hydrocephalus.
How to prevent such a problem?
Seek medical help as soon as possible, after being injured in an accident. Understand that if you have been jolted around in some manner, your body could have sustained an injury.
Let your personal doctor know about the movements taken by your body during the collision. Ask about the wisdom behind getting a CT scan or an MRI. Such imaging techniques provide physicians with a way to look inside of the brain. An image that offers evidence of harm to the brain can alert a physician to possible development of future problems. In order to ensure detection of such problems, be sure to keep your doctor updated on any new symptoms.
Seek out someone with a qualified legal opinion. Try to find a lawyer that can locate, contact and speak with an expert on traumatic brain injuries. Avoid hiring an attorney that might listen to a defendant’s lawyer.