The Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a serious public health concern and one of the leading causes of death and disability, according to the Journal of Neurotrauma. The Brain Injury Association of America reports that a TBI occurs every nine seconds in the United States. These injuries can have devastating and long-lasting effects on nearly every aspect of life, from cognitive impairment to emotional instability and physical complications. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, the long-term consequences of a TBI can be catastrophic. This underscores the urgency of seeking legal representation to ensure you receive the medical care and pursue the compensation you need to mitigate these long-term effects.
Don’t suffer in silence from a severe brain injury. Pursue the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury in Oklahoma City that was caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, contact Cain Law today.
The Urgency of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Medical research consistently shows that early intervention is critical in improving the prognosis for TBI patients. Earlier initiation of rehabilitation for TBI results in the most significant improvements in function, according to National Institutes of Health research. This holds true for patients of all ages. According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, children with moderate to severe TBIs have improved long-term outcomes if they receive treatment from pediatric trauma centers, management by specialists, and active early rehabilitation. Other research indicates that geriatric patients have improved survival odds with early invasive monitoring.
Delays in diagnosing and treating TBI can lead to permanent cognitive deficits, emotional disturbances, and physical disabilities. Untreated TBIs can evolve into chronic conditions, leading to lifelong struggles with memory, mood regulation, and physical health.
Immediate legal action is essential. Cain Law’s attorneys are experienced in handling TBI claims. We have developed relationships with leading medical experts who can diagnose TBI early and recommend aggressive treatment to prevent long-term damage. Delaying this process could result in losing the opportunity to gather vital evidence and obtain timely medical intervention, which is crucial to your recovery.
An experienced brain injury attorney from our law firm can pursue financial compensation after you or a loved one sustained a TBI. Oklahoma law allows anyone who “suffers detriment from the unlawful act or omission of another” to recover damages from the at-fault party. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Custodial care services
- Loss of earnings
- Future loss of income, wages, or earning capacity
- Other financial losses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium, companionship, and society
An experienced brain injury attorney from Cain Law can carefully review your case and relentlessly pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Long-Term Complications of TBI
Even with early intervention, TBIs can still potentially result in long-term complications. Research published in Neurotrauma Reports states that individuals with TBIs have a “reduced health-related quality of life, with significant challenges related to physical health, mental well-being, social interactions, pain management, and fatigue levels.” According to researchers, these injuries often require comprehensive and holistic care, including lifestyle modification, mental and physical healthcare plans, and increased long-term support from their communities.
Some common long-term complications associated with TBIs include:
Consciousness Disorders
Severe TBIs can cause prolonged consciousness disorders such as coma or vegetative states. Patients who do not receive immediate care are at a higher risk of remaining in these states long-term, drastically reducing their chances of recovery.
A coma is a state of unconsciousness in which the victim does not respond to stimulation. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some patients are in a minimally conscious state, capable of responding to pain or moving but not of full, waking consciousness.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients come out of a full coma and enter a vegetative state, in which they make sounds or open their eyes but remain unaware of their surroundings.
In the most extreme cases, a severe traumatic brain injury can lead to a condition called brain death, in which there is no detectable brain activity and the patient needs a breathing device to remain alive. These situations often lead to legal actions for wrongful death.
Physical Complications
Physical complications from TBI can be severe and persistent, sometimes lasting for years or even a lifetime. These physical complications include:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Sleep disruption
- Motor deficits
- Heart rate issues
- Blood pressure changes
- Tension
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensory deficits
- Double vision
- Facial paralysis
- Ringing in the ears
A moderate or severe TBI can cause neurological disorders such as cranial nerve injuries, dementia, and seizures. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people only experience seizures for a short time after the accident, while others go on to develop post-traumatic epilepsy, which is a recurring condition.
Additionally, untreated TBIs can lead to cerebrospinal fluid leaks, which increase the risk of brain infections and further neurological damage. Damage to the blood vessels can increase your risk of stroke or blood clots.
Cognitive Issues
Cognitive impairments are common following a TBI. Even mild TBIs, such as concussions, can cause lasting cognitive difficulties if not treated promptly. According to University of Utah Health, a mild TBI can cause debilitating symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Balance issues
- Sensitivity to noise
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Vertigo
- Confusion
Untreated TBIs are associated with increased risks of developing dementia and other cognitive disorders later in life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Research published in the Journal of Neurotrauma reports that people with a moderate or severe TBI have nearly a four times greater risk of developing dementia. Symptoms like memory loss, trouble concentrating, and communication difficulties can significantly disrupt daily life and are often permanent without early intervention.
Emotional and Psychiatric Disorders
TBIs can also lead to severe emotional and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and mood swings. These conditions are often underdiagnosed and undertreated in TBI patients, leading to chronic mental health issues that worsen over time. Early psychological intervention is key to preventing these long-term effects.
Relationship Issues
The impact of a TBI often extends beyond the individual, affecting their relationships with loved ones. The strain of caring for a partner with TBI can lead to higher divorce rates and deteriorating family dynamics, according to Project Empowerment.
Contact Cain Law for Immediate Legal Help
Given the severe and potentially lifelong impacts of a TBI, it is crucial to act quickly and seek legal representation from a firm experienced in handling these complex cases. At Cain Law, we understand the urgency of securing not only legal compensation but also immediate medical attention from top-tier specialists. Our firm has recovered over $100 million for our clients and is committed to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation and best possible care.
Our team works closely with both local and national medical experts to ensure that your injury is properly diagnosed and treated without delay. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Time is of the essence—if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, contact us immediately for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and will start working on your case right away.
