A person who suffers a serious accident may be in danger of having received a traumatic brain injury. While all medical care thereafter is important, the most important part is getting immediate, acute treatment. Keep reading to find out what is often involved in acute treatment. If you have been involved in a car accident or other type of accident that caused a TBI, contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for a free legal consultation.
There Are Generally Three Stages to TBI Treatment
In most cases, a traumatic brain injury is treated in three stages: Acute, sub-acute, and chronic. Acute is the immediate treatment that is completed to save the person’s life so that further treatment can be done. In short, it is a way of stabilizing the patient so that sub-acute and eventually chronic help can be given.
Emergency Personnel Acute Treatment
When emergency personnel gets to the site of the accident, they are going to do everything they can to ensure that the victim’s blood continues to circulate. They will work to keep the airway open to prevent oxygen deprivation. It might be necessary to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person is unresponsive and does not have a pulse.
More Acute Treatment is Given at the Hospital
Acute treatment is not limited to what emergency personnel do at the scene – it also includes treatment given at the hospital to stabilize the patient. The doctors will work to ensure that body fluid levels are maintained. They will also look to prevent further complications such as infections developing at wounds. Depending on the specifics of the case, emergency surgery may be required as well.
Sub-Acute and Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
There may be many surgeries and other treatment needed in the days, weeks, months, or even years following the initial injury. After the patient has been stabilized, sub-acute care is the goal. This involves rehab to help the patient heal enough that they can re-enter their community. Chronic care for a person with a TBI involves addressing their long-term rehab needs and the permanent damage the TBI has caused.
Any Injury Claim or Settlement Should Cover All Types of Treatment
If the TBI was caused by another person acting negligently, and their insurance company offers an immediate settlement, you can count on it only covering the costs of acute care. The reality is that the at-fault party should be held accountable for all damages – including sub-acute and chronic.
Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury? If so, it is time to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you determine the best way forward. Call Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn now at (310) 209-1600 for a consultation.
