Few injuries are as devastating and scary as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries are often invisible in the beginning, with symptoms not showing up until days or even weeks after the personal injury accident in Aiken.
You or your loved one may have walked away from a crash or fall seemingly fine — only to have confusion, headaches, or memory issues later. These delayed symptoms can be unsettling, especially when it’s not clear what comes next.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs, Attorneys P.A., we’ve worked with many families after a brain injury. We know how these injuries affect every part of your life — from your ability to work and communicate to your long-term care needs.
Our Aiken personal injury lawyers will walk you through how these injuries happen, what to look for, what treatment involves, and how you can seek justice if someone else’s actions caused your injury.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Every year, thousands of South Carolinians suffer from brain injuries — many from accidents that could have been prevented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 214,000 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 in the US. That’s how widespread and serious these injuries are.
Common causes include:
- Car Accidents: Even minor crashes can cause your brain to hit the inside of your skull, causing a concussion or worse.
- Falls: Whether it’s a slip on a wet floor or a fall from a ladder, hitting your head can cause serious trauma — especially in older adults.
- Motorcycle and Bicycle Crashes: Riders are more vulnerable to TBIs, especially if they’re not wearing helmets.
- Workplace Accidents: Falling tools, machinery incidents, or hazardous environments can all cause head injuries on the job.
- Sports and Recreational Injuries: Contact sports, skateboarding, or other physical activities can cause concussions or more severe damage if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Not all brain injuries look the same. Some symptoms show up right away, others creep in over time. You might think you’re just tired or stressed, but subtle warning signs can indicate something more serious. Recognizing brain injury symptoms early can prevent further complications and may improve recovery.
Mild TBI (Concussion) Symptoms
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea- Light or sound sensitivity
Moderate to Severe TBI Symptoms
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings or personality changes
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
Delayed Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Persistent fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
Since these symptoms can develop over hours or days, early medical evaluation is key — even if you feel fine after an accident in Aiken.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis is the first step to recovery. Medical professionals use various tools to assess the severity of a brain injury.
Diagnostic Tools
- CT Scans: Show bleeding, bruising, or swelling in the brain.
- MRI: More detailed imaging for subtle injuries not visible on a CT scan.
- Neurological Exams: Check balance, reflexes, memory, and other brain functions.
If you think you have a brain injury from an accident in Aiken, don’t wait to get checked. Early diagnosis helps prevent further damage and sets the stage for recovery.
Treatment Options
- Mild: Rest, observation, and symptom tracking.
- Moderate to Severe: Emergency surgery, medications to reduce swelling, and inpatient care.
Long-Term Therapies
- Physical Therapy: Restore coordination and strength.
- Occupational Therapy: Relearn daily tasks.
- Cognitive Therapy: Improve thinking, memory, and concentration.
- Speech Therapy: Help with communication and swallowing difficulties.
Follow-up and progress checks ensure the best outcome throughout the healing process following an accident in Aiken.
Legal Options After a Brain Injury
If someone else’s carelessness caused your brain injury in Aiken or anywhere in South Carolina — whether a reckless driver, a negligent property owner, or an employer who ignored safety protocols — you have a right to seek justice. And the sooner you act, the stronger your case may be.
When Someone Else Is Responsible
Brain injuries often occur because of accidents that could have been prevented.
Common scenarios include:
- A distracted driver running a red light and causing an accident
- A store not cleaning up a spill that causes a head injury
- Unsafe working conditions that cause a fall
- Medical professionals making preventable surgical or diagnostic errors
The above scenarios and many others aren’t just accidents — they may be negligence, and negligence that results in harm has legal consequences. Holding the responsible party accountable can also provide the resources you and your family need for long-term recovery.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After an Accident in Aiken
A personal injury claim in South Carolina allows you and your family to seek compensation for the losses you’ve suffered after a brain injury after an accident in Aiken.
These may include:
- Emergency and long-term medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Each case is different, but your Aiken personal injury attorney will document all the ways your injury has affected your life and fight to get you fair compensation to offset the overwhelming costs of a brain injury — and bring some justice to you and your family.
How a Brain Injury Attorney Can Help
We know it’s hard to think about legal stuff when you’re dealing with a life-changing injury. At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs, Attorneys P.A., we work with our clients to make sure their voices are heard and their injuries are fully acknowledged. Our personal injury attorneys in Aiken will handle the details so you can focus on recovery.
We will:
- Investigating the Incident: We get the police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements to build your case.
- Working with Experts: We work with medical professionals and care planners to understand the full extent of your injury.
- Evaluating Damages: We look at both current and future needs — medical, financial, and emotional — to get you full and fair compensation.
Time Limits to File a Claim After an Accident in Aiken, South Carolina
Don’t wait too long to act. South Carolina law gives you three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). After that window closes, you may lose your chance to recover.
Your Future After a Brain Injury Starts Now
A brain injury after an accident in Aiken doesn’t just affect one moment — it can change your life. But it doesn’t have to define your future. With the right care and legal guidance, recovery and justice are possible. Recognizing the early signs, getting immediate medical attention, and talking to a qualified Aiken personal injury attorney can make a big difference.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs, Attorneys P.A., we’ll listen, advise, and fight for what you deserve. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, call us for a free consultation at (803) 649-5338. Let us help you take the first step towards healing and justice.
