Not all brain injuries are equal. Some result in temporary problems while others cause permanent damage. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are generally considered to be serious injuries to the brain that run the risk of causing permanent or long-term disabilities. Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical or even radiation damage. Mechanical brain injuries caused by blunt force trauma tend to be the most common, and can be caused by car accidents, slips, trips and falls, workplace injuries or sports mishaps.

Regardless of the mechanism of a traumatic brain injury (penetrating or blunt force), the road to recovery is long. In some cases, people who have suffered TBIs can never make a full recovery. The seriousness of TBIs are categorized as either:

•     Mild
•     Moderate
•     Severe

Even a mild TBI should not be left untreated because the effects can potentially last a lifetime. There are many methods a doctor may use to diagnose a TBI, but they all involve monitoring the victim’s post-injury condition closely.

It is estimated that there are over 2.5 million TBIs each year in the United States. Approximately 50,000 people a year die from TBIs. Many of those people die within two hours of the incident, frequently due to the sheer force of the trauma they experienced. Those who survive traumatic brain injuries may experience a multitude of problems and challenges that will follow them for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Recovery of function after a traumatic brain injury can be a long road, even if the repercussions don’t last a lifetime. There are potential therapies, even for severe TBIs. Some people with TBIs can benefit from physical therapy, psychotherapy and occupational therapies. These therapies can help them deal with impairments, relearn old skills, develop new skills and find ways to restore their quality of life.

Even with positive recovery chances, the effects of TBIs can still be costly and vary greatly. People who suffer from brain injuries can experience:

•     Personality disorders
•      Sleep disorders
•     Neurodegenerative diseases
•     Permanent physical disabilities
•     Loss of function
•     Loss of speech
•     Loss of memory
•     Paralysis

Describing the human brain as complex is an understatement. There’s a lot about the brain we don’t understand, which is why brain injuries and recovery from TBIs can vary dramatically. Every injury is unique, making treatment plans for every patient unique.

TBI patients spend a lot of time in hospitals, especially after the initial incident. In some cases, the injured person may require in-home care or be dependent on medical equipment for their continuing survival.

The long-term, debilitating effects of traumatic brain injuries often leaves the injured person and their family with exceptionally high medical expenses. People with these injuries frequently run the risk of losing their job and their health insurance.

Certain traumatic brain injuries may make it difficult or impossible to function normally, which can make it tough to hold down a job to cover the cost of care, or even day-to-day living expenses. Even if the injured person’s cognitive damages aren’t permanent, they may still miss months or even years of work.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Not only are there physical repercussions, but the lifestyle of the person may be significantly changed. If a parent is injured, they may no longer be able to care for their children or contribute meaningfully to childrearing.

Relationships may also be irreparably damaged, especially when a brain injury results in a loss of cognitive function or changes in personality or temperament.

Brain injuries may cause imbalances in the production of chemicals or endorphins that moderate brain activities. TBIs frequently lead to depression.

The chances are high that a traumatic brain injury patient will never be the same again after their accident. Pain and suffering damages should reflect the life-long outlook of suffering they and their family will endure.

Financial Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury in Phoenix

It often takes people a long time to overcome the financial impact of a brain injury. Some families may never enjoy a return to normalcy. That is why seeking compensation after a brain injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence is crucial. 

If you need a traumatic brain injury lawyer to represent you or a loved one in the Phoenix area, PHX Elite Lawyers can help you find one. The sooner you act the easier it will be for your personal injury lawyer to build your case and the less your family will be forced to suffer financially.

We refer injured people to local Phoenix attorneys who are truly committed to fighting for the money people need to recover.

To learn more about legal representation for traumatic brain injuries, visit Phoenix Elite Lawyers.