TBI cases are challenging because of the complex legal and medical issues. Over the years, medical research has produced significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment, leading to significantly better outcomes than a few years ago. On the legal front, things still boil down to a couple of basic concepts; establishing liability and determining damages. Insurance companies and civil defense lawyers will try to protect their clients from liability and limit the damages. One of the ways they attempt to limit the damages is only to include immediate and well-known costs. However, there can be significant costs to the victim of a TBI that are not obvious. Long-term damages are often the costliest. Therefore, these longer-term damages must be assessed and evaluated before accepting any settlement.
1. Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
A TBI occurs when an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head, disrupts the brain’s normal function. The severity of TBI can range from mild (a brief change in mental status) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or memory loss). TBI can result from various incidents, including falls, vehicle accidents, assaults, or sports-related injuries. The brain is an amazing phenomenon. Like other parts of the body, brain injuries can heal. In addition, the brain can often “rewire” itself to work around damaged areas, sometimes using other parts of the brain to compensate for the damaged areas. This highly depends on the injury and the individual, so the results can be somewhat unpredictable.
2. Long-Term Physical Implications
While some TBI victims experience full recovery, others suffer long-term physical complications. These can include:
- Chronic pain: Persistent headaches and neck pain are common.
- Motor function issues: Difficulty with coordination, balance, and strength can emerge, requiring therapy and assistive devices.
- Sleep disorders: Problems like insomnia, sleep apnea, and fatigue can arise.
- Seizures: Post-traumatic epilepsy is a potential consequence of TBI.
- Sensory disturbances may include tinnitus, blurred vision, or difficulty tasting/smelling.
3. Cognitive and Emotional Effects
The brain is the center of our cognitive and emotional functions. As such, TBI can lead to:
- Memory issues: Short-term memory loss and difficulty in retaining new information.
- Attention deficits: Difficulty concentrating and staying on task.
- Emotional changes: Increased irritability, mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
- Behavioral changes: Impulsivity, aggression, or social inappropriateness.
- Communication problems: Difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, or writing.
4. Financial Implications
The long-term effects of TBI can result in significant financial strain due to:
- Medical expenses: Continuous treatments, surgeries, medications, and therapies.
- Lost wages: Reduced capacity to work or total inability to maintain employment.
- Cost of care: Need for long-term care, home modifications, and assistive devices.
- Rehabilitation costs: Therapies to regain lost skills or adapt to new limitations.
5. Legal Implications of TBI
When an individual sustains a TBI due to another’s fault, several complex legal issues come into play:
- Negligence claims: Most TBI claims arise from the negligence of another, whether it’s a careless driver, an employer who failed to maintain a safe workplace or a business that didn’t manage slip-and-fall hazards.
- The burden of proof: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence directly resulted in the TBI and the subsequent damages. This often requires expert testimonies from medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists.
- Quantifying damages: Calculating the monetary value for TBI damages can be complex. This includes tangible (medical bills, lost wages) and intangible damages (pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures).
- Statute of limitations: Victims have a limited time to file a lawsuit following the injury. The duration varies by jurisdiction but generally ranges from one to three years.
6. Challenges in TBI Litigation
TBI cases are notoriously complex due to the following:
- Invisible injuries: Unlike a broken bone visible on an X-ray, TBI may not have overt physical symptoms, making them harder to prove.
- Differing prognosis: Every TBI is unique, and predicting long-term outcomes is challenging.
- Defense strategies: Defendants might argue for pre-existing conditions, claim the plaintiff is exaggerating symptoms, or dispute the cause of the injury.
Conclusion
From a legal perspective, the long-term damages of TBI are profound, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, and financial realms. Those suffering from TBI deserve compensation for their life-changing injuries. Navigating the legal intricacies requires expertise and understanding, underscoring the importance of seeking specialized legal counsel when pursuing a TBI claim.
