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Common Psychological Effects of TBI

Scott McCullough May 1, 2019

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have a broad scope of degree and symptoms that affect sufferers differently. It’s an easily missed injury despite the recent advancement of medical technology, but the death rate has dropped significantly with improved diagnosis and treatment options.

When thinking of TBI, many might think of the physical trauma that inflicted it and the extensive care that’s necessary for recovery. Brain injuries also carry a heavy psychological toll on the body, and it’s important to consider this fact when pursuing a personal injury case for compensation. If you face some of the effects mentioned in this article, you should seek counsel right away so you don’t minimize your injuries and lose out on the critical care needed to heal.

Degraded Quality of Life

People suffering from a TBI after an accident may find it impossible to continue working, meet school obligations, or participate in their favorite sports. The debilitating consequences of these injuries can affect several different areas of brain function, such as:

  • Some or all of the five senses may have limited or exaggerated responses to stimuli

  • Motor function may not operate normally, affecting one’s ability to walk, talk, or move their limbs

  • Dramatic mood swings and impulsive behavioral function

  • Inability to think clearly or follow instructions can indicate cognitive function issues

Ongoing Discomfort and Pain

It usually takes a significant trauma to cause a brain injury, which could also mean the patient has other severe wounds. Those with multiple health issues as a result of a severe accident might suffer from an extended period of pain and suffering. This includes situations of lingering headaches, upset stomach, and wooziness that may result from having a TBI.

Emotional State of Being

TBI sufferers may endure mood swings, find it challenging to spend time with others like their family and friends, and may not know how to get back into their everyday life routines. Some families have reported anxiety and nervousness out of fear they may trigger an extreme emotional response from their loved one who has a traumatic brain injury. This type of situation isn’t unusual, as depression is a typical response to the level of physical and psychological damage someone faces after an accident.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another emotional side effect that many accident victims will endure. This condition exacerbates the emotional response to everyday situations that normally trigger anxiety. One may also develop extra emotional stress due to the financial strain of not having the ability to work and the growing amount of medical expenses that must be met. This type of pressure is even more troubling for a TBI survivor who may not have the wherewithal to withstand this kind of ongoing mental demand.

Compensation and Psychological Damages of TBI

Psychological and emotional damages resulting from a traumatic brain injury due to another’s negligence should never get minimized. While trauma to your psyche and overall emotional health are subjective, they are genuine and deserve proper compensation and care. TBI may bring awards for damages that are economical and non-economic in nature. Common signs and symptoms of those suffering from emotional distress related to TBI are:

  • Anxiety

  • Fright

  • Depression

  • Embarrassment

  • Humiliation

  • Grief

  • Physical pain

  • Mental anguish

The noneconomic costs surrounding the psychological trauma of a brain injury requires more evidence since calculating an appropriate award is difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways to prove your entitlement to the insurance company and court. Evidence provided by medical testimony, therapy records, personal journaling of your experiences, and first-hand statements from your friends and family can demonstrate how your TBI has negatively impacted your everyday life on both a physical and emotional level.

A skilled personal injury attorney who understands how to successfully demonstrate this type of loss will make your inability to enjoy life as you once did abundantly clear during a trial. For this reason, you need to seek counsel as soon as possible so you can get your life back and be on the road to recovery sooner.

Experienced TBI Attorneys in Davie

Anyone considering their legal options and compensation needs after suffering a TBI should hire a skilled attorney familiar with pursuing non-economic damages related to emotional distress. The right lawyer must have demonstrated case successes and the tenacity to stand against big insurance corporations trying to minimize the harm their client has suffered.

The attorneys at McCullough & Leboff, PA have 23 years of experience they will apply toward helping you gain the maximum compensation possible for your case. Our hard work and meticulous preparation provides you with quality representation and informed decision making throughout the entire case process. If we can’t negotiate a satisfactory settlement, we are ready to go to court. Put the resources and seasoned experience of The Law Offices of McCullough & Leboff, PA to work for you today by contacting us to have your case evaluated and to determine the best action to pursue.