Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most severe wounds a person can suffer and often require extensive or even lifelong medical care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each year, 1.7 million people in the United States suffer a brain injury, the annual costs of which may total more than $60 billion. The expenses of a brain injury can be substantial and if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, it is important to understand the financial burdens which you may be facing.
Costs related to a traumatic brain injury can include:
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization: When a victim is first brought into the hospital for treatment, doctors may order a number of diagnostic procedures to determine the extent and nature of potential injuries. Procedures can include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography scans. Furthermore, patients typically need a number of immediate treatments to stabilize their condition and ensure that the brain continues to receive oxygen.
- Surgery: If a patient does not require emergency surgery for a brain injury, there is a chance that it may be needed down the line. Blows to the head can cause internal bleeding, blood clotting, and fractures to the skull which must be addressed through surgery. A patient may also need treatment which relieves pressure on the brain in the case of excess swelling.
- Therapy and rehabilitation: Every injury is unique and each patient’s symptoms will manifest differently. A patient may need to relearn how to coordinate their body movement or even undergo extensive speech therapy. It may take years for a patient to derive the maximum benefit from rehabilitation and therapy treatments.
Many of these costs are not one time expenses and victims may be left to cover payments year after year. Between refills on medication, new medical equipment, and ongoing doctor’s check-ups, the total cost can seem overwhelming. In addition to medical considerations, a victim can also be faced with several lifestyle changes. An inability to continue in a chosen profession can impact a person’s lifetime earning potential and they may be required to invest in job training to enter a new field. Expensive home additions may also be required in order for a victim to carry out daily chores and activities.
Compensation for TBI Victims
The quickly increasing costs for medical care and lifestyle changes associated with a traumatic brain injury can necessitate the involvement of an experienced attorney. You may be given only a single chance to collect a settlement and the legal team at Rourke and Blumenthal LLC can help you to maximize the strength of your claim. Our Columbus personal injury attorneys possess over 75 years of collective experience and have helped our past clients to recover more than $300 million.
You don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case. Call (614) 321-3212 or schedule a FREE consultation online to speak to our attorneys about your claim.