Sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a life-altering experience. Taking the proper actions immediately following the injury is crucial for maximizing the chances of making a full recovery. If you or someone you know has recently suffered a suspected brain injury in Pennsylvania, here is some advice on the steps to take right away.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first thing to do after any major head trauma is to seek emergency medical care, even if the symptoms seem minor. Some signs of a TBI include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. However, even a mild concussion can cause lasting complications if not treated properly at the outset.
Call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital emergency room. Healthcare professionals will perform diagnostic tests to check for bleeding in the brain or skull fractures. Getting a CT scan can help detect life-threatening conditions that require immediate treatment.
Monitor Symptoms Closely
Keep a close watch on any unusual symptoms in yourself or the injured person. Note the length of time of any loss of consciousness after the injury. Look for signs of confusion, slurred speech, balance issues, vision problems, and odd behaviors. All of these could indicate blood clots or swelling in the brain.
Write down any symptoms you notice and when they occurred. Keep the patient awake if possible and frequently check on them even during the night, as things like headaches and dizziness may appear hours later. Watch for symptoms worsening over time as well.
Help Prevent Further Injury
While waiting for emergency responders or medical evaluation, focus on preventing any additional harm. Do not move the person unless necessary for safety reasons. Immobilize the head and neck in case of spinal injury. Apply gauze to any bleeding wounds. Loosen any tight or restrictive clothing.
Protect the person’s airway by turning their head to the side and clearing their mouth of debris. Do not give them anything to eat or drink. Monitor breathing closely. Perform CPR if breathing stops or becomes abnormal.
Gather Information for Doctors
During the emergency medical evaluation, provide as many details as possible about what happened. Describe the accident or injury event, even if you didn’t witness it. Note if there was a loss of consciousness and for how long. Explain any symptoms, when they started, and how they have progressed.
Give the medical team all available information about the patient, including name, age, medical conditions, current medications, and allergies. This will assist the doctors in diagnosing and treating the TBI properly based on the individual’s situation. Having an advocate there to communicate with healthcare staff can be very helpful.
Contact Family Members
In addition to getting medical care for the injured person, be sure to notify family members and loved ones as soon as possible. They will want to know about the emergency situation and may need to make decisions about treatment options.
Provide updates of the patient’s condition to those closest to them. Ask if they can come to the hospital to assist with gathering information, insurance details, and medical history for the doctors. Their presence can also help comfort the injured person.
Consider Calling an Attorney
If the brain injury occurred due to the negligence or misconduct of another party, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney as soon as you are able. They can advise you on steps to take to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
A lawyer can conduct a full investigation into the accident, analyze liability and damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation through a lawsuit if warranted. This can help ease the financial burden caused by medical bills and lost income after a TBI.
Get Support from Monge & Associates
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Monge & Associates provide free consultations to injury victims in Pennsylvania. If you or someone you care about suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact us at (888) 477-0597 to discuss your case. We will walk you through your legal options and help you seek maximum compensation. With 32 offices in 19 locations, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Utah, we assist clients throughout the state who are coping with catastrophic injuries.