March marked Brain Injury Awareness Month, which is observed yearly in the U.S. to destigmatize brain injuries and provide encouragement and support for brain injury survivors and their caregivers. As the observance passes, Tingey Injury Law Firm attorneys are urging the Las Vegas community to continue its focus on empowering traumatic brain injury survivors and decreasing the incidence of TBIs.
Tingey Injury Law Firm accident injury attorneys have decades of experience defending the rights of accident victims and frequently see the tragic effects of brain injuries in clients of all ages. Attorney Dean Tingey said that one of the most difficult aspects of TBIs is that people don’t identify them early on.
“People can walk away from a car wreck or a fall accident at work believing that they are fine,” said Tingey. “They may not get medical help or even file a workers’ compensation claim only to discover days or even weeks later that their lives are changing before their eyes as they begin to lose cognitive function.”
Early symptoms of TBI include:
- Headaches
- Memory Loss
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness
Tingey said that there is a lot of work to be done to educate people about symptoms and treatment options for TBI.
“Many people aren’t getting the help that they need to heal properly, and that’s leading to a lot of suffering down the line,” said Tingey.
This is true for a broad range of victims, from athletes who shrug off or minimize injuries in order to stay in the game or children whose parents aren’t aware of the symptoms of TBI or how to treat it. The protocols for dealing with TBIs are changing. In March, neurosurgeons and pediatric health experts released the third edition of the Brain Trauma Foundation Guidelines for the Management of Pediatric Severe TBI. It includes new treatment recommendations for improved healing.
Tingey said that another problem is the lack of financial resources for victims. When brain injuries are a result of others’ negligent actions, victims can seek compensation. However, many people fail to enlist legal help to recover the full range of damages.
“We see many victims who aren’t getting the benefits that they are entitled to, leaving them to bear the heavy financial burdens of lost wages, mounting medical bills-not to mention the emotional pain and suffering from their injuries,” said Tingey.
As experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys, the Tingey team is urging Nevadans to take steps to prevent these tragic injuries.
“Some TBIs aren’t avoidable, but many are, and we need to do more to stay safe — especially on Nevada’s dangerous roads.”
Centers for Disease Control data shows that around 17 percent of TBIs are due to vehicle accidents. Tingey attorneys are reminding people to use their seat belts in vehicles, buckle children up properly, refrain from texting and driving, and avoid driving under the influence at all costs. They also urge bikers and motorcyclists to wear helmets and follow all rules of the road.
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that as many as 5.3 million Americans are currently living with long-term disabilities from TBIs. In their mildest form, TBIs may manifest as a concussion that lasts for a few days. But they are often more serious, leading to long-term loss of speech, memory, or limb function as well as emotional outbursts and anger, comas and death. TBIs may clear up in a few days, but they may drag on for months and even years. They can be particularly dangerous for children and result in 7,000 childhood deaths annually.
Tingey attorneys urge people to consult the Brain Injury Association of America and other organizations to access resources about TBIs and to speak to a qualified attorney about recovering damages for injuries and getting proper medical attention.
Tingey Injury Law Firm fights with integrity, strength, and expertise for the rights of those who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to the negligence of others. To learn more about the firm, visit www.TingeyLawFirm.com.
About Tingey Injury Law Firm
Tingey Injury Law Firm aims to provide the highest quality legal representation and counsel for those affected by personal injuries in Las Vegas. Cases include auto accident, wrongful death, work injury, personal injury (such as a slip and fall, or trip and fall), or dog bite. Their attorneys maintain a reputation for thoroughness and preparedness that is recognized in the local community.
