Living With a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Crash

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Traumatic brain injuries can affect victimsā€™ lives in devastating ways, sometimes forever. Victims and their loved ones often struggle to cope with the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial effects of these injuries. While an emotional support system can go a long way toward helping victims recover mentally, financial recovery often requires legal help.

The past and future monetary costs of a brain injury can total in the millions, and filing a personal injury claim is often the best way to get the compensation and care you need. Victims have little chance of navigating the complex legal procedures involved in a TBI claim on their own, as insurance companies have a history of denying brain injury claims. Hiring an experienced traumatic brain injury litigation attorney is usually the only way to ensure that you and your loved ones can get the compensation you need.

Keep reading to learn more about traumatic brain injuries and how you and your loved ones can cope all the consequences of a TBI.

The Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe debilitating conditions. They can have both temporary and permanent symptoms depending on the severity of the injury.

Physical Symptoms

    • Headaches
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fatigue and drowsiness
    • Difficulty sleeping or waking up
    • Dizziness, balance, and coordination issues
    • Weakness or numbness in limbs, hands, and feet

Sensory Deficiencies

    • Blurred vision
    • Ringing ears
    • Bad taste in mouth or inability to taste
    • Inability to smell
    • Light or sound sensitivity

RELATED ARTICLE: Identifying an Undiagnosed Traumatic Brain Injury

Cognitive and Psychological Effects

    • Speech issues
    • Confusion
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Memory issues
    • Mood swings
    • Changes in mood or behavior
    • Increased aggression and poor impulse control
    • Depression and anxiety

Altered States

    • Convulsions and seizures
    • Coma
    • Paralysis
    • Death

Understanding the Physical and Psychological Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

On their own, the potential side effects of a traumatic brain injury can significantly impact a victimā€™s way of life. Unfortunately, these symptoms also often combine or develop in ways that make everyday aspects like work, relationships, and hobbies difficult ā€” or even impossible.

Working After Suffering a TBI

Regardless of the extent of the traumatic brain injury, victims likely had to take time off work to recover. Those able to return to their previous occupation often struggle to perform their duties with the same efficiency as before the crash. Subtle lingering effects on memory, concentration, or coordination can have a significant impact on someoneā€™s ability to work. Speak with your employer about coming back to work gradually or with slightly less-taxing responsibilities.

Victims who have suffered more serious TBIs and have cognitive disabilities might not be able to return to their previous job at all. Luckily, there are organizations in Texas that help people with brain injuries find suitable work.


“The best thing to help cope with a traumatic brain injury is to know what to expect. Anticipating which aspects of your life will change and understanding how they might change is the first step toward living a happier, more fulfilling life with a TBI.”


Relationships After Suffering a TBI

According to the experts at Brain Line, an organization dedicated to helping victims of brain injuries and PTSD, brain injuries can change the way people feel and express their emotions. These changes can be confusing for people who knew the victim prior to the crash and can make forming new relationships difficult for victims.

Emotional issues after a brain injury are common, and psychological struggles with depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress can make connecting with people difficult and exhausting. Mood swings and aggressive behavior can also be challenging to cope with for the victim and their loved ones alike.

RELATED ARTICLE: 4 Reasons You Need a Lawyer for Your Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Claim

Hobbies and Activities After Suffering a TBI

Psychological and emotional struggles also impact victimsā€™ ability to enjoy hobbies and activities. Loss of interest and enjoyment in activities is a common side effect of serious car crashes and even more likely with a head injury.

Furthermore, cognitive issues or fatigue can make participating in sports, family time, or even reading difficult. Between the physical and psychological effects of a brain injury, victims often struggle to find anything that can take their minds off pain or distract them from boredom ā€” making recovery even more difficult.

Living With a Traumatic Brain Injury

For many victims of moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries, medical and therapeutic care will continue after finishing inpatient therapies and rehabilitation. Some victims will need care and support for the rest of their lives. Many of these victims will need to take things at a significantly slower pace, as everyday activities become difficult and feelings of isolation and confusion threaten to separate them from their friends and family.

Coping With Your Traumatic Brain Injury

The best thing to help cope with a traumatic brain injury is to know what to expect. Anticipating which aspects of your life will change and understanding how they might change is the first step toward living a happier, more fulfilling life with a TBI.

    • Be patient with yourself and your recovery
    • Seek help and support from professionals and loved ones
    • Join a support group nearby or on social media
    • Keep a daily journal
    • Let loved ones, employees, and others know if you are struggling or need help

Supporting Friends or Family With a TBI

If you have a loved one who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, there are a number of ways you can help them recover or adjust. Besides providing financial or physical help, itā€™s important to be supportive, encouraging, and understanding.

    • Encourage them to follow the suggestions outlined above.
    • Understand that they might not be able to accurately express their emotions or thoughts, and be patient with them.
    • Ensure that their physical care needs are met ā€” either by a loved one who lives with them or a professional care service.
    • Give them space, but remind them that you are there to help or talk when they need you.

For help coping with the effects of a traumatic brain injury on your life or the life of a loved one, contact a professional.

Crosley Law Firm | Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Attorneys

Crosley Law Firm is dedicated to ensuring that victims of traumatic brain injuries get the compensation and justice they deserve. We handle all aspects of our clientsā€™ cases so they can focus on their recovery or taking care of their loved ones.

At Crosley Law Firm, our work doesnā€™t stop after settling a case. We continue to work with our clients to ensure their overall wellbeing. Tom Crosley is a renowned expert in TBI litigation who works with a network of medical and rehabilitation specialists to strengthen claims and maximize compensation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone elseā€™s negligence, please contact us today. Call 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000 or complete this brief online contact form to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

Want to learn more about how Crosley Law Firm helps victims struggling with traumatic brain injuries? Check out some of our firmā€™s top traumatic brain injury client success stories by clicking the links below.

Top TBI Client Success Stories

Victoriaā€™s Story ā€“ Barbaraā€™s Story ā€“ Zachā€™s Story

References

About brain injury: what to expect. (2018). Brain Injury Association of America. Retrieved from https://www.biausa.org/brain-injury/about-brain-injury/adults-what-to-expect

Cicerone, K., & Hart, T. (2017, November 28). Emotional problems after traumatic brain injury. Brain Line. Retrieved from https://www.brainline.org/article/emotional-problems-after-traumatic-brain-injury

Traumatic brain injury: overview. (2019, March 29). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557

The contentā€Æprovided here isā€Æfor informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.