Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious and devastating types of injuries that a person can suffer in an accident. Whether it is caused by a car crash, a slip and fall, a sports injury, or an assault, a TBI can have lasting and life-changing consequences. Unfortunately, the physical and emotional impact of a TBI is not the only thing that victims have to worry about. There are also many hidden costs associated with TBIs that can add up to a significant financial burden for the injured person and their family. Please continue reading and reach out to a competent Connecticut brain injury lawyer from Casper & de Toledo to learn more about the hidden costs associated with TBIs and how our legal team can help if you or a loved one has sustained a TBI due to the negligence of another.
Hidden Costs Associated with TBIs
TBIs can result in a wide range of expenses, some of which are less obvious than others. Some of the expenses most commonly associated with TBIs are as follows:
- Lost income and earning potential: Traumatic brain injuries often affect a person’s ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim may have to reduce their hours, change their occupation, or stop working altogether. A brain injury can alter a person’s productivity. Each of these changes can result in a substantial loss of income and earning potential over time.
- Home modifications and assistive devices: Often TBI victims have to deal with impaired mobility, cognition, communication, and self-care skills. Because of this, a brain injury victim may need to modify the home environment to accommodate disabilities and limitations. This can entail installing ramps, handrails, or lifts. TBI victims may also need to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or hearing aids. These modifications and devices can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
- Personal care and household services: A traumatic brain injury can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, or simply organizing the day. The victim may need to hire personal care assistants or household helpers to assist with these tasks. Alternatively, a TBI patient may be forced to rely on family members or friends to provide unpaid care. Either way, this can impose a significant cost on the victim and caregivers.
- Transportation and travel expenses: A TBI can affect a person’s ability to drive or use public transportation. Consequently, the affected person might need to resort to alternate means of transportation such as taxis, rideshare services, or specialized vans. A TBI patient may also need to travel more frequently to access medical care or rehabilitation services. These transportation and travel expenses can quickly add up and strain the victim’s budget.
Should I hire a lawyer if the TBI wasn’t my fault?
If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help offset some of the physical, financial, and emotional burdens you’ve incurred. However, you should not pursue compensation without a skilled attorney in your corner. Your lawyer can investigate your accident, gather evidence to establish liability, calculate your current and future damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court, if necessary.
Casper & de Toledo has fought on behalf of TBI victims for decades, and we are prepared to fight for you, too. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
