Everything You Should Know About Suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury

December 21, 2022 | By Greene Broillet & Wheeler

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may feel overwhelmed and confused. This is especially true if the injury was sustained as a result of negligence. You may not know what to expect in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

In this blog post, we will discuss the physical, mental, and legal effects of a TBI and offer advice on how to best support yourself or your loved one during recovery. Read on to learn more.

What to Expect After Suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury

Physical Impacts of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The physical impacts of a TBI can vary greatly depending on the mechanism and severity of the injury. In general, however, most people who suffer from a TBI will experience some degree of physical impairment or disability.

These impairments may affect your:

• Motor skills
• Coordination
• Vision
• Hearing
• Sensory perception

You may also experience difficulty with speech and memory recall. The physical impacts of even a mild traumatic brain injury can have long-lasting effects.

Mental and Emotional Impacts of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The mental effects of a TBI can be just as significant as the physical ones and can also vary widely depending on the severity of the injury.

The emotional and psychological impacts of a TBI can include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Aggression
• Impulsivity
• Mood swings
• Changes in personality or behavior

A person who sustains a TBI may also have trouble controlling their emotions or managing stress. They may also experience difficulty with concentration, problem-solving, and making decisions. It is also relatively common for traumatic brain injury victims to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Legal Impacts of a Traumatic Brain Injury

In addition to physical and mental impairments, you may also find that your legal rights have been affected by your TBI. The legal implications of suffering from a traumatic brain injury should not be overlooked. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be eligible for disability benefits or compensation for medical expenses. In some cases, it is possible to sue for damages related to your TBI, such as lost wages or pain and suffering.

It is in your best interest to seek legal representation right away if negligence led to your injury. There is a time limit on these types of cases, referred to as the statute of limitations, and it must be respected. If you do not file your claim within the statute of limitations, it will likely be thrown out.

Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injuries

There are many different types of treatments a person who has sustained a traumatic brain injury can undergo to try to regain as much cognitive functioning as they can.

Medications can be helpful – painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, anti-seizure drugs, and other prescription drugs can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with TBIs.

Therapies can also be immensely helpful for TBI patients:

• Physical therapy is often recommended for TBIs as it can help improve mobility, balance, coordination, and overall physical functioning.
• Occupational therapy can also be helpful to regain function and independent living skills, like self-care, home management, social skills, and community re-entry skills like shopping, returning to work, driving, etc.
• Speech therapy is not just to address the ability to speak but also addresses other speech-related issues that can arise from a TBI, like aphasia (where someone has difficulty voicing sounds and syllables, i.e., can’t “find the right words”) and improving social language and cognitive communication skills.
• Cognitive therapy helps to address problems with memory recall, concentration, problem-solving, decision-making, impulse control, and other mental functions affected by the injury.

A traumatic brain injury can cause ripple effects to many different parts of a person’s body besides their brain, so patients may also need treatment from different kinds of doctors. This can include an endocrinologist if the TBI has affected the body’s production and regulation of hormones, a physiatrist to address pain and rehabilitation issues, or a neuropsychologist who can help the person manage behaviors or learn coping strategies.

Severe traumatic brain injuries may require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, rehabilitation therapy, medications to control seizures or reduce inflammation in the brain, and a variety of other treatments depending on the victim’s needs.

Supporting Yourself or Your Loved One After Suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury can be an overwhelming process. It is important to create a supportive environment in which both the patient and their family can cope with the physical, mental, and legal effects of the injury. Here are some tips for how you can best support yourself or your loved one during this time:

• Make sure you communicate openly with doctors and other medical professionals about any changes in your condition or symptoms.
• Seek support from family, friends, and local support groups.
• Take time to rest when needed.
• If you’re able to, find ways to remain physically active such as participating in light exercise or engaging in hobbies that don’t require much physical exertion.
• Attend therapy sessions regularly and work with a therapist to manage any emotional or psychological issues that may arise.
• Educate yourself on the legal rights associated with traumatic brain injuries so that you can make informed decisions.
• Make modifications to your home or work environment as needed to make them more conducive to recovery and rehabilitation.

We Can Help Victims of Traumatic Brain Injuries

As you know, catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, can significantly impact the victim’s life for a long time, if not for the rest of their life. If you have suffered a TBI due to another’s negligence, it is critical that you seek legal assistance from the skilled attorneys on our team right away. Having proper legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Catastrophic injury cases are often very complex and involve several moving parts. That is why it is not wise to handle such a situation on your own without the help of a skilled legal professional.

Additionally, you want to ensure that the attorney you choose to handle your case is experienced in traumatic brain injury cases. These types of cases often complex and require extensive evidence, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of the law to be successful. The lawyers on our team are well-equipped to handle even the most complicated traumatic brain injury cases and have a long history of helping victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you want more information or legal assistance, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to hearing from you right away and doing everything we can to help.