Fairfax, VA Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Fighting for Fair Compensation in Fairfax, Virginia

The brain controls a person's thoughts, memory, movements, emotions, communication, and their ability to carry out daily tasks. When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs, it can affect nearly every corner of a person's existence. Some people may be able to recover fully from a brain injury, but others may face permanent changes to who they are, what they can do, and how they experience the world around them.

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences that injury victims may experience in situations such as car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, and pedestrian accidents. When a brain injury has been caused by another person's negligence, the lawyer at Shevlin Smith, P.C. can provide guidance on the options that may be available and work with an injury victim to recover the full compensation they need and deserve. Our team provides personal attention to clients, and we are committed to helping injury victims obtain the resources they need as they recover from accidents that have affected their lives.

How a Traumatic Brain Injury Can Affect a Person's Health

The effects of a traumatic brain injury may depend on which areas of the brain have been damaged and how severe the damage is. A TBI can lead to a wide range of consequences, including:

Physical Effects

Headaches are common symptoms that can occur following a traumatic brain injury. In many cases, the pain a person experiences can become chronic, affecting them for years or even the rest of their life.

Dizziness, balance problems, and a loss of coordination can make it difficult for a person to move around and handle daily activities. They may be unable to drive, work in jobs that require them to stay on their feet, or participate in activities that they used to enjoy.

Fatigue is another frequent consequence of brain injuries. It will often be much more severe than ordinary tiredness. Many TBI victims experience exhaustion that does not get better after receiving rest, which can limit the amount of activity a person can handle each day. Sleep disturbances are also common, and this may cause other symptoms to become worse, since a lack of sleep may prevent a person's brain from healing and functioning correctly.

Seizures can develop after a traumatic brain injury, particularly in cases where moderate or severe brain damage has occurred. Epilepsy may require ongoing medical care and the use of medications, and a person may face restrictions on the activities they can perform during their daily life, including driving.

Sensory issues may affect a person, including sensitivity to light and sound, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and changes in the sense of smell or taste. These issues can make it difficult for a person to tolerate certain environments and require them to make changes to their daily routines.

Cognitive Effects

Memory problems are common issues that can occur after a traumatic brain injury. Some people may have difficulty forming new memories, while others may struggle to recall what happened before the injury. Memory impairment can interfere with a person's ability to perform their job, manage their finances, keep appointments, and maintain relationships.

Difficulties with concentration and maintaining attention are also common. A TBI victim may find that tasks they used to perform easily will now take a great deal of effort, and they may be unable to maintain focus on work or other activities for extended periods. These issues may affect their ability to maintain employment and handle other daily responsibilities.

A brain's processing speed may be affected by an injury, limiting how quickly a person can take in and respond to information. This may make it difficult for a person to drive, complete tasks at work, or engage in conversations.

A person's executive functions, including their ability to plan, organize, make decisions, and manage complex tasks, may be affected by a brain injury. They may struggle to manage daily responsibilities, respond to requests, and complete tasks at work or at home.

Brain injuries can also lead to language and communication difficulties, including problems finding words, following conversations, reading, or expressing thoughts clearly. Injuries to the areas of the brain that control language processing may lead to speech problems and other issues that affect a person's ability to communicate.

Emotional and Behavioral Effects

A traumatic brain injury may affect a person's emotional regulation and behavior in ways that can be very disruptive. Depression and anxiety are common among TBI victims. Changes in brain chemistry caused by an injury can alter a person's mood and their emotional responses. A person may experience irritability and a short temper. They may react to frustration or stress with a level of anger that they cannot easily control.

Impulsivity is another issue that may affect a victim, and it may lead them to make hasty decisions or engage in risky behaviors. These changes can affect a victim's personal and professional relationships, and their conduct may create additional difficulties in their life.

Social withdrawal can make emotional issues even worse. It may occur due to fatigue, anxiety, or difficulty with communication and social interactions. TBI victims may become isolated from relationships with family members and friends, and they may be unable to participate in activities that they enjoyed in the past.

Contact Our Fairfax, VA Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., we understand the ways a traumatic brain injury can affect a person and their family. Our lawyer knows the financial and personal impact that a TBI can have on a person's life, and he will take steps to ensure that a victim will be fully compensated for their damages. He can work with medical professionals to document the effects of a brain injury and the treatment that will be needed. He will also make sure lost wages and ongoing personal and emotional difficulties will be addressed in the compensation a person receives. Contact our Fairfax brain injury attorney at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation.