Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury After an Illinois Car Accident

 Posted on November 12, 2019 in Catastrophic Injuries

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that approximately 2.87 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were recorded in the year 2014. Motor vehicle accidents were the second most common cause of recorded brain injuries, and they accounted for more than half of all TBI-related hospitalizations in the United States that year. What can you expect during your crash-related TBI injury? It is important to understand what is involved in the recovery from this type of injury, both physically and financially. In some cases, another driver's negligence may have caused the crash that led to your TBI. A seasoned personal injury attorney can assist you in pursuing full and fair compensation for your losses.

Understanding Your Prognosis

TBI-related injuries can range drastically in severity. Whereas one person might suffer only a minor concussion, needing only rest and relaxation for several weeks before making a full recovery, others may never return to full function. The areas of the brain affected by the injury, the duration between injury and treatment (where applicable), and the severity of the injury can all impact a person's prognosis. Some people do improve or recover sooner than expected, but your recovery plan should be discussed with your physician and followed exactly as instructed.

What to Expect During Recovery

Victims with mild TBIs may be instructed to simply rest for a short period of time. Expect symptoms like confusion, irritability, headaches, and difficulty with memory during the resting period. Once symptoms begin to subside, the victim may be cleared to ease back into their daily activities. It may be tempting to rush back into things, but it is important that victims remember that their brain is still healing. Overdoing it can ultimately increase recovery time. Certain activities may also put the individual at risk for a secondary injury, which could be fatal.

For those who experience a severe injury, the prognosis may seem grim. Ample support may be needed. The individual may even be required to receive extensive medical treatment, which means spending time recovering in the hospital. Under certain circumstances, doctors might suggest that a full recovery is unlikely. The person may suffer a range of problems, including difficulty with conducting even the most basic of bodily functions (vegetative state), speech impairments, mood or personality changes, and loss of memory. However, with quality care, patience, empathy, and a lot of encouragement, some victims do exceed expectations.

Contact a Schaumburg Personal Injury Attorney

Because brain injuries can range so drastically in severity, recovery time, and ultimate prognosis, it is important that victims seek professional legal guidance when pursuing a personal injury claim. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we understand the complexity of care and recovery needed for TBI victims, and we will fight to ensure you and your loved ones get every penny you deserve after a vehicle collision. Depending on the circumstances, another motorist's reckless actions may have caused the collision. Schedule your free phone consultation with our Arlington Heights car accident lawyers to learn more. Call 847-797-8000 today.

Sources:

https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/Understanding-TBI/The-Recovery-Process-For-Traumatic-Brain-Injury

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html