Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused either by a blow to the head or some other injury that causes the brain to crash against the inside of the victim’s skull with a great deal of force. While TBIs happen in all different ways, slip-and-fall accidents are responsible for the majority of cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that approximately 2.8 million people end up in the emergency room or are killed due to TBIs each year. Many of those who survive their injuries face a lifetime of continuing medical problems and disabilities.
Part of the reason that TBIs are so hard to treat is that a brain injury can affect just about any part of a person’s body and personality. Victims of TBIs often experience a range of cognitive issues, perceptual problems, behavioral and emotional changes and physical problems related to their condition. Some of the common long-term problems seen after the patient’s initial recovery include:
- Processing disorders
- Problems with verbal expression
- Difficulty understanding other people
- Trouble making decisions
- Memory loss
- Difficulty paying attention
- Balance issues
- Problems with spatial and temporal disorientation
- Vision changes
- Hearing changes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleep disorders
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Mood disorders, including aggressiveness
This list doesn’t even begin to be comprehensive. Treatment for a TBI is usually focused around managing the victim’s symptoms and trying to rebuild their quality of life, not curing the condition. More than likely, a TBI victim is going to need:
- Physical therapy to try to restore or maintain their physical autonomy
- Occupational therapy to help them manage their daily activities and personal care
- Speech and language therapy to address their communication problems
- Psychological counseling to help them adjust to their new situation and cope with the changes in their emotional state
All of this therapy takes time — and resources. That’s why anyone who suffers a traumatic brain injury after a slip-and-fall accident should consult with an attorney to see if they’re entitled to compensation that can help improve their future.