A traumatic brain injury, often called TBI, happens when an external force damages the brain. This can be caused by a car accident, a fall, a sports injury, or violence. The damage may range from mild to severe, and its effects can last from days to a lifetime. These injuries change more than just the physical health of the person affected. They can alter a person’s personality, limit independence, and place emotional and financial strain on loved ones.
In Nevada, many brain injuries are preventable and happen because someone failed to act responsibly. For families, the sudden shift from normal life to hospital visits, therapy appointments, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Understanding how traumatic brain injury impacts your life is important for making informed decisions about treatment, daily adjustments, and legal rights.
THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys works with people injured in Nevada to ensure they know their options. A brain injury can change the course of your life, but knowing what to expect and where to turn for help can make the path forward clearer.
Understanding How Traumatic Brain Injury Impacts Your Life
A traumatic brain injury happens when the head is hit, jolted, or penetrated, causing problems with how the brain works. This damage can involve bruising, bleeding, torn nerve fibers, and swelling within the brain tissue. These changes can injure brain cells and affect how different brain areas work together. Depending on the severity, some people recover fully, while others face lasting effects of brain injury.
The brain controls every part of life, from movement and balance to memory, emotions, and self-awareness. Even a mild injury can temporarily affect speech, decision-making, or coordination. A severe injury can lead to permanent disabilities, impacting the ability to work or care for oneself.
Sometimes, a brain injury happens along with a spinal cord injury, making recovery more complicated. In Nevada, people and their families often face high medical bills, time off work, and big changes to their daily lives. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we help families protect their rights and get the support they need while they focus on healing and adjusting to these life changes.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Severity
Brain injuries are generally grouped into three categories based on severity: mild, moderate, and severe.
A mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI) often includes short-term confusion, headache, dizziness, or nausea. Concussions are the most common example. Although considered “mild,” they can still cause lingering cognitive problems and mood swings.
A moderate TBI involves longer periods of unconsciousness or more obvious cognitive impairments. People may experience difficulty learning, concentration problems, and communication problems.
A severe traumatic brain injury (severe TBI) can cause extensive damage. Severe injuries often lead to:
- Prolonged unconsciousness
- Vegetative state
- Minimally conscious state
A moderate to severe TBI may require years of rehabilitation and can permanently alter a person’s personality, behavior, and physical abilities.
Even mild TBI should be taken seriously, as repeated head injuries can increase the risk of long-term damage. Understanding the severity helps guide treatment plans and set realistic recovery goals. In all cases, early diagnosis and care improve the chances of regaining brain function and quality of life.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Nevada
In Nevada, brain injuries often stem from situations where another party’s negligence plays a role. Understanding the common causes helps victims and their families recognize when they may have a valid personal injury case.
- Motor vehicle collisions: Car, motorcycle, and truck crashes are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. The sudden force of impact can slam the brain against the skull, damaging brain tissue. In many personal injury cases, negligent driving, speeding, or impairment is to blame.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey can cause concussions or more severe TBIs over time. Even with protective gear, repeated impacts can lead to lasting cognitive and physical effects. Schools, leagues, or facilities may face liability if proper safety measures are not enforced.
- Domestic violence incidents: Physical assaults can result in repeated head injuries. These cases often involve both criminal charges and potential civil claims to cover medical care, therapy, and emotional recovery.
- Falls: Falls from ladders, stairs, or slippery surfaces are a leading cause of TBIs, especially for older adults. Property owners may be liable in personal injury cases if unsafe conditions contributed to the fall.
- Workplace accidents: Construction, warehouse, and industrial job sites carry high risks for brain injuries due to falling objects, heavy machinery, or unsafe work environments. Workers’ compensation claims and third-party personal injury cases may apply.
- Drug or alcohol-related incidents: Impaired coordination and judgment can cause accidents that result in head injuries. Liability can extend to impaired individuals or establishments that served them in violation of Nevada law.
In each scenario, if negligence or wrongful actions caused the injury, pursuing a personal injury case can help secure compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation, and other long-term needs.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms to Watch For
Traumatic brain injury symptoms can be different for each person, depending on how serious the injury is and where it happened in the brain. Physical signs can include constant headaches, double vision, dizziness, a bad taste in the mouth, and trouble with balance. Movement problems like weakness or clumsiness may also show up. These issues can make it hard to work, go to school, or handle daily tasks..
Cognitive symptoms often involve:
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- Difficulty learning new skills
Emotional and behavioral changes may include:
- Mood swings
- Reduced self-awareness
- Changes in a person’s personality
- Sleep disturbances
Sometimes, symptoms show up immediately after a head injury. Other times, they develop slowly over hours or days. This delay is why it is essential to seek medical care after any head injury, even if the person seems alert and responsive. Early treatment can prevent complications and improve the recovery process.
The Effects of Brain Injury to a Victim’s Mental Health
A traumatic brain injury can affect mental health just as much as physical health. Many TBI survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder, especially if the injury happened during a violent or frightening event.
Depression and anxiety are also frequent after a brain injury. Research shows that among nearly 725,000 individuals with TBI, about 13 percent developed depression afterward. When comparing those with TBI versus those without, the TBI group had roughly double the risk, meaning people with TBI were about twice as likely to show depressive symptoms compared to those without TBI. The loss of independence, changes in abilities, and the strain on relationships can contribute to emotional distress.
Mental health treatment should be part of the recovery process. Counseling, support groups, and open communication with family members can help. Addressing emotional health can improve a person’s overall well-being and support their return to daily life after injury.
Complications from Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can cause serious complications, some of which may develop right after the injury, while others appear over time.
Blood clots in the brain can block blood flow, leading to a stroke. Changes in blood pressure may indicate damage to the brain’s control centers.
Nerve damage can affect sensation, movement, or facial expressions. Injury to the frontal lobe or frontal lobes can interfere with speech, reasoning, and decision-making. Damage to certain brain areas may cause movement problems, vision issues, or loss of coordination.
Some complications are life-threatening and require emergency treatment. Others may create long-term challenges that require ongoing therapy and support. Knowing the possible complications helps families prepare for the recovery process and seek the proper medical and legal help when needed.
The Recovery Process After a Brain Injury
The recovery process after a brain injury is different for each person. Some recover quickly, while others face months or years of rehabilitation.
Treatment may involve physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and movement. Occupational therapy can help with skills needed for daily life, such as dressing, cooking, or managing money. Speech therapy can address communication problems, while counseling supports mental health. A holistic care plan combines these services to treat the person as a whole. Also, family members play an important role, offering encouragement and helping with daily tasks.
Progress often comes in small steps. Even with severe injuries, many people see improvements over time. The recovery process may also involve adapting to permanent changes, learning new ways to complete tasks, and finding community resources to support independence.
How Legal Support Helps TBI Patients in Personal Injury Cases
A traumatic brain injury often changes more than just health. It can affect income, independence, and the ability to provide for a family. In Nevada, when a TBI is caused by another party’s negligence, legal support can be a key part of the recovery process.
- Identifying who is responsible – An attorney reviews the incident to determine fault. This may involve drivers in car accidents, property owners in fall cases, employers in workplace incidents, or other parties in sports or assault-related injuries.
- Gathering and protecting evidence – Medical records, accident reports, and witness statements are collected to show how the injury happened and how it affects daily life. This evidence strengthens a personal injury claim.
- Calculating full damages – Legal teams assess not only medical bills but also future rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and the long-term effects of brain injury on the person’s personality, brain functions, and overall quality of life.
- Negotiating fair settlements – Insurance companies may offer less than what is needed for long-term care. A personal injury attorney can negotiate for compensation that covers both current and future needs.
- Representing patients in court – If a settlement is not possible, legal representation ensures the injured person’s story is heard and their rights are protected in front of a judge or jury.
- Coordinating with medical providers – Attorneys often work with doctors and rehabilitation specialists to document the injury’s impact and ensure treatment plans are supported financially.
For TBI survivors, legal support is not just about a case. It is about securing the resources needed for medical care, physical therapy, and adjustments to daily life. THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys helps Nevada families take these steps so they can focus on recovery while protecting their financial future.
Call THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys to Protect Your Rights After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Acting quickly after a brain injury is important. Evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements can help prove the cause and severity of the injury. Nevada law sets time limits for filing injury claims. Waiting too long can mean losing the right to seek compensation. Contacting a law firm early ensures your case is handled properly and deadlines are met.
Legal action cannot undo the injury, but it can provide the financial resources needed for medical care, therapy, and living expenses. Understanding your rights gives you a better chance at maintaining stability during recovery.
For injury victims and families in Nevada, legal guidance can make it easier to secure the resources needed for recovery. THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys is committed to helping clients understand their options and take action after a brain injury. Contact us to schedule a free consultation online. With the right help, it is possible to move forward toward a more stable future.
