Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident
Traumatic brain injuries often leave devastating consequences for victims and their loved ones.
Each year, about 14,000 Missourians are hospitalized with a TBI, and 1.7 million TBI cases occur throughout the United States. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons estimates that over half of all TBI accidents are caused by a motor vehicle crash.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the pain, suffering and financial burden caused by another driver’s negligence. A qualified head injury attorney will help you navigate the legal requirements necessary to win your case.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the long-term consequences and financial costs that may result from a TBI.
Long-Term Effects of a TBI
It’s estimated that 5.3 million Americans currently live with a disability caused by a traumatic brain injury. Here are just a few of the long-term complications that may result from a severe head injury, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Nerve damage may cause paralysis, impaired vision or hearing, and damaged senses of smell and taste. Affected persons may experience problems with swallowing, dizziness and ringing in the ears.
- Seizures may occur for months and even years after the accident. Other physical complications include fluid on the brain, damaged blood vessels, persistent headaches, vertigo, and a greater risk of infections.
- Cognitive issues may include problems with memory, reasoning, judgment or concentration. Affected persons may have difficulty with tasks such as problem-solving, multitasking or decision-making.
- Individuals may have trouble participating in conversations. A TBI can result in difficulty with speech, writing, or understanding language. Social, emotional and behavioral problems may also appear.
- TBI sufferers may be at increased risk of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
In a 2017 survey of Missouri TBI victims and their families, 85.3% said their general health got worse after their injury. Participants also said the following areas of their lives had gotten worse:
- Psychological status: 87.2%
- Income: 85.9%
- Employment situation: 83.7%
- Interpersonal relationships: 80.8%
- Marriage: 76.2%
- Education: 66.7%
- Living situation: 59.3%
Financial Costs of a TBI
The total annual cost of traumatic brain injury ranges from $48 billion to $56 billion nationwide.
TBI victims and families must cope with often astronomical medical bills including hospitalization, acute care and rehabilitation. Other financial consequences include lost earnings, work time and productivity, as well as the cost of ongoing social services.
The estimated lifetime cost of a traumatic brain injury for one victim typically ranges between $600,000 and $1.875 million. However, the exact amount will vary depending upon the severity of the injury.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the physical, emotional and financial toll of a TBI caused by an auto accident, help is available.
Please contact Eng and Woods to schedule a free consultation. You can call us at 877-888-2345 or reach out to us online.
Our compassionate attorneys are here to answer your questions and fight for your rights during this challenging time in your life.
