The Prognosis of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Sustained in Catastrophic South Dakota Wrecks

There are many possible consequences of serious South Dakota car accidents. These dangerous wrecks can lead to property damage, broken bones, neck or back injuries, and head or brain injuries that can have long-lasting effects.

One of the worst injuries that you can sustain in a South Dakota car wreck is known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This happens when the brain suffers a blunt and direct impact, as is often the case in catastrophic South Dakota car crashes. The damage from these brain injuries is permanent and often debilitating.

It can be difficult to determine the long-term prognosis of a brain injury so soon after it occurs. Each injury is different, and each individual heals at a unique rate. As a result, each person will recover from a traumatic brain injury at his or her own pace.

However, medical professionals depend on two primary factors when trying to determine the prognosis of traumatic brain injuries:

• Time spent in a coma
• Location and severity of injury

If someone has suffered a minor injury and spent only a few seconds in a coma, then the individual may have a speedy recovery that plateaus after only a matter of weeks. If, however, the person sustained severe impact and spent hours or days in a coma, then his or her recovery may go on for years before plateauing. True damage is irreversible.

The long-term prognosis for traumatic brain injuries also depends on the location of the damage, as different parts of the brain serve different functions. A certain injury may impair someone's ability to organize and remember items, while another may struggle with language or communication skills.

Regardless of the severity or long-term prognosis of a traumatic brain injury suffered in a catastrophic wreck with a negligent driver, these are debilitating injuries that can change your life forever. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation as a result.

Call the South Dakota car accident attorneys of Zimmer, Duncan & Cole at (877) 789-5238 today to learn more about your legal rights. We have been winning cases for our clients throughout the state since 1948.