The costs of traumatic brain injuries can be incalculable, both financially and emotionally. If you or a loved one has suffered from such an injury, then it is important that you know what your rights are.
Incalculable emotional, physical, and financial damages
A serious injury is oftentimes the end result of negligence, making a claim for compensation a necessity. The jury may award you with cash or a freebie but that doesn’t mean you aren’t still left feeling sorry for yourself.
An exemplary suitably named car accident can take a toll on your finances, your health and your social life. Even if you are fortunate enough to escape the hospital in one piece, the long term effects can be debilitating. Some victims require long-term physical therapy or even lifelong care. When considering a lawsuit, make sure to discuss all your options with an attorney. This includes determining the best type of claims policy and deciding on an appropriate timeframe.
A catastrophic injury is a life-altering event that requires a lot of planning, research and preparation. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources out there to help. From the medical literature to the social media, there is a world of information available. With a little foresight and a good insurance policy, you can avoid the pitfalls of the unknown.
While some injuries are unavoidable, there are a few accidents that are entirely preventable. A few common examples include tractor trailer accidents, faulty brakes and a failure to yield. Luckily, there are many legal experts to advise you on the best way to proceed.
Make sure to also read: What is an example of catastrophic damages?
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most costly of catastrophic injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most costly catastrophic injuries. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control estimates that over 2 million Americans are injured by TBI every year.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause lasting disabilities or permanent loss of a part of the brain. They can affect memory, balance, and information processing. Many of these disabilities require extensive treatment. A severe TBI can even result in death. These injuries can have a significant impact on the family as well as the individual.
In recent years, there has been an increase in trips to the emergency room for TBI related injury. The average rate for TBI-related visits has risen by nearly 29 percent in the past few years.
Depending on the type and severity of the injury, survivors may need special therapies after returning from hospitalization. They may also need help with occupational therapy or speech therapy. Some of these costs can be covered by motor vehicle insurance.
However, the true cost of mild TBI can be much higher than what initial medical bills might suggest. It can involve expensive imaging tests and other expenses.
In addition, many people with TBIs must stop working altogether. This can lead to loss of income and strain on the household budget.
While some costs can be covered by property insurance, many others aren’t. Survivors may need to file a civil claim against the person or company responsible for the injury.
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’ve likely had some economic damages, as well as some non-economic ones. They can include things like mental trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. But calculating them can be tricky.
There’s no universal method to calculate non-economic damages. Different states use different guidelines, and some even have a cap on the amount of compensation. You may also need an expert to help you quantify them.
While some damages are easy to measure, such as a damaged car, others can be difficult to determine. One such example is PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common result of an accident, and can cause a person to become disconnected emotionally and physically from their daily routine.
Considering a broken arm can keep a person out of work for a short time, it makes sense that the daily value of such a damage would be lower than if the same injury caused a severe spinal cord injury. Similarly, a car accident with a catastrophic death of one of the people in the car will entail a multiplier that’s higher than the ones for less serious injuries.
Fortunately, there are a few models that can help you figure out what these non-economic losses are worth. These measures include the per diem model and the multiplier method.