Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is one of the most catastrophic and life-changing injuries following an accident. From the moment it happens, a TBI impacts every aspect of a person’s daily life.
The root cause of TBI is the violent shaking that causes the brain to hit the skull. A strike to the head, or an object that penetrates the skull and damages the brain, such as a bullet or bit of broken bone from the skull, also causes a TBI. Any damage to the brain can negatively impact any one of the body’s other systems.
Here, we’ll discuss the legal and medical aspects of life following a TBI.
Medical Perspective
Because the brain directly controls every other system in the body, even a so-called mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, like a concussion, can have long-ranging effects. While most cases of concussion recover, more serious damage to the brain leads to longer-term complications or death.
Much will depend on the seriousness of the injury. In the immediate aftermath, a TBI patient may experience multiple symptoms, including stroke, coma, seizures, blood clots, nerve damage, and others. Eventually, these symptoms subside as the person becomes stabilized, although they may continue even afterward.
But some problems do not appear immediately and may take months to manifest, such as:
- Behavior (relationship problems, aggression, self-control)
- Communication (difficulty with reading, writing, speaking)
- Cognition (difficulty with remembering, learning, making decisions)
- Emotional (mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety)
- Sensory (ringing in the ears, double vision, bad tastes)
Physical problems associated with TBI include paralysis and a person’s inability to take daily care of themselves. There is no cure, only some treatment,
Longer-term effects of TBI can include the eventual development of a disease that leads to the breakdown of brain cells. These include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which impacts motor skills, thinking, and memory.
Legal Ramifications
The impact of a TBI is catastrophic as well as expensive. Many are the result of car and other personal injury accidents. A TBI usually accompanies other injuries, such as whiplash, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, lacerations, and others. Victims are left to deal with the aftermath of this very expensive injury.
Because TBI is an injury that’s acquired and caused by an external force, there is a strong possibility that the cause was from another person’s negligence. Medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses may be covered by compensation from the responsible party.
Costs Of A Traumatic Brain Injury
The debilitating nature of a TBI means that a person may be unable to resume the life they led prior to becoming injured.
Someone who sustains a TBI faces a lifetime of medical treatments. Surgery, therapy, prescriptions, medical appointments, diagnostics such as X-rays and MRIs, and other continuing care are needed throughout their lifetime. Disability may be their next step.
Living at home may be an option, but only with adaptable modifications such as wheelchair ramps and home health care.
Even if they can return to work, their health insurance may not cover all their medical care. Getting to and from work may require a wheelchair and modifications to their auto or transportation as well.
Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer In Houston
If you or a loved one have experienced a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.
Begin working with a personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident to protect your interests and preserve your rights. Texas’ statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Building a case takes time, so it’s important to start your claim immediately. Contact Paxton Law Firm today by calling (281) 978-2244 or filling out our online contact form. During your free consultation, you can learn more about your legal options.
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