Traumatic brain injuries can easily upend much of your life, causing you much hardship and pain. However, this pain isn’t only physical. In addition to the physical effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the mental and emotional impact can be even more life changing. Here are some of the common mental and emotional effects of TBI and how you can set yourself up to receive compensation for them.
Loss of Quality of Life
TBIs can often impact how we engage in life and can contribute to a reduction in the quality of your existence. Many individuals who have incurred a TBI often find great difficulty in completing school, going back to work, or even partaking in activities that they’ve loved. This may very well be because of the ability of a TBI to influence the following:
- Behavioral function: This includes things such as impulse control, irritability, interpersonal relationships.
- Motor function: Your motor function is essentially your ability to walk and talk and move your arms and legs at will.
- Sensory function: Your sensory function can cause you to no longer taste or smell the way you used to. A person may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to visual stimuli, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and touch.
- Cognitive function: Your cognitive function controls things such as memory, organizing one’s thoughts, and following multi-step commands.
Pain and Suffering
An individual who experiences a TBI may also experience severe, prolonged pain associated with additional injuries. Many incapacitating injuries, such as TBI can cause long-lasting pain. Brain injuries are often associated with extraordinarily painful headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Emotional Problems: Depression, Anxiety, and Anger
A TBI is commonly linked to depression, anxiety, and anger. This often has to do with the physical changes to the brain that occur as well as the person’s ability to cope and his or her emotional response.
The stress related to medical expenses and financial wellness for a TBI can be enormous. Additionally, survivors of TBI often experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as “PTSD.” Doing some of the same activities and tasks that an individual did prior to the accident can cause much anxiety afterwards.
Can I Be Compensated for a Psychological Injury Resulting from a TBI?
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for economic as well as noneconomic damages.
Noneconomic damages, those that are psychological, can prove more difficult to calculate. However, you can still prove that you are deserving of compensation for them. This often includes things such as testimony from family and friends, a journal that you keep, or notes from your therapist.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those Who Have Incurred a TBI
If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury due to the fault of another, it can profoundly impact your life in a negative manner. But you shouldn’t have to carry that burden alone. At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of traumatic brain injury and a long history of dealing with insurance companies. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Brain Injuries