Can a Brain Injury Cost You $3 Million? Understanding the Lifetime Impact of a TBI
A traumatic brain injury is not an ordinary injury. A serious brain injury can permanently change a person’s life, affecting how they think and what they are able to do. A TBI may require years of medical treatment, and a person and their family may face serious financial strain. Understanding the true scope of those costs is important for an injury victim as they determine how to meet their needs in the aftermath of an injury and throughout the rest of their lifetime.
How Common Are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries affect a large number of people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 586 people in the United States are hospitalized for TBIs per day, and 190 people die every day from brain injuries. The Brain Injury Association of America reports that 2.8 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries each year, and there are 11.4 million adults in the United States who are living with disabilities related to TBIs
TBIs can occur in a wide variety of situations, including falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and firearm-related injuries. Anyone can be affected by a brain injury, but certain groups face higher risks. Elderly people are more likely to experience serious brain injuries in falls. A person’s age and health may affect their ability to recover from these injuries.
The Immediate Costs: Emergency Care and Hospitalization
The financial burden of a traumatic brain injury may begin the moment the injury occurs. Emergency transportation in an ambulance, treatment at a hospital or intensive care unit, and surgery can lead to enormous bills that may begin to add up within the first hours and days after an injury. One study found that the costs of hospital treatment for TBI patients can range from around $2,000 to more than $400,000, with an average cost of around $87,000.
Rehabilitation: The Long Road After the Hospital
Once a TBI patient is discharged from the hospital, they may need ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the injury, this can involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological counseling. Treatment may last months, years, or even for the rest of a person’s life. Northwestern University reports that the lifetime costs of medical treatment needed after a brain injury can range from $85,000 to more than $3 million.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity
In addition to the need for medical treatment, a traumatic brain injury can have an impact on a person’s ability to work. Cognitive impairments, memory difficulties, chronic fatigue, difficulties with emotional regulation, and other issues can make it impossible for a person to return to their previous job or prevent them from working at all.
The unemployment rate for people who have suffered TBIs is around 60% during the two years after an injury. The loss of income that a person may experience can affect their financial stability. Ongoing disabilities can lead to a loss of earning capacity that may add up to hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in lost income over a person’s lifetime.
How Brain Injury Survivors May Address Their Expenses and Losses
When a traumatic brain injury has been caused by another person’s or party’s negligence, an injury victim may be able to recover compensation for their financial losses, including their past and future medical expenses, their lost income, and their diminished earning capacity. They may also be compensated for other types of damages, including their pain and suffering, their emotional distress, and reduction to their overall quality of life. Compensation may be available for injuries suffered in car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or other situations where someone else was at fault.
A successful personal injury claim can recover compensation for all of a person’s damages. The legal and financial issues addressed in these claims can be complex, and in many cases, the best way to address them is with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. A legal professional who understands the effects of brain injuries, the requirements that will need to be met when filing claims, and how to negotiate with insurance companies or other parties can make sure an injury victim’s rights will be protected as they work to recover full and fair compensation.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.