How Will My Traumatic Brain Injury Affect My Life?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are life-altering events. With approximately 1.7 million TBIs reported annually in the U.S.—including 275,000 hospitalizations and 52,000 fatalities—these injuries frequently arise from auto accidents, sports incidents, or falls. For survivors, the journey to recovery can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming, with complications that may last a lifetime. At Brassfield & Krueger, we’ve spent over 75 years advocating for TBI victims and their families, witnessing firsthand how these injuries disrupt lives and why fair, comprehensive compensation is essential. Let’s explore the far-reaching effects of TBIs and the importance of addressing them head-on.

Types of Potential Complications from TBIs

The aftermath of a TBI is incredibly complex, often bringing a multitude of challenges across several aspects of life. Each injury is unique, meaning the complications someone experiences will vary. However, there are four broad categories of complications that most TBI victims face:

Physical Complications

Physical issues are often the most immediate consequences of a TBI, but they can also be long-lasting. Common physical complications include:

• Seizures caused by disrupted brain activity.
• Headaches that range from mild to debilitating.
• Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or excessive fatigue.
• Speech issues, including slurred or slow communication.
• Mobility challenges like tremors, paralysis, or difficulty walking.

These physical changes may prevent victims from returning to their previous jobs or even participating in daily activities, leading to financial strain and emotional stress.

Perceptual Complications

TBIs can affect how victims perceive the world around them. Many experience alterations in:

• Vision, creating challenges with focus or even blindness.
• Hearing, resulting in partial or total loss.
• Spatial awareness, leading to balance issues or disorientation.
• Sense of taste or smell, which might diminish or disappear altogether.

These perceptual changes can make navigating everyday life feel overwhelming for victims and their loved ones.

Cognitive Complications

TBIs often have a profound impact on cognitive abilities. Victims may struggle to:

• Process information, making problem-solving or quick decisions difficult.
• Retain memories, which can lead to frustration.
• Focus during conversations, causing confusion or misunderstandings.

These cognitive challenges not only interfere with a victim’s work life but can also strain personal relationships.

Emotional and Behavioral Complications

One particularly challenging aspect of TBIs is their effect on behavior and emotions. Victims might become:

• Irritable, impatient, or prone to frustration.
• Less tolerant of stress, leading to frequent breakdowns.
• Aggressive in unexpected ways, creating difficulty in personal interactions.

These shifts can affect how victims interact with their families, friends, and colleagues, often intensifying feelings of isolation and despair.

Factors That Influence the Severity of Complications

Every TBI is different, with severity and recovery heavily dependent on specific factors, such as:

• The cause of the injury (e.g., car accidents, falls, violent impacts).
• The location of the trauma on the brain.
• How quickly medical attention was sought following the injury.
• Pre-existing health conditions or complications post-injury.

Understanding these factors can influence the type of treatment and support that best suits a victim’s needs.

Moving Forward After a TBI

As a traumatic brain injury victim, you unquestionably face a long and challenging road to recovery. There might be many complications that affect your quality of life, but seeking fair compensation can make a significant difference in your recovery. With the right financial support, you can address critical medical needs, such as surgeries, ongoing treatments, and medications. 

Additionally, compensation can help cover the cost of therapy—both physical and psychological—needed to regain strength and cope with the emotional impact of the injury. It can also provide for necessary lifestyle adjustments, such as home modifications, mobility aids, or even hiring in-home care, ensuring you have the resources to rebuild your life with dignity and stability.

At Brassfield & Krueger, our experienced Rockford injury lawyers are committed to making your recovery as successful and efficient as possible through strong legal representation and compassionate support. Contact us today for a free consultation.