Tracy Morgan, the actor injured recently when a Wal-Mart semi rear-ended his limousine, is said by his lawyer to have suffered a severe brain injury from the accident. However, there is little clarity on exactly what type of TBI the actor suffered, his prognosis or the specific nature of his complaints.
Car Crashes Most Common Causes of TBI
Morgan was injured last year and since then public attention has been focused on the possibility of brain injuries resulting from car crashes. The most common cause of TBI is a motor vehicle accident, particularly those at high velocity and in which the victims are not wearing seatbelts as was the case with Morgan.
TBIs: Minor to Serious
Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs can cause damage ranging from minor to serious. One of the biggest problems with diagnosing TBIs is that the damage may be on both a macro and a micro level. Neurons in the brain can be damaged and the effects may not show up for some time. Additionally, repeated small TBIs, such as those sustained in sports, may have a cumulative effect, leading to much more serious conditions.
TBIs can cause both physical and emotional damage. Cognitive problems can be lifelong, and there have been documented cases of personality changes as well. Physical problems may include permanent paralysis or long-term degeneration of organs or body systems. Speech may be affected, and there is some evidence that certain TBIs may make a person more prone to dementia with age.
Recovery from TBIs often depends on the treatment the patient receives. If patients receive prompt and innovative treatment immediately after a TBI, the prognosis for recovery is much better than if treatment is delayed.
What If I Am The Victim of a TBI?
If you are the victim of a traumatic brain injury, it is critical that you receive medical treatment. If you cannot afford medical care, you may want to explore the option of a personal injury lawsuit in order to ensure that you can pay for the very best care possible.
If someone else is responsible for your injury, that party may be required to pay your medical expenses. The personal injury attorneys at Barber and Associates, LLC in Anchorage are here to help you understand your rights and pursue damages from those who caused your TBI. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.