Medical professionals have devoted decades of research into the human brain. This has provided doctors and neurologists with valuable insights into how the brain works. Today, there is a comprehensive understanding of the areas of the brain that relate to specific functions, such as memory, speech, and motor skills. We also understand the fragility of the brain.
Our skulls don’t offer much protection from a strong blow or jolt to the head. When the brain hits the interior of the skull and brain cells are injured, they might never recover. There could be ways to reroute the information that your brain transmits to the rest of your body, but only through painstaking therapy that could last a lifetime.
When someone has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), they could find themselves becoming wholly dependent on their family for care. It is essential for Kentucky families to understand what the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries can be.
It’s equally important for those families to explore all the possible options for achieving compensation for the care if someone’s negligence caused the TBI.
In those cases, the Lexington brain injury attorneys working at Peterson Law office can prove to be a valuable advocate.
We’ve helped many victims of a TBI, and their families, take on major insurance carriers in pursuit of accountability and fair compensation. When you’re looking at the mounting medical expenses and lost wages that a TBI can generate, it is vital to seek a remedy.
What Long-Term Effects Could Result From a TBI?
The long-term effects of TBI are determined by several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and access to medical care and rehabilitation. That is crucial here in Kentucky. A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that the lack of access to caregivers in rural parts of the state has led to many victims of TBI having many unmet needs.
Some common long-term TBI effects include struggles with memory, attention, concentration, and problem-solving. There are some victims of a TBI who may experience impairments with their language skills that make speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing even more of a challenge.
A person who suffers from a TBI can also experience behavioral and emotional changes, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, mood swings, and impulsiveness.
When these issues are prevalent, they can have a direct impact on a person’s ability to navigate their day without difficulties.
There can also be direct physical impairments that include the following:
- Paralysis
- General weakness
- Coordination problems
- Difficulties with balance and coordination
These are the types of challenges that may require ongoing rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Additionally, someone who has been diagnosed with a TBI could find their sensory processing impacted.
That can result in difficulties with someone’s vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. There is also an increased risk of developing seizures and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
How Can a TBI Impact Employment?
A traumatic brain injury can profoundly impact a person’s daily functioning and quality of life. That can manifest into needing ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and various other support services to manage their symptoms. All of this can also mean that the TBI victim’s ability to be gainfully employed can be compromised.
That person could go from working full-time and actively financially supporting their family to not bringing in any income.
That can be highly detrimental to the entire family. Not only is the loss of a weekly salary a burden for the family, but it also means that future earning potential and retirement savings will be significantly diminished.
Calculating the Right Compensation
Calculating the right amount of compensation after a traumatic brain injury is one of the most critical steps in ensuring a victim and their family can manage the long-term consequences of such a devastating condition. The effects of a TBI often go far beyond the initial hospital stay. Victims may require lifelong therapy, ongoing medical treatment, and personal care assistance.
Many also face permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to their previous jobs. It could also mean they won’t be able to work at all.
For families already struggling with emotional and physical challenges, these financial burdens can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced Kentucky brain injury attorney who understands how to calculate the full scope of damages accurately.
The lawyers at Peterson Law Office can help calculate the right compensation to support the victim and their family for all their economic expenses.
There are also the non-economic expenses to consider, such as the loss of quality of life because of the accident.
We strive to work closely with our clients to ensure they receive the maximum benefits to which they are entitled. We aim to achieve a swift resolution that enables our clients to regain control of their lives. Our support begins with a free case review.
Call to set up that talk to discuss your options.
