Moreso than any other body part, the basic structure and functionality of the brain is still not fully understood even by cutting-edge researchers and medical practitioners. Unfortunately, this means that people who suffer serious brain trauma often end up dealing with lifelong and life-altering losses of physical, cognitive, and/or motor function.

If you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) because of another person’s negligence, taking legal action against them with a skilled catastrophic injury attorney’s support could be essential to preserving your long-term quality of life. With a Houston traumatic brain injury lawyer by your side, you could enforce your rights more effectively and have much better chances of securing compensation for all your recoverable losses.

What to Do After Sustaining a Suspected TBI

It is always important to seek formal diagnosis and treatment from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible after any traumatic accident. This is important not only to ensure that any injuries caused by the incident are treated appropriately but also to get medical documentation of those injuries for possible civil litigation later on. However, it is especially crucial to get professional care quickly after any accident involving head trauma, even if there are no immediately troubling signs that anything is wrong.

Every person responds to traumatic brain injuries slightly differently, and even moderate to severe damage may not produce visible symptoms for hours or days afterwards, at which it may be too late to prevent permanent harm. That said, possible TBI symptoms that should prompt a visit to an urgent care facility or emergency room right away include:

  • Any loss of consciousness longer than one minute
  • Uneven pupil dilation
  • Clear fluid drainage from ears or nose
  • Weakness or numbness in extremities
  • Substantial headaches, nausea, and/or vomiting, especially if they are consistent and/or worsen over time
  • Profound difficulty speaking, concentrating, or sleeping
  • Dramatic changes in personality or mood

A Houston TBI attorney could help incorporate any medical expenses associated with traumatic brain injury treatment into an ensuing settlement demand or lawsuit.

Recovering Comprehensively Within Filing Deadlines

Recovering for out-of-pocket losses like medical bills and missed work income is only a portion of what a comprehensive TBI claim should account for. Various forms of subjective “pain and suffering” must also be included, as must numerous long-term consequences of a permanent injury like future medical bills, lost consortium, and lost working capacity.

Though, the statute of limitations for civil claims in Texas makes this process even more complex, as a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Houston could explain. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, any person who waits more than two years after being injured by someone else’s negligence to file suit against that person will almost always permanently lose their right to seek compensation for that particular injury. Therefore, any injured party should enlist the help of a seasoned legal professional as soon as possible after an accident to ensure they do not miss any filing deadlines or requirements.

Seek Help from a Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Personal injury cases based on traumatic brain damage are uniquely complicated for several reasons, not the least of which is how difficult injuries like this can be to identify and treat in the first place. Fortunately, assistance is available from dedicated legal professionals with extensive track records of helping people like you through similar situations.

A conversation with a Houston traumatic brain injury lawyer at Roberts Markland LLP could give you much-needed clarity about your rights and recovery options. Call today to schedule a meeting.