Understanding the Long-Term Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Sustaining a traumatic brain injury after an accident is a life-changing event. Not only does it come with serious physical symptoms, but it also has extensive costs that add up over time. Take a closer look at the immediate costs and long-term effects of this injury so you can seek adequate financial compensation after an accident. 

Common Causes and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Before diving into the common expenses of a closed-head injury, it’s important to understand how TBIs happen. Victims can endure concussion symptoms or other physical trauma in several incidents, such as:

• Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
• Slip-and-fall incidents
• Construction zone accidents

These injuries may cause brain swelling and long-lasting neurological damage. Victims may suffer from cognitive impairments as well as physical symptoms like headaches, vision changes, dizziness, and fatigue. 

What Are the Long-Term Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

If you or a loved one sustains a TBI after an accident, prepare for extensive medical costs and related expenses. Immediate medical treatment may require lengthy hospitalizations and surgical procedures, as well as follow-up appointments to monitor progress. After seeking immediate care, victims often have to endure a wide range of long-term expenses, including:

• Rehabilitation costs: Some patients need to spend time in a rehab facility focusing on physical therapy and further recovery efforts. 
• Medications: Various prescriptions may be necessary for managing the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome and similar conditions. 
• Home modifications: Some TBIs cause paralysis, which would require extensive home modifications if victims can no longer navigate staircases or other areas around their homes safely. 
• Caregiver assistance: Recovering patients may need someone to live with them or help with basic tasks they’re no longer able to perform. 

According to data from Northwestern University, the victim of a traumatic brain injury can incur lifetime healthcare expenses between $85,000 and $3 million. 

Filing a Lawsuit Can Reduce the Financial Burden of TBIs

When it comes to recovering from a traumatic brain injury, the medical expenses alone can be overwhelming and a source of stress. If you’re hurt in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, seek compensation for your injury by filing a lawsuit. 

Consult a reputable personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and explore options. Attorneys gather evidence regarding the accident to determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable. 

Accident victims can take legal action against several potentially liable people or organizations, such as:

• Motorists: Pedestrians or drivers who are struck by cars can hold the at-fault motorist liable for their injuries. 
• Property owners: If you slip on someone’s unmaintained property, fall, and hit your head, the owner could be found negligent. 
• Employers: Workplace accidents may cause TBIs, giving the injured worker grounds to sue their employer for their pain and suffering. 
• Manufacturers: Say a defective car part plays a role in causing an accident. The manufacturer should be held liable. 

In many cases, the defendant’s insurance company is responsible for paying damages to the victim should they reach a settlement agreement. 

Don’t Forget the Emotional Distress of Serious Head Injuries

When someone files a personal injury suit after sustaining a traumatic brain injury, it’s not just their medical expenses and lost wages that lawyers account for. This condition can leave victims dealing with intense psychological trauma and emotional distress. 

Attorneys advocate for fair damages for someone’s pain and suffering stemming from the incident. 

Seek Compensation Following an Accident With Buffalo’s Trusted Personal Injury Law Firm

Offset some long-term costs of a traumatic brain injury with lawsuit damages. Consult Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC to discuss your legal options. Call 716-848-8000 or submit our online form to schedule a consultation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q: What are the main long-term costs associated with a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

A: Long-term TBI costs include rehabilitation, medications, home modifications for accessibility, and ongoing caregiver assistance.

Q: How can filing a lawsuit help with the financial burden of a TBI?

A: A lawsuit can help recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress caused by someone else’s negligence.

Q: Who can be held liable in a lawsuit for a traumatic brain injury?

A: Potentially liable parties include motorists, property owners, employers, and manufacturers, depending on the accident’s circumstances.