In the violent, chaotic moments of a car accident, the head is incredibly vulnerable. Even in what seems like a minor collision, the brain can be violently shaken inside the skull, leading to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI is one of the most devastating and life-altering injuries a person can suffer. It’s an invisible injury that can change everything about who you are—your personality, your memory, your ability to work, and your relationships with the people you love.
If you or a family member has suffered a TBI in a Wisconsin car accident, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and unsure of what the future holds. It’s a journey that no one should have to navigate alone. Understanding the nature of these injuries is the first step toward getting the help and the justice you deserve.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI is an injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head or a sudden, violent shaking. In a car accident, this can happen in several ways:
- Direct Impact: Your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or another object inside the car.
- Acceleration/Deceleration: The force of the crash causes your brain to slam against the inside of your skull. This is often what happens in a rear-end collision and can cause a TBI even if your head never physically hits anything.
- Penetrating Injury: An object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue.
The Spectrum of Brain Injuries: From “Mild” to Severe
TBIs are often categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. But the term “mild” can be dangerously misleading.
Mild TBI (Concussion)
A concussion is the most common type of TBI. While it’s called “mild,” its effects can be serious and long-lasting. Symptoms of a concussion may not appear immediately and can include:
- Headache or a feeling of “pressure” in the head
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Irritability, sadness, or other mood changes
- Trouble with memory or concentration
Many people who suffer a concussion in a car accident are told to just “rest,” and they may not even seek medical attention. This is a mistake. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, a concussion can lead to post-concussion syndrome, a condition where symptoms persist for months or even years.
Moderate to Severe TBI
A moderate to severe TBI is a catastrophic, life-changing event. It can result in a prolonged loss of consciousness, significant cognitive and physical disabilities, and even death. The long-term consequences of a severe TBI can include:
- Cognitive Deficits: Profound problems with memory, attention, problem-solving, and judgment.
- Physical Impairments: Paralysis, loss of coordination, seizures, and chronic pain.
- Behavioral and Emotional Changes: Agitation, aggression, depression, and a complete change in personality.
- Coma or Vegetative State: In the most severe cases, the victim may never regain consciousness.
The lifetime cost of caring for someone with a severe TBI can easily run into the millions of dollars.
Why You Need an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney
Insurance companies are notorious for downplaying the severity of brain injuries. They will argue that because you didn’t lose consciousness, or because the initial MRI or CT scan was “normal,” you couldn’t possibly be seriously hurt. They don’t understand—or they choose to ignore—that the most debilitating symptoms of a TBI are often invisible.
An experienced Wisconsin brain injury attorney knows how to fight back against these tactics. We work with a network of top medical experts, including neurologists, neuropsychologists, and life care planners, to:
- Prove the Injury: We use advanced diagnostic tools and expert testimony to definitively link your symptoms to the accident.
- Document the Full Impact: We gather testimony from family, friends, and coworkers to paint a vivid picture of how the TBI has changed your life.
- Calculate Lifetime Costs: We meticulously calculate the full cost of your future medical needs, lost income, and the immense human cost of your pain and suffering.
The Fight for Your Future
A TBI is not just another injury. It’s an injury that can steal your future. You need a law firm that understands the unique challenges of these cases and has the resources and experience to take on the insurance companies and win.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: The hospital said my CT scan was normal, but I’m still having symptoms. Do I have a case?
A: Yes. Standard imaging like CT scans and MRIs often cannot detect the microscopic damage to brain cells that causes the symptoms of a “mild” TBI. A normal scan does not mean you don’t have a serious injury. A neuropsychological evaluation is often the key to diagnosing the cognitive and emotional effects of a TBI.
Q: How long after a car accident can TBI symptoms appear?
A: While some symptoms are immediate, others can take days or even weeks to fully manifest. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident and to follow up with your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.
Q: Can I get compensation if the TBI has changed my spouse’s personality?
A: Yes. The loss of companionship, affection, and the fundamental change in your relationship is a very real and compensable damage in a personal injury claim. This is known as “loss of consortium.”
Contact a Compassionate Wisconsin Brain Injury Lawyer Today
If your family is grappling with the devastating effects of a traumatic brain injury, please know that you are not alone. The dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler have a deep understanding of these complex cases. We are committed to fighting for the resources your family needs to face the future with security and dignity.
We invite you to visit our homepage to learn more about our firm. Then, contact us at 608-784-4370 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us be your voice.