A traumatic brain injury occurs when an injury to the brain results from internal damage, a loss of oxygen, or a sudden impact. TBIs often result in permanent symptoms that affect the victim physically, emotionally, and intellectually. These long-term effects can result in life-changing emotional and financial burdens that have an impact not only on the life of the victim, but also on the lives of his or her family members and friends. Many TBI victims require increased supervision, medical attention, and round-the-clock support that can be very expensive.
The cost of care needed to treat traumatic brain injuries can be staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the estimated medical costs and indirect costs of TBIs in the United States is $76.5 billion. The individual costs brought upon brain injury victims and their families can be life-changing even when the victim has adequate health care at the time of the accident.
The initial costs suffered by brain injury victims include medical bills such as the cost of a CT-Scan or MRI to evaluate the severity of the trauma. If the brain injury is serious, it is likely that the patient will be asked to remain at the hospital for further observation and treatment. At this point, the victim will have to miss work, and it will have to be determined if he or she will ever be able to work again.
Once released from the hospital, long-term needs will include care from physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation therapists. The costs of neurological and psychological evaluations coupled with medications, treatments, and continued rehabilitation can be well beyond the victim’s means. The Brain Trauma Foundation estimates that the lifetime health care costs for TBI can be as low as $85,000 but it is often as high as $3 million.
Many health insurance providers fail to provide adequate support for serious TBIs. This is why many victims of brain injuries have it in their best interests to consider legal solutions. If you or a loved one have sustained a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, a skilled San Jose personal injury lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, physical pain, mental anguish, the cost of rehabilitation services, and other related damages.
The experienced personal injury team at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys has a long history of helping brain injury victims get fair compensation for their considerable losses. Call our offices today to discuss how you can get the support you need and rightfully deserve.