Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident. Symptoms, Work Limits, and Compensation

• Oct 26, 2020
• Blog
• Michael Burgis & Associates, P.C

Common accident related causes of traumatic brain injury

Unlike spinal cord injuries and catastrophic injuries to limbs, which have a visible impact on a victim, the effects of a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often invisible. However, they can have severe, even lifelong consequences for the victim. While motor vehicle accidents are among the leading cause of TBI, long-term damage to the brain can result from any blow to the head or problems resulting from a cut-off of oxygen, including birth injuries to the baby or problems under general anesthesia.

TBIs have varied and potentially profound effects on victims

The human brain is an intricate, complex organ. While doctors understand that certain sections of the brain control certain functions, the exact neural wiring of the brain differs from person to person. That variation is part of what makes treatment for TBIs so difficult.

Severity and injury location can change the outcome

Depending on the severity of the injury and its location in the victim’s brain, symptoms for TBIs can vary drastically. Even people injured in seemingly similar ways, such as slipping on a wet spot in a grocery store, may end up with drastically different medical outcomes depending on where their brain suffers an injury.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injury that can affect daily life and work

Some of the potential symptoms associated with TBI include:

• sensory issues, like ringing ears
• chronic, worsening headache
• nausea or vomiting
• issues with balance or coordination
• loss of motor control in certain parts of the body
• changes in mood or personality
• problems with memory

Any of these symptoms could leave someone struggling to perform tasks that were once a basic part of their daily life.

TBIs can mean the end of your career or ability to live independently

In some cases, people with TBIs can return to work after receiving medical care and occupational therapy. Other times, minor accommodations from an employer can help an injured person return to work. A change in job responsibilities or assistive technology can make it easier for an injured worker to get back on the job.

Severe TBIs may require long term assistance or skilled nursing care

Not everyone is that fortunate. The symptoms of a TBI can become so debilitating that some people may not be able to return to work. In fact, some people with TBIs may require skilled nursing care or similar forms of assistance forever.

Compensation may help cover lost income and long term medical care

If you or a loved one have suffered a TBI related to an accident, there may be potential compensation available that can offset the drastic expenses that occur when someone loses their income and requires significant medical care. Whether the TBI in your situation requires rehabilitation care or skilled nursing staff in your home, it may be possible to fund those medical expenses with compensation from a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused the accident or the premises where the accident occurred.