Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms, Causes, and Costs in South Carolina

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms, Causes, and Costs in South Carolina

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can look completely different from the outside than it feels on the inside. This guide covers what symptoms to watch for, what typically causes a TBI, and what these injuries can cost, financially and otherwise.

If you're looking for help with a TBI claim rather than general information, visit our Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer page to learn more about our approach to South Carolina traumatic brain injury cases.

The Effects of Closed Head Trauma Can Take Many Forms

The effects of a head injury can last from a couple of weeks to a lifetime. If you're experiencing any of the following, know that these symptoms are commonly associated with closed head trauma and may call for additional medical care:

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Mood swings
• Depression, anxiety, and angry outbursts
• Changed sleep patterns
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Numbness or weakness in toes and fingers

Many people with TBIs deal with several, if not most, of these issues every single day.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries and When They May Warrant Legal Action

TBI is a leading cause of disability and death in South Carolina. Below are the most common causes and when they may point toward a legal claim.

1. Falls

According to the CDC, 48% of TBIs are caused by falls. Young children and senior citizens face the greatest risk, seniors most often in bathrooms or from tripping over objects, children from stairs and open windows. If a daycare or nursing home facility didn't have proper safety measures or supervision in place to prevent a fall, that may point toward a legal claim.

2. Struck By or Against an Object

Being struck by an object is another primary cause of TBI, most commonly in children under 17, often from sports. According to the CDC, approximately 283,000 children visit the ER each year for sports-related TBI, and the real number is likely higher since many are diagnosed by athletic trainers and never see a doctor. If a school or coach was grossly negligent or reckless when the injury occurred, a waiver doesn't necessarily prevent a legal claim.

3. Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of TBI. A person's head may strike the windshield, dashboard, or headrest, resulting in a concussion, subdural hematoma, diffuse axonal injury, or another form of TBI. If the at-fault driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise reckless, you may have grounds for a claim.

Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injuries can lead to significant expenses, including:

• Extended hospital stays
• Surgical procedures
• Long-term medical care
• Intensive rehabilitation

Nationally, the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control estimates traumatic brain injuries cost $76.3 billion annually in the United States.

While most insurers and federally-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover the costs of saving a TBI victim's life, such as brain surgery and intensive medical care, they often fall short when it comes to rehabilitation programs that help someone relearn skills and abilities lost to the injury. The result is that many brain trauma patients go without the rehabilitative treatment they need.

Proper rehabilitation and medical treatment does not have to mean financial ruin. If someone else's negligence caused your TBI, an injury attorney can help hold them legally and financially responsible for the expenses you've incurred.

Have Questions About a Potential TBI Claim?

If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in South Carolina due to someone else's negligence, we're here to listen and help you understand your options. Visit our Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer page for information on how we work with clients, what a claim is worth, and answers to common questions, or call us directly at (803) 790-2800 for a free consultation.