Many people in Virginia do not understand how significant and sometimes lifelong the impact of a traumatic brain injury can be. The symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) can sometimes be initially missed, especially because TBIs can be open or closed injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can be mild or severe; however, even TBIs categorized as mild can often have significant consequences for victims and their families.
A mild traumatic brain injury results when the victim loses consciousness or is confused and disoriented for less than 30 minutes. Victims of a mild TBI may suffer headaches and cognitive problems such as thinking difficulties, memory problems, attention deficits, mood swings and frustration. Though considered mild, the impact of such a traumatic brain injury on the victim and the victim’s family can be significant.
Severe traumatic brain injuries can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. Severe TBIs are defined by a loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes or memory loss for more than 24 hours following the TBI. Victims of severe TBI may suffer even more pronounced cognitive challenges and deficits. Victims may suffer speech and sensory challenges, the loss of physical function and emotional problems. All of these challenges can be frustrating to victims and families and costly in many ways. A victim’s life can be profoundly altered by a TBI and victims may require ongoing care and medical treatment as they face an uncertain future.
Traumatic brain injuries can dramatically affect a victim’s job, family and community. They can have a negative impact socially and financially as well. As a result, when a TBI has been negligently caused, such as in a car accident, victims may have options available to them to recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional impact of a TBI and its ongoing impact on their lives.
Source: Traumaticbraininjury.com, “What are the Effects of TBI?” Accessed Nov. 8, 2016