What Are Common Brain Injury Symptoms After an Accident in Missouri & Kansas?

Brain Injuries May Be Overlooked After an Accident in Kansas City

Brain injuries and their symptoms are often overlooked after an accident. Not all brain injury symptoms are immediately noticeable. You do not need to lose consciousness or have any visible signs of a head injury to sustain a traumatic brain injury. 

A slight blow to the head could cause a severe brain injury. However, in some cases, a closed head injury can cause a brain injury without a blow to the head. For example, the jerking motion caused by whiplash could cause the brain to move within the skull, violently striking the skull in one or more places. The injury could cause a concussion or another type of serious traumatic brain injury due swelling, bleeding, and permanent brain damage that may occur. 

If you or a loved one are acting the same after an accident, you need to be familiar with the common symptoms of a brain injury. Below are many common brain injury symptoms. In addition, we have a brain injury checklist that you can download for free, which you can use to help identify potential brain injury symptoms.

Remember: if in doubt, seek immediate medical attention from a specialist in traumatic brain injury.  Our personal injury law firm has helped many brain injury survivors recover after an accident.  We would be happy to provide a free consultation if you have questions– just call us at 816-203-0143. 

Brain Injury Symptoms to Watch for After Accidents in Missouri & Kansas

Each person can present one or more symptoms after a brain injury. The symptoms of a brain injury can depend on the severity of the injury and the location of the brain injury. Some common signs of a brain injury after an accident include:

• Loss of consciousness or a decrease in consciousness
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating, and disorientation
• Any loss of memory of events before or after the accident or injury
• Loss of vision, changes in speech, muscle weakness, numbness, and ringing in the ears
• Repeated bouts of nausea or vomiting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Headaches that increase in severity or do not go away
• Loss of bladder or bowel control or any other bodily functions

If you experience any of the above signs or other symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. 

However, other symptoms of a brain injury might develop hours or days after an accident. Other brain injury symptoms to watch for include, but are not limited to:

• Lethargy
• Dilated pupils
• Any changes in vision, smell, hearing, or taste
• Numbness, tingling, or paralysis in any area of the body
• Cognitive difficulties
• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes in sleep habits
• Changes in emotional state, including irritability, mood swings, depression, etc.

Any head injury is an indication that you should see a doctor as soon as possible. There are medical providers throughout Missouri and Kansas who specialize in the treatment of brain injuries. 

A thorough examination may reveal a brain injury that requires treatment. Prompt treatment of a brain injury after an accident can reduce the chance of permanent impairments and life-threatening conditions.

Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Accidents in Missouri & Kansas

As a brain injury lawyer handling claims throughout Missouri and Kansas, we know that a number of accidents and situations can result in brain injuries. Falls and motor vehicle accidents are two of the most common causes of brain injuries. However, sports, recreational activities, assaults, and any blunt force trauma to the head can cause a brain injury.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a victim could develop one or more brain injuries. Common brain injuries caused by accidents include:

• Contusion (bruising of the brain tissue)
• Hematoma (a blood clot within the brain)
• Hemorrhage (bleeding inside or outside of the brain)
• Ischemia (insufficient oxygen to areas of the brain)
• Diffuse Injuries (microscopic changes throughout the brain)
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (injury to the axons that can impair communication between nerve cells)
• Skull Fractures

The treatment for a brain injury depends on the type of injury and other factors. Mild concussions and brain injuries can heal with time and rest. Medications may be given to patients with brain injuries to prevent further brain damage. In severe cases, brain surgery might be required.

How to File a Claim for a Brain Injury in Missouri & Kansas

Any brain injury has the potential of becoming life-threatening or results in permanent disabilities. A victim who sustains permanent brain damage can require 24/7 medical and personal care. Disabilities and impairments can impair a person’s ability to work and care for themselves and their families. 

Victims of brain injuries are entitled to compensation for their damages under Missouri and Kansas law if their injuries were caused by the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another party. 

The party responsible for the accident that caused the brain injury can be financially liable for damages including:

• Cost of medical treatment and personal care
• Physical, occupational, vocational, emotional, and other therapies 
• Loss of income and benefits
• Decreases in earning capacity because of permanent impairments
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional anguish and distress
• Disabilities and impairments
• Loss of quality of life

Proving that the accident caused a brain injury can be difficult. You must have evidence that links the person’s actions or omissions directly with the cause of the accident. You must also prove that the accident resulted in the brain injury, and you sustained damages because of your injury.

Our Kansas City brain injury lawyer can help. An experienced brain injury lawyer conducts a thorough investigation into how your brain injury occurred. He gathers evidence and identifies all parties who could be liable for your damages.

Contact a Kansas City Brain Injury Attorney for More Information 

You deserve to be compensated for your injuries, pain, suffering, and damages. We want to help. While you focus on your medical treatment, we focus on getting justice for you.

Contact The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus to schedule your free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Kansas City by calling 816-203-0143 or completing our online contact form.