According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulted in over 214,000 hospitalizations in a recent year. In many cases, these injuries result from accidents. When innocent people experience traumatic brain injuries due to the negligence of others, they may have legal options available to provide financial relief for some of the hardships resulting from the accident.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can occur in nearly any setting. Car accidents are a leading cause of these injuries, often resulting from the negligence of other drivers. However, sports activities, particularly contact sports like football, are also common sources of TBIs. Additionally, assaults and falls, especially in workplaces, contribute significantly to the incidence of brain injuries. Medical negligence during surgeries or treatments can also lead to brain damage. No matter the cause of the injury, victims often face significant financial burdens during the recovery process.
Understanding the Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Individuals who have traumatic brain injuries often have to go through both immediate and long-term medical treatment. Many victims must make home adjustments or completely change their way of life. The costs of a traumatic brain injury can extend into the millions of dollars over an individual’s lifetime.
Costs Associated with Medical Treatment and Long-Term Care
The financial burden of brain injuries can be overwhelming. Immediate medical costs include emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays. Long-term care expenses involve rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatments. These costs can add up quickly, making it nearly impossible for some to deal with.
Other Economic Losses
Brain injuries often result in significant economic losses aside from medical expenses. Survivors may be unable to work temporarily or permanently, leading to lost wages and reduced earning capacity. This financial impact extends beyond the individual to affect their family’s livelihood.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts on Survivors and Families
The emotional and psychological toll of brain injuries is often overwhelming. Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive challenges that affect their quality of life. Families also face emotional stress as they adjust to new caregiving roles and cope with the long-term effects on their loved ones.
When individuals sustain traumatic brain injuries due to the negligence of others, they can file personal injury claims to seek compensation from the responsible party. Taking legal action can help victims and their families obtain the financial resources needed to access mental health support services, as well as reimburse them for lost wages, medical costs, and other expenses resulting from the injury.
Establishing Liability for Brain Injuries
In order to succeed when filing a personal injury claim for a brain injury, you must prove who is responsible for causing it. This could be a negligent driver in a car accident, a healthcare provider in medical malpractice cases, or an employer in workplace incidents. Establishing liability involves gathering substantial evidence to prove fault.
Evidence is critical in any brain injury claim. This includes medical reports that demonstrate the extent of the injury, eyewitness accounts, and photographs of the accident scene. Expert testimonies, particularly from medical professionals, can provide crucial insights into the cause and impact of the injury. Strong evidence strengthens the case for compensation.
Call Our North Dakota Brain Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident caused by another party, you deserve robust legal support to help you fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact the North Dakota brain injury lawyers at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
