Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: What Families Need to Know

Some of the most severe and life-altering injuries anyone can suffer are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can impact cognition as well as personality. In severe cases, they can make loved ones behave almost like strangers. If a family member has suffered this type of injury, you may not know what to expect or what your next steps should be.

Feeling overwhelmed is normal. In this article, we’ll help you understand how TBIs happen, how they can change daily life, and what legal options you may have. 

What Can Cause a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A TBI is typically caused by a blow to the head or body, leading the brain to shift. It can also result from an object entering the skull and moving through the brain tissue. These types of injuries range from mild to moderate to severe. The severity of the injury will dictate the issues your loved one experiences. 

For example, those who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, can experience symptoms like:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Speech problems
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Concentration or memory problems
• Mood swings
• Irritability 
• Changes in sleeping patterns

These symptoms are disruptive, but they tend to improve after a couple of weeks. More severe TBIs, however, can mean facing serious symptoms, including:

• Loss of coordination 
• Loss of consciousness for several minutes
• Difficulty rousing from sleep
• Pupil dilation
• Repeated nausea or vomiting 
• Persistent headaches
• Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Agitation
• Coma

Unfortunately, the issues that moderate to severe TBIs cause are often long-lasting, though many can be improved with proper care.

How a TBI Can Affect Daily Life

If your loved one has experienced a TBI, it is important to understand not only how their life will be affected but what it can mean for your family as a whole.

Daily Tasks

Family members might need to provide assistance to the injured loved one with a variety of daily tasks. They may not be able to feed, wash, or dress themselves, which could mean either hiring a nurse to help or having family members provide that assistance.

Social Interactions

Your loved one may struggle to follow conversations, express themselves, or manage mood swings. These changes can affect their relationships with family and friends, sometimes creating tension or misunderstandings. Being aware of these challenges can help you approach interactions with patience and understanding.

Financial Status

A TBI that requires extensive medical treatment will likely put strain on your family’s finances, especially if the injury prevents your loved one from working. But the costs may not end there. Because TBIs can lead to mobility and coordination issues, it’s important to anticipate the potential cost of making accessibility modifications to your home or vehicle, as well as assistive devices like wheelchairs.

Transportation Needs

Many people who suffer TBIs require assistance with transportation because they can no longer be able to drive themselves or take public transport. This means family members will have the responsibility of getting them to their appointments. 

When Should You Speak With a Lawyer?

The cost of a TBI for families can be substantial, not just emotionally but also financially. If your loved one’s injury resulted from someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you may have the right to begin a personal injury claim. Filing a claim gives you the chance to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages your family has suffered.

These claims are rarely straightforward. You’ll need to prove that someone else caused the injury as well as account for all the costs your family may face, both now and in the future. And because most personal injury claims involve the other party’s insurance company, you may face tough negotiations with people who are experienced in limiting payouts.

Having a personal injury lawyer on your side can make a big difference in navigating these challenges.

Moving Forward After a TBI

A traumatic brain injury can affect your loved one and your whole family, changing daily routines, relationships, and finances. Knowing what challenges to expect and understanding your legal options can make things a little easier. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and make sure your family has the support it needs as you move forward.