The Lifelong Impacts of Brain Injuries and Your Legal Options for Compensation

Whether caused by a car accident, slip and fall, workplace accident, or another incident, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often have long-lasting physical, mental, emotional, and financial impacts not only on the victim’s life, but also on the lives of their loved ones. If you or a family member has suffered an injury that has changed your life, know that you have legal options and can be compensated for your injuries. 

Many Brain Injuries Can Result from Catastrophic Accidents

Brain injuries can vary in severity, depending on the nature of the accident and the mechanisms of injury involved. Some may have severe effects, while others are more moderate. Regardless of their severity, they can all have life-altering impacts.. Some of the most common types of brain injuries from catastrophic accidents include: 

• Concussions: Often caused by a blow to the head, concussions are considered mild TBIs. However, they can still lead to significant cognitive and emotional challenges if left untreated. They are not to be taken lightly. 
• Contusions: Bruises on the brain resulting from direct impact forces. This type of injury can cause swelling, which may lead to further complications and more severe conditions. 
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAIs): Typically caused by severe shaking or rotational forces, DAIs involve widespread damage to the brain’s nerve fibers, often leading to long-term cognitive impairment or coma. 
• Penetrating Brain Injuries: these occur when an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue, often resulting in localized damage and significant functional impairment. 
• Anoxic and Hypoxic Brain Injuries: Caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, these injuries can result in permanent cognitive and physical disabilities, depending on the duration of oxygen deprivation. 

The Physical and Mental Effects of Brain Injuries

The aftermath of a brain injury often disrupts every facet of an individual’s life. Victims may lose their independence and require assistance with daily activities such as cooking, dressing, or managing finances. Cognitive impairments may hinder their ability to work, resulting in lost income and lost career advancement opportunities. 

Emotional and behavioral changes can also strain relationships, making it difficult to maintain friendships, romantic partnerships, or family dynamics. These changes often compound the feelings of isolation and frustration experienced by the injured individual. 

Brain injuries often have far-reaching physical and mental consequences. These effects can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the injury. 

Physical Effects

• Loss of motor skills or coordination 
• Chronic headaches or migraines 
• Seizures 
• Speech and vision impairments 
• Fatigue and sensitivity to light or sound 

Mental and Cognitive Effects

• Memory loss or difficulty retaining new information 
• Impaired judgment and decision-making 
• Concentration difficulties 
• Emotional instability, including irritability, depression, and anxiety 
• Changes in personality, often causing loved ones to feel as though the injured person is “not themself” 

These challenges can make everyday activities—such as working, driving, or even interacting socially—incredibly difficult, leading to a diminished quality of life, which is why you can be compensated if the injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence. 

Brain Injuries Also Impact Family Members and Loved Ones

When a loved one suffers a brain injury, the ripple effects extend to their family. Spouses, children, and parents often become caregivers, taking on significant emotional and financial burdens. Family members often must assume new roles, such as primary caregivers or financial providers, which can disrupt family dynamics and personal aspirations. 

The emotional toll of watching a loved one struggle with physical and cognitive challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout among family members. Adjusting to personality changes or emotional instability can also strain familial relationships. 

Significant financial burdens can also become an issue/ Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income can put immense financial pressure on families. Long-term care needs, such as home modifications or hiring professional caregivers, add to the financial challenges. 

What Damages Can You Recover from a Personal Injury Case?

If your brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a reckless driver, a property owner’s failure to address hazards, or an employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. 

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Covers past and future costs, including hospital stays, rehabilitation, medication, and assistive devices. 
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and any reduced earning capacity. 
• Long-Term Care: Includes home modifications, professional caregiving, and specialized equipment. 

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. 
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Addresses the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. 
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationships with loved ones. 

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. 

What Should You Do if You or a Loved One Suffers a Brain Injury?

With proper medical care, emotional support, and legal advocacy, it’s possible to rebuild your life after a traumatic brain injury. You can get financial compensation that can make your life and those of your loved ones easier. At Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, we are here to help you secure the compensation and support you need to face the challenges ahead. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced legal team today.