A blow to the head can have serious financial impacts for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors.
Summary
- Traumatic brain injuries can result in a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, from mild to severe.
- The financial burden of a TBI is substantial due to high medical costs, lost wages, and potential long-term care needs.
- Victims of TBIs may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses and other damages.
- Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be crucial in navigating the legal process and maximizing compensation.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are devastating injuries with far-reaching consequences. Beyond the physical pain and suffering, victims often face a mountain of financial burdens. TBIs often require emergency treatment and long-term care, and medical costs add up quickly.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve fair compensation. The capable traumatic brain injury lawyers at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia can help you defend your rights and protect your finances. You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-4357 to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force violently injures the brain. This can range from a mild concussion to severe, life-altering damage.
The brain is the most complex and important injury in the body, and it controls most of our physical, mental, and emotional functions. Any type of injury to the brain can have profound effects on our ability to live our lives.
Short-term Effects of TBIs
Short-term effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can vary in severity but often manifest quickly after the injury. TBI symptoms can be extremely disruptive and interfere with daily activities.
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound.
- Cognitive symptoms: Confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, and problems with balance and coordination.
- Emotional symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap and vary from person to person. While many individuals recover fully from mild TBIs, others may experience persistent symptoms or develop long-term complications.
Long-term Effects of TBIs
Long-term effects of a TBI can be debilitating and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. These effects can range from mild to severe and may not become apparent immediately following the injury.
- TBIs can cause the dysregulation of bodily functions, resulting in physical disabilities like difficulty with movement, coordination, and balance, seizures, speech and language difficulties, and problems with vision and hearing.
- Cognitive impairments can severely limit a TBI victim’s ability to return to their normal life after an accident. These can include difficulty learning and remembering new information, problems with concentration, attention, and focus, and impaired judgment and decision-making.
- Brain injuries can also cause long-term emotional and psychological impacts such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even some personality changes.
The severity and duration of these long-term effects will vary depending on the nature of the TBI. In some cases, individuals may experience a full recovery, while others may require ongoing medical care and support.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can have a wide range of causes, and risks can vary among demographics like age groups. Some of the most common causes of TBIs include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles are a leading cause of TBIs.
- Falls: Accidental falls, especially among older adults and young children, often result in head injuries.
- Sports and recreational activities: Contact sports and activities like skateboarding or biking can lead to TBIs, especially when performed without the right safety equipment.
- Assaults: Violence and physical abuse can cause traumatic brain injuries.
- Military and combat-related injuries: Explosions and other combat incidents can result in TBIs.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. Other factors, such as workplace accidents or botched medical procedures, can also contribute to TBIs.
After any kind of impact to your head, it’s crucial that you seek medical attention right away. Symptoms of head injuries may not appear for hours or even days, and prompt treatment has a big impact on chances of making a full recovery. Your medical records will also be a valuable piece of documentation in any claims for compensation.
The High Cost of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The financial toll of a TBI is staggering. Here are a few reasons why treating a traumatic brain injury can cost significantly more than treating other types of injury:
- Medical expenses can quickly spiral out of control, encompassing emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are common as victims struggle to recover and re-enter the workforce.
- Long-term care costs may be necessary for individuals with severe disabilities, adding to the financial burden.
- Additionally, property damage, home modifications, and assistive devices can incur significant expenses.
Compared to other types of injuries, TBIs often result in higher costs due to the complex and long-lasting nature of the injuries. Medical care is intensive, and recovery time is often prolonged. The potential for lifelong disabilities necessitates extensive support and accommodations, driving up expenses.
Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims
In addition to the physical, mental, and emotional toll a TBI takes, victims of traumatic brain injuries incur significant financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs. Compensation recovered from the at-fault party can help alleviate these costs and provide support for you and your family.
There are two primary types of damages that plaintiffs can recover in a TBI case:
- Economic damages: These are tangible financial losses that can be calculated with a degree of accuracy. They typically include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the cost of future care.
- Non-economic damages: These are intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify. They compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and diminished quality of life.
The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on the specific facts of your case, including the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and the strength of your legal case.
To build a strong case, it’s crucial to gather comprehensive medical records, wage statements, and documentation of expenses. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize compensation.
Call WHG for Your Traumatic Brain Injury Case
A personal injury lawyer can provide legal support to TBI victims dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident so they can recover compensation for the cost of their injury. They possess the expertise to guide clients through the process and advocate for their rights.
Here are some ways a brain injury attorney can help your case:
- Investigate the accident: Lawyers gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the incident to determine liability.
- Handle insurance claims: They negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future care.
- Build a strong case: Brain injury lawyers compile medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to support the victim’s claim.
- Calculate damages: They assess the full extent of the victim’s losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
- Represent you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, lawyers will defend your rights and pursue compensation in court.
Having a skilled attorney by your side can significantly improve the outcome of a TBI case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal complexities. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we understand the impacts a traumatic brain injury can have on your life and we’re ready to help. You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-4357.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a traumatic brain injury claim after an accident in Florida?
The deadlines for filing a personal injury claim vary from state to state. In Florida, the statute of limitations gives victims two years from the date of when you sustained the TBI to file.
It’s crucial to consult with a traumatic brain injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. They can help you understand the specific deadline in your jurisdiction and ensure you don’t miss the filing window.
How can I recover the cost of my Traumatic Brain Injury if the other party doesn’t have insurance?
There are still ways to recover compensation even if the person responsible for your traumatic brain injury doesn’t have insurance. For instance, you may be able to pursue compensation via the at-fault party’s assets. Consult with an experienced TBI attorney to explore your options.
Can I recover compensation for pain and suffering after suffering a TBI in a workplace accident?
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation benefits do not cover the non-economic costs of a traumatic brain injury. A brain trauma workers’ compensation lawyer can help maximize your benefits for other expenses, like medical bills and lost wages.
