If you suffer either a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident, the effects can permanently alter your life. Common causes of TBI and PTSD include car accidents, motor vehicle accidents, sexual assault, and military combat, all of which can result in significant physical and psychological trauma.
Unfortunately, these conditions often overlap, and the combination can lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. While visible injuries are often recognized and documented, psychological trauma like PTSD may not be immediately apparent but can be just as debilitating.
If you’re struggling with a TBI and PTSD after a traumatic accident someone else caused, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial and personal losses. You don’t have to face the legal process alone – an experienced Oklahoma City brain injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact Cain Law today to discuss the TBI and PTSD legal process in a free consultation.
How Cain Law Helps Victims with TBI and PTSD Injury Claims in Oklahoma City
It can be hard to know where to turn after an accident. If you’re experiencing traumatic brain injury and emotional distress in the aftermath, reach out to Cain Law for the legal support you need. We’ve won over $250 million for injured Oklahomans, including settlements for TBI and PTSD victims.
Our extensive experience with personal injury cases involving PTSD means we understand the importance of recognizing PTSD as a legitimate injury, ensuring it is properly substantiated and valued in your claim. As one client wrote:
Most important to us is our extensive track record of client satisfaction. As one client wrote:
“They helped me after I was hit by a drunk driver. I was so grateful for how they handled my case with such care. Everyone on their staff was so kind. Rilee helped walk us through each step and really cared about me and my kids. No one wants to ever find themselves in this kind of situation, but it’s nice to know someone has your back.” – Felicia H.
We understand the challenges that you’re facing after an accident, including the profound impact these injuries can have on a victim’s life. That’s why we strive to make the process of seeking compensation as straightforward and hassle-free as possible for you. We don’t charge for initial consultations, and you owe nothing unless and until we win your case.
We also pride ourselves on our availability and communication. We’re here 24/7 to take your call and are happy to meet with you wherever is most convenient for you, including at your home or in the hospital.
When you turn to Cain Law after a TBI accident, you can expect us to:
- Start on your case immediately
- Launch an in-depth investigation into the accident
- Help you secure the medical treatment you need to support your recovery, including assisting you in accessing psychological support and treating PTSD
- Prepare a robust claim on your behalf
- Pursue maximum compensation through a negotiated settlement or in court
Take the first step toward protecting your legal rights by contacting us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Understanding the Relationship Between TBI and PTSD After an Accident
After a serious accident, it’s common for victims to suffer both physical and psychological trauma. TBIs and PTSD often appear together, especially in cases involving car crashes, falls, or violent assaults.
While a TBI is a physical injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, PTSD is a psychological response to a traumatic event. Despite their differences, the symptoms can overlap and even intensify each other.
TBIs can impair memory, concentration, mood, and sleep. Brain trauma from a TBI can lead to brain dysfunction, affecting impulse control and decision-making.
Mild TBI, in particular, can cause cognitive deficits such as memory problems, impaired decision-making, and difficulties with emotional regulation, which may impair a person’s ability to function normally.
Severe TBI can result in more significant neurological and psychological consequences, including impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.
TBIs can impair memory, concentration, mood, and sleep. These also happen to be many of the same areas affected by PTSD. Damage to neural pathways from TBI can contribute to overlapping symptoms with PTSD, making it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions without a thorough medical evaluation.
Personal injury victims often report feeling anxious, withdrawn, or emotionally unstable while also experiencing confusion, headaches, or cognitive delays. These combined symptoms can interfere with daily life, work, and relationships.
Research suggests there is a strong connection between TBI, PTSD, and behavioral changes such as increased aggression and impaired judgment. When you have a clearer understanding of the PTSD and TBI relationship, it can make it easier to document the full scope of your injuries.
Your medical and legal teams must also consider both conditions when building a personal injury claim that reflects your long-term challenges. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and for establishing strong legal documentation.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis of TBI and PTSD
Traumatic brain injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are often misunderstood, yet they can profoundly disrupt a victim’s life after a serious accident or traumatic event.
In personal injury cases, recognizing the common TBI symptoms and understanding the diagnostic process is essential for ensuring victims receive fair compensation and the support they need.
Common Symptoms of TBI and PTSD
Not all injuries are visible, and both TBI and PTSD can manifest in ways that are easy to overlook. Many victims experience a combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that may include:
- Cognitive issues: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and confusion are frequent challenges for TBI victims. PTSD can also cause intrusive thoughts and trouble focusing.
- Mood swings: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and sudden mood changes are common symptoms that can affect a person’s ability to function day-to-day.
- Emotional distress: Flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened emotional responses often occur in those with PTSD, especially after prolonged exposure to trauma.
- Avoidance behaviors: Many victims avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event, which can further isolate them and impact their recovery process.
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia or sleep apnea are frequently reported after a brain injury.
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): In severe or repeated cases of TBI, victims may develop CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to memory loss, depression, and cognitive decline.
Diagnosis: The Role of Medical Evidence and Expert Testimony
Diagnosing TBI and PTSD requires a comprehensive approach by medical professionals. Medical imaging, such as CT scans and MRI scans, can reveal physical damage to brain tissue or brain cells, while psychological assessments help identify mental health disorders and the extent of psychological trauma.
Cognitive processing therapy and neuropsychological evaluations are often used to assess the impact on executive function, emotional regulation, and decision- making.
Medical records documenting all medical treatment, expenses, and the progression of symptoms are critical in personal injury cases. Expert testimony from neurologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals can provide the legal system with a clear picture of the victim’s diminished capacity and long-term needs.
Cain Law has a nationwide network of expert witnesses we can call upon to support your personal injury claim.
Legal Consequences and the Importance of Legal Counsel
The legal consequences of TBI and PTSD can be significant. Personal injury law recognizes that not all injuries are visible, and the emotional toll of these conditions can be just as devastating as physical injuries like broken bones.
Legal precedent in personal injury cases involving TBI and PTSD supports compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. However, proving the full impact of these injuries often requires strong medical evidence and experienced legal counsel.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury or developed PTSD symptoms after a serious accident, motor vehicle accident, or violent crime, it’s crucial to seek both medical and legal support.
An experienced Oklahoma City personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system, work with medical experts, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Cause PTSD or Can PTSD Worsen Brain Injury Symptoms?
The relationship between a TBI and PTSD is complex. Can TBI cause PTSD symptoms? In some cases, the stress of coping with a brain injury may contribute to the development of PTSD. Individuals with TBI may develop PTSD as a psychological response to their injury.
A TBI may damage areas of the brain involved in emotional regulation, making a person more vulnerable to PTSD after a traumatic event.
Can PTSD cause TBI symptoms to get worse? Yes, PTSD-related stress and anxiety can heighten the cognitive and emotional difficulties already present due to the TBI.
PTSD develops after exposure to traumatic events, especially those that are violent or life-threatening, as the brain responds to trauma.
For example, someone with a brain injury might struggle with memory and focus, while PTSD can add insomnia, panic attacks, or depression into the mix. This combination can significantly disrupt recovery.
To obtain a proper diagnosis, secure effective treatment, and pursue appropriate legal compensation after an accident, it’s helpful to recognize how these conditions interact.
The TBI and PTSD Legal Process: Proving Emotional Distress and Long-Term Damages
To prove emotional distress and long-term harm from a TBI and PTSD, you’ll need careful documentation and, in many cases, testimony from outside experts. Insurance companies and opposing counsel may try to downplay injuries like PTSD that don’t outwardly display symptoms.
By preparing a well-supported claim, you can more persuasively show the true impact of what you’ve experienced. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Get a formal diagnosis from qualified professionals. Medical records from neurologists, psychologists, or psychiatrists can help establish both a TBI and PTSD.
- Follow through with recommended treatment. Attend therapy, rehabilitation, and follow-up appointments to show that your symptoms are ongoing and severe.
- Document your symptoms over time. Keep a journal or log of how your condition affects your daily life, mood, sleep, work, and interpersonal relationships.
- Gather testimony from people who know you. Statements from family, friends, or coworkers can help demonstrate changes in your behavior or personality.
- Consult expert witnesses. Medical and psychological experts can provide insight into how your injuries are likely to affect your long-term function and quality of life.
- Show how your earning capacity has changed. If you can’t return to your previous job or need to reduce your hours, documentation of lost income and job restrictions will support your claim.
Contact an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer at Cain Law for Help with TBI and PTSD Claims
Cain Law supports clients in Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities in pursuing PTSD compensation and brain injury claims that enable them to move forward with financial security.
If you’re dealing with both PTSD and a TBI after an accident, turn to our personal injury law firm to manage your claim and fight for the justice, accountability, and compensation you deserve. Contact Cain Law 24/7 to get started with a free initial consultation.