Numerous Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries every year — about 1.7 million to be precise. Approximately 300,000 brain injury victims receive their injuries in auto collisions. A car accident-related TBI can have life-long effects. It can cause a person to experience both physical and psychological changes. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in a car accident caused by another individual, you may seek relief for any losses sustained.
Everybody reacts differently to brain injuries. While doctors can do a fairly decent job of determining how well one should be able to recover, there really are no guarantees. It is also impossible to say which symptoms one should expect or how long they will last.
Physical and mental changes
Over the years, doctors have been able to identify common symptoms seen following brain injuries. You or your loved one may experience all of them or just a few. Some of the physical symptoms seen with brain injuries include:
- Partial or full paralysis
- Poor muscle coordination
- Weakness
- Change in sleep pattern
- Difficulties communicating
There are also various mental changes that you or your loved one may experience. A few of these may include:
- Difficulty remembering things
- Problems maintaining attention
- Poor judgment
- Changes in personality and behavior
Those with severe brain injuries are more likely to experience more and longer-lasting deficits than someone whose brain injury is mild to moderate in nature.
Treating TBI
Before a doctor can create a treatment plan for a TBI, a full evaluation will have to be completed. Medical staff needs to know where the injury is and how bad it is before they can push a course of action. After a physical and neurological exam, treatment options may include:
- Surgery
- Medication
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient rehabilitation
- Home care
- Behavioral management therapy
As you or your loved one progress through recovery, the medical team will revise the treatment plan as needed.
Seeking relief
The cost to treat and care for a person with a TBI can be astronomical, particularly if one requires full-time medical care for the rest of one’s life.
If the car accident-related TBI resulted from the negligent actions of another person, you may have legal recourse. According to state laws, you may pursue personal injury and any other applicable claims in civil court. An experienced attorney can review your case and help you navigate the legal process as you seek maximum relief for your losses.
