A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change the state of a person’s life forever. According to the CDC, in 2020, there were more than 64,000 traumatic brain injury-related deaths in the United States alone. Survivors of a TBI accident usually end up disabled or require a lifetime of treatment.
While no one can change the circumstances that led to such tragedies, TBI victims may be entitled to compensation. Read on to learn more about what a traumatic brain injury is, the different types of TBI, the most common causes of TBI, and what can be done as a (or on behalf of a) victim.
Traumatic Brain Injury – Causes and Types
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a severe injury to the head that affects the function of the brain. This type of injury is typically caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and firearm-related injuries. According to recent research, falls cause almost half of all TBI-related hospitalizations.
There are three main types of traumatic brain injury. The majority of TBIs are considered mild TBIs or concussions. Although this type is classified as mild and usually isn’t life-threatening, the effects can be severe.
The last two types of TBI are moderate and severe. These types of TBI result in thousands of deaths annually. Survivors often face a lifetime of long-term health issues.
TBI-Related Health Problems
People who suffer from a TBI can face health issues that either last a few days or forever. Anyone involved in an accident in which a TBI is possible should get immediate medical attention. Most people with a mild TBI or concussion recover at home, but those who suffer a moderate or severe TBI usually require ongoing care.
Children and older adults face another set of issues following a TBI. When a child suffers a TBI, their development may be disrupted, limiting their ability to participate in activities like school and sports. They may also experience changes in behavior, health, and thought processes that affect their social skills, self-regulation, and learning.
Older adults face a significant problem following a TBI – the injury is often missed or misdiagnosed as symptoms can easily be confused with those of other conditions, such as dementia. Due to misdiagnosis, older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and pass away following a TBI.
How to Receive Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
Because traumatic brain injuries often require medical attention, intensive treatment, and long-term care, the cost of dealing with the aftermath of such a tragic injury can end up draining your savings or leaving you bankrupt. Your best chance at getting justice and compensation as a victim of a TBI-related accident is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company or individual at fault for the accident.
Winning a personal injury lawsuit requires evidence of the facts surrounding the case. You must be able to prove three things:
- The person or company at fault for your TBI was negligent
- You suffered an injury as a result of their negligence
- Their actions caused your injury
These things can only be proven with convincing evidence. Evidence in a traumatic brain injury case can include:
- Testimony from eyewitnesses, TBI experts, mental health experts (psychologists and psychiatrists), medical experts (neuropsychologists, rehabilitation doctors, neurologists)
- Witnesses who knew you before and after the injury and can testify on how it affected your life
- Medical images, including:
o CT scans
o MRI scans
o X-rays
o Brain mapping
o Brain diagrams
o Computer simulations of your brain
- Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring
- Diagnostic tests that determine your level of:
o Mental function
o Cognitive abilities
o Physical function
o Motor skills
o Speech control
o Information processing skills
