What Are the Costs and Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) pose a serious threat to individuals who have suffered head traumas due to various causes. According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, 2.5 million people suffer from TBI each year, and around 50,000 individuals lose their lives each year. Furthermore, over 80,000 people suffer from permanent disability as a result of TBI.
One of the biggest challenges of TBI is the financial costs that come along with it and the long-term effects on affected individuals. Keep reading to learn more about TBIs and their associated costs and effects.
What Is TBI?
According to the Mayo Clinic, TBI is a condition that can result from an unexpected accident or violent blow to the head or body. TBI can also occur when an object penetrates the brain tissue, such as a shattered piece of skull. Examples of TBI causes can include domestic violence, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, and sports.
While mild TBI symptoms are often temporary, severe cases can lead to long-term complications or even death. In these serious scenarios, the brain can experience bruising or torn tissues, causing bleeding and physical damage. It's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or a loved one experiences any symptoms of TBI.
Symptoms can include the following:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Bad taste in mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Speech problems
- Light sensitivity
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory problems
- Difficulty sleeping
TBI Costs
The financial costs of TBI can be overwhelming and according to Northwestern University, the average lifetime cost of a TBI ranges from $85,000 to $3 million per person, depending on the severity.
Some associated costs with TBI include:
- Emergency care and hospitalization
- Ongoing medical treatments and therapies
- Lost productivity or inability to return to work
- Home modifications, assistive devices, and caregiver expenses
- Legal and insurance claims
Long-Term Effects of TBI
The long-term effects of TBI can vary significantly based on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected. For example, University of Utah Health physical therapy doctor Kelsi Schiltz notes that “the frontal lobe or forehead area regulates reasoning, problem solving, judgment, impulse control, and planning, and damage there can lead to engaging in risky or inappropriate behaviors.”
Furthermore, if the left side of the brain has trauma, this can cause issues with logic, speech, and understanding others talking. In comparison, right side injuries can result in issues with processing visual information, neglect, and apraxia.
Some common long-term consequences include:
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Paralysis
- Balance issues
- Reduced language skills
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
- Changes in vision
It is crucial for those who experience head injuries or exhibit symptoms of TBI to seek medical help as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in minimizing the long-term effects of TBI.
Get Legal Help Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to another’s negligence, getting legal help can be an essential step in securing compensation to cover associated costs and to seek the best possible care and support long-term. Our qualified personal injury attorneys at Fitzsimmons Law Firm, PLLC can help you build a strong case, navigate complex legal processes, and pursue a fair and just settlement.
Our team has the knowledge and experience to help you. We’ve seen many cases over the years that are similar to yours and have won hundreds of cases. Let us help guide you through the journey of pursuing justice and financial recovery.
Don’t wait any longer to get legal help. Call our team today at (888) 492-4303 or send us a message online.