The Steep Cost of a Brain Injury
By Ross Cellino
Summary:
- Brain injuries are most commonly caused by falls, car accidents, and sports.
- Even a mild brain injury, like a concussion, can have long-term impacts on your life.
- Beyond the initial medical treatment, victims of brain injuries may suffer from losses of income and changes to their quality of life.
- Working with a brain injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The human brain is one of the most complicated systems in the world, and brain injuries can have complex and far-reaching effects on the lives of victims. Any kind of brain injury may lead to serious physical, mental, or financial consequences.
If you’re facing the costs of a brain injury, working with a personal injury lawyer can help you stay afloat.
Types of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries come in many forms, each with their own challenges.
- Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are caused by external trauma, like falls and car accidents. TBIs can range from mild concussions to life-changing injuries.
- Acquired brain injuries, or ABIs, result from internal conditions like strokes or infections. They often mimic TBI symptoms and can have equally devastating consequences.
Brain injuries are also categorized by severity and whether the skull remains closed or is penetrated by the injury.
It’s also possible for a brain injury to include damage to the nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the body, known as a diffuse axonal injury.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
The causes of brain injuries are diverse, but a few stand out as the most common.
- Falls lead to nearly half of all TBI-related hospitalizations and are especially damaging in older adults.
- Car accidents can cause severe impacts on the head, leading to brain injuries.
- Medical malpractice can lead to ABIs in the case of prolonged or misdiagnosis.
This is not an exhaustive list, and you may suffer brain injuries through another kind of accident. Be sure to seek medical treatment after any injury that may affect the head, just in case.
Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Symptoms of brain injuries will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some may not emerge until some time after the accident.
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Fainting
- Memory loss
- Behavioral changes
- Mood swings
- Seizures
- Changes in sleeping patterns
Some of these symptoms are very severe, and it will be obvious right away that something’s wrong. However, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional after any accident that could cause a brain injury, even if you’re experiencing mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Even if you feel fine, you may still have received a brain injury that could have consequences without treatment. Prompt examination by medical personnel will make sure that any hidden injuries are caught sooner rather than later, and medical records will be key evidence if you decide to seek compensation.
Medical Costs Associated with Brain Injuries
The initial medical costs of a brain injury can be steep. Your bills may include:
- Emergency care: Initial emergency care, tests like CT scans or MRIs, or even surgery may be required as part of your initial treatment.
- Hospitalization: Your treatment may require an extended hospital stay, which can get expensive fast.
- Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and cognitive therapy are often key to recovering function after a brain injury. Years of expensive sessions may be required.
- Assistive devices: Depending on your injury’s severity, you may require equipment like a wheelchair or a walker to regain independence.
- Ongoing monitoring: Hidden effects from brain injuries may emerge months or years after the initial accident. Victims of a brain injury may require ongoing doctor visits to monitor for any development in their symptoms.
The Hidden Cost of a Brain Injury
While the medical costs of a brain injury can be substantial, there are hidden costs that may not be immediately obvious. Brain injuries can be expensive for many reasons, and the damages can extend beyond the financial.
The hidden costs of a brain injury can include:
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning potential
- Strain on relationships
- Emotional damage
- Loss of independence
- Long-term care expenses
- Educational disruptions
The costs of brain injuries can add up to an enormous impact on the lives of victims.
Legal Recourse for Brain Injury Victims
If someone else’s negligence caused your brain injury, you have a legal right to seek justice and fair compensation. The effects of a brain injury on the victim’s life can be very serious, and the compensation available will often reflect this.
Victims can seek compensation for damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional damages
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Every case is different. The team of expert attorneys at Cellino Law can give you a more detailed idea of what the compensation for your brain injury may be worth.
Contact Cellino Law to Speak with an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has received a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Brain injuries of any kind can be devastating and life-changing, and you deserve justice for the damages you’ve suffered.
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Cellino Law are here to fight for your rights as a victim, from preparing evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court.
To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a free case evaluation, please contact us online or at (800) 320-HELP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for brain injury cases in New York?
You typically have three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit in New York State. Some exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible for an evaluation of your unique circumstances.
How do you prove negligence in a brain injury case?
To prove negligence in a brain injury case, you must demonstrate that:
- The other party owed you a duty of care (such as a driver’s duty to protect the other drivers on the road by operating their vehicle safely)
- They violated that duty of care
- You were injured as a result of their irresponsible behavior
- You suffered material damages as a result of that injury.
What should I do immediately following a brain injury accident?
In the immediate aftermath of a brain injury accident, seek medical attention right away. More immediate care usually leads to better outcomes, and medical records can be an important source of evidence later on.
After that, consult with a lawyer for advice on your next steps.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino
Ross Cellino
As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.
