For victims of brain injury, the healing process can be difficult and long. A Nevada personal injury attorney would agree that many severe brain injuries take years, if not a lifetime, to fully heal.
The Model Systems Knowledge Transition Center, a research collaborator with the Brain Injury Association of America, released some surprising statistics about recovering TBI victims. MSKTC states that 34 percent of people who suffered moderate to severe TBIs still require supervision during the day or night 2 years after their initial incident.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
The Brain Injury Association of America defines traumatic brain injuries as those that lead to an alteration of the function or pathology of the brain due to interruption from an outside source. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2.5 million traumatic brain injuries occurred within the U.S. in 2010. TBIs are not typically acquired by medical causes like stroke or degenerative diseases, but by outside causes such as car accidents and falls.
Individuals who are hit, jolted, or pierced in the head can suffer varying levels of traumatic brain injury. The mildest cases of TBI may result in temporary mental alteration. The CDC defines these minor brain injuries as concussions. A Nevada personal injury attorney knows that long-term memory loss, paralysis, or unconsciousness may be signs of more severe brain injuries.
The road to recovery
The recovery process for brain injury victims and their families varies greatly from one case to the next. Brain injuries can lead to life-altering diagnoses that effect everyday living for more than just the victim. Family, friends, and other loved ones are all a critical part of the healing process for many brain injury victims. Despite having policies for injury such as disability insurance coverage, many victims face difficulties in getting their lives back in order while trying to heal. Once the injured individual returns to their home, caregivers and loved ones may have to make decisions about the following life issues:
- Returning to work and school
- Creating suitable living conditions
- Defining family roles
- Facing financial hardships
For many victims of traumatic brain injuries, the journey toward regaining a healthy and meaningful life is an arduous one. Those who have sustained serious brain injuries and need help throughout their healing process should contact a Nevada personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to assist them in getting the compensation they need for their injuries and continued suffering.