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What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Posted on May 17, 2021 in

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term consequences for victims. These injuries occur in a wide variety of ways. Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries in Colorado include vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, skiing or snowmobiling accidents, hiking or rock climbing accidents, and more. In many cases, these injuries are caused by the careless or negligent actions of other individuals or companies. Here, we want to discuss the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury on a victim and their family, as well as some of the types of compensation that may be available in these cases.

What are the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury?

Understanding the Short-Term Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury

In order to properly understand the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury, we need to first look at the most common short-term signs and symptoms that a person can suffer from. This includes the following:

  • Significant confusion
  • Severe headaches
  • Odd or unusual behavior
  • Disorientation
  • A loss of consciousness

Nearly all traumatic brain injury victims will suffer from some sort of short-term consequences that could indicate that a much larger problem is at hand. Any person who sustains a blow to the head must be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Those who receive prompt medical care are often able to prevent more serious consequences from occurring.

Long-Term Traumatic Brain Injury Effects – What to Expect

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term effects for victims. In many cases, brain injuries are so severe that there is no way to prevent these long-term symptoms. Those who sustain moderate to severe TBIs can expect to suffer from the same symptoms mentioned above as well as a range of other symptoms, including the following:

  • Loss of fine motor skills
  • Loss of coordination
  • Partial or complete paralysis
  • Problems with speech
  • Problems eating or swallowing
  • Bowel or bladder control issues
  • Difficulty remembering or thinking
  • Other major cognitive issues
  • Newfound behavioral problems
  • Drastic and rapid changes in mood

Can Victims Recover Compensation for Their Injuries?

If a person sustains a brain injury caused by the careless or negligent actions of another individual, business, or entity, they may be able to recover compensation for their losses. This includes a range of types of economic and non-economic compensation. Some of the most common types of compensation that brain injury victims and their families recover include:

  • Coverage of all medical bills associated with the injury
  • The cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Medical device and prescription medication assistance
  • Recovery of lost wages if a victim cannot work
  • General household out-of-pocket expenses
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages

Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries can result in significant physiological, psychological, and emotional long-term consequences for the victim. Additionally, we need to point out that the family members of traumatic brain injury victims often have to contend with massive economic and lifestyle changes in many cases. These injuries can represent a complete change for a family’s life, including the loss of an income-earner as well as the loss of companionship and guidance of a trusted family member. All of this must be taken into consideration when examining the total overall losses that victims and their families incur.