A Look at the Long-Term Effects of TBI

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most severe injuries  you can suffer in an accident. After an injury to your brain, you might have to stay in the hospital for a while and take time off work to recover. What not everyone realizes, however, is that the long-term effects of TBIs can impact the affected person for months and even years after the injury.

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, knowing what to expect is vital. Learn more about how a TBI can affect your overall well-being and how a lawyer can help you fight for fair compensation.

Physical and Cognitive Long-Term Effects

TBIs can cause a number of physical effects that last far longer than a few days. The exact symptoms depend greatly on the area of the brain that was hurt, as well as whether you lost consciousness and how severe the trauma was.

Long-term effects of TBIs include:

• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Headaches
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Balance problems
• Vision changes

Some people experience pain that doesn’t seem to go away, especially in the head or neck. Fatigue can be one of the most serious problems because it can be debilitating and keep you from functioning normally.

The long-term effects of TBIs are also present in cognitive issues. You might have a difficult time concentrating, or you may find it harder to solve problems than you used to. You can develop language issues that prevent you from communicating effectively. That’s more likely to be the case if the injury affected the left side of your brain.

Emotional and Behavioral Long-Term Effects

Traumatic brain injuries also cause emotional issues because of the chemical changes these injuries prompt within the brain. Developing depression or anxiety is common after TBIs, and the chemical differences can continue even after any external wound heals.

The caregivers of people who have suffered moderate or severe TBIs often notice behavioral changes, including irritability, impulsivity, and loss of interest in activities. Some people with TBIs even behave violently. Typically, the most serious behavioral problems occur in people who have suffered a TBI in their temporal lobe.

Impact of TBIs on Daily Life and Employment

A TBI can cause memory and concentration problems, making daily tasks much more difficult. Your executive functions may be impacted, so you may struggle with problem-solving and planning. All of these issues can affect your ability to stay employed.

Additionally, the long-term effects of TBIs can include physical limitations that prevent you from doing daily tasks like supermarket runs and household chores. You may not be able to sit at a desk or work on a computer for your full workday.

Your relationships can suffer, too. Unpredictable emotions and personality changes can lead to problems with partners, coworkers, and everyone else in your life.

Medical Care and Ongoing Costs

Treating a TBI can take a long time. Depending on how severe the injury is, you may need to spend time at a hospital or rehabilitation center. Many people lose consciousness for hours after a TBI and then require monitoring to ensure that they don’t suffer complications. This quickly adds up to significant medical bills.

If the injury is severe and leaves you with physical and cognitive issues, you will likely need to continue receiving care for weeks or months. You may need rehabilitation and occupational therapy to learn new ways of managing your daily tasks with the limitations you’re facing.

Severe TBIs can also mean needing assistance from nurses and other caregivers. Not only is this a significant expense, but it can also limit your independence and further impact your mental health.

Legal Options for TBI Victims in Wyoming

TBIs are catastrophic injuries that leave you with all manner of losses, so taking legal action against the liable parties can be the best way to get fair compensation. Whether you have suffered the injury in a car crash, a fall, or a workplace accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.

If your claim is successful, you should receive a financial recovery to cover your medical expenses, including any future needs. Your settlement should also include your lost wages and the loss of future earning potential. You can receive compensation for the emotional suffering you have sustained, too.

Because there’s so much at stake in these claims, it’s important to hire an experienced TBI attorney to represent you. They know how to gather evidence, establish liability, calculate damages, and negotiate a full settlement. In instances when a settlement isn’t an option, they can represent you in court.

FAQs

Can You Suffer Long-Term Effects From a Mild TBI?

A mild TBI or concussion hopefully won’t leave you struggling with significant long-term effects, but the outcome can depend on what part of the brain was injured. After a concussion, you may also be more prone to suffering future TBIs.

What Causes the Most TBIs?

Traffic accidents involving impacts and sudden decelerations tend to cause the most TBIs. Motorcycle crashes are particularly dangerous because a biker has less protection than others on the road, even if they’re wearing a helmet.

Do You Have to Lose Consciousness to Have a TBI?

No, not everyone who suffers a TBI loses consciousness.

Trust The Spence Law Firm With Your Personal Injury Claim

If another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused you to suffer a traumatic brain injury, our team of Wyoming attorneys can help. We have decades of experience assisting people as they navigate the personal injury claims process. Contact the team at The Spence Law Firm to schedule a consultation.