Suffering head trauma in a personal injury accident can have a serious impact on your life. The human brain is the most complex organ of the human body, responsible for handling our cognitive, emotional, and sensory functions.
When a fall or car accident causes a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can result in thousands of dollars in medical costs and immeasurable emotional suffering. Pursuing a brain injury claim against the liable party allows you to seek compensation for these damages.
The experienced catastrophic injury lawyers at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers can guide you through understanding your rights following a head injury and securing the maximum compensation available, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
The Physical, Mental, and Financial Costs of Brain Injuries
There were 69,473 TBI-related deaths in the United States in 2021 and approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020. This represents more than 190 TBI-related deaths and 586 TBI-related hospitalizations per day. Because they are often severe, these head injuries caused by car accidents, slip and falls, and job site incidents take an enormous toll on families’ lives and finances. The cost of treating a TBI injury and receiving continuing care can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars over a lifetime. In addition to medical expenses, TBIs can leave victims with mental and physical losses. Here’s a breakdown of the physical, mental, and economic costs associated with a TBI:
| Cost type | Effects of TBI | Long-Term Impact | Example |
| Physical Costs | Can result in paralysis, chronic pain, and difficulty with coordination and balance. | Possible lifelong physical therapy and adaptations to living spaces; increased susceptibility to other conditions. | Use of wheelchairs or prosthetics; modifications to home for accessibility. |
| Mental Costs | May cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, depression, and anxiety. | Long-lasting psychological counseling and therapy; potential for significant changes in personal relationships and social life. | Regular sessions with psychologists or psychiatrists; support groups for emotional recovery. |
| Financial Costs | Includes direct costs like hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medication, as well as indirect costs such as lost employment opportunities and caregiver expenses. | Substantial financial burden on individuals and families; potential for financial instability due to ongoing care needs. | Out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatments; long-term loss of income; financial planning for future care needs. |
Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
There are some telltale signs and symptoms of TBI’s to watch for after a vehicle collision, fall, sports injury, or other severe blow to the head:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Persistent headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Grogginess and fatigue
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Disorientation
- Irritability or mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
- Memory problems
- Seizures
- Numbness or weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Paralysis
- Cognitive impairment
- Speech and recognition issues
If you or a loved one suffer any of these TBI symptoms after suffering a severe blow to the head, seek medical attention right away. If your TBI was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
Why Brain Injuries Are Different Than Other Types of Injuries
Personal injury cases frequently involve tangible, measurable injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, and soft tissue injuries. These conditions are easily identifiable through objective testing and typically follow predictable recovery trajectories.
Traumatic brain injuries can present a unique challenge for personal injury victims when pursuing compensation. Here’s what sets head trauma apart from a legal standpoint:
- Less Visible Than Other Injuries: Unlike fractures or lacerations, TBIs lack external signs and require extensive diagnostic testing. Many patients don’t see symptoms for hours or days after the accident, with the TBI’s full impact not showing for months or years.
- Complexity in Diagnosis: The diagnosis of TBIs involves a multidisciplinary approach, including imaging tests such as MRIs and CT scans to visualize brain structure. It also requires neuropsychological assessments to evaluate cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning, making the legal proof of these injuries complex.
- Individualized Outcomes: TBIs can result in various outcomes, from temporary confusion to permanent cognitive impairment, affecting each individual differently. This variability complicates establishing a consistent basis for compensation, as it requires detailed, case-specific assessments of the victim’s condition and potential recovery.
- Harder to Quantify: The cognitive and emotional effects of TBIs, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and depression, impact quality of life but are challenging to quantify for legal claims. This often involves testimony from psychologists and life care planners to explain the significant but less tangible impacts on your daily life and future.
Where to Seek Treatment for a TBI in Oklahoma City
Trauma centers are specialized hospitals with the means to treat extreme, potentially life-threatening injuries—including traumatic brain injuries—beyond what standard emergency departments can provide. Access to highly specialized doctors, advanced diagnostic and medical technology such as CT scans and neurosurgical care, skilled nurses, and well-trained staff can help improve outcomes in severe cases.
Typically, trauma centers are also staffed with social workers and licensed therapists who can provide vital mental health services including emotional support and access to community resources.
Oklahoma City has at least three designated trauma centers for adults and one trauma center for children. Oklahoma City trauma centers include:
- OU Medical Center: A major Level I trauma center in Oklahoma City
- INTEGRIS Health Trauma Center – A Level II Oklahoma City trauma center
- Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City – A certified Level III trauma center in Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma Children’s Hospital: A pediatric trauma center with a 24/7 children’s emergency room; part of OU Health
Additional Oklahoma City Resources for TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries impact both physical and mental health, and often cause major changes to sufferers’ professional and personal lives, which is why many victims of this type of injury can benefit from additional community support.
INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation offers support for those with TBI injuries and their loved ones. A brain injury support group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Jones Education Room at the INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Southwest Medical Center.
The Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma and the Brain Injury Association of America provide information about local and national support for those with TBI injuries and their loved ones.
How Parrish DeVaughn’s Brain Injury Attorneys Can Help
The attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers understand the challenges you’re facing and have the expertise to pursue justice from the responsible party for your traumatic brain injury. Our compassionate team can assist you with the following:
- Building the Strongest Case Possible: Our attorneys will support you in gathering evidence, compiling reports and documents, and securing expert testimony to demonstrate the TBI’s impact on your life.
- Handling Paperwork for You: Our lawyers can manage all paperwork and legal procedures on your behalf to ensure all forms and documents are accurate and submitted on time.
- Speaking with Insurers: We will contact the insurance providers of the responsible party for you. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the full settlement you deserve, avoiding any possibility of accepting less than what you’re entitled to.
- Client Advocacy: Our goal is to assist you in securing the maximum compensation achievable through a settlement or a court ruling. We are committed to advocating on your behalf until you receive the compensation that accurately reflects the true extent of your injuries.
- Legal Support and Guidance: We can provide the guidance and support you require throughout the legal journey, from exploring your legal options to offering advice on potential resources for TBI recovery.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Today
If you’re suffering from head trauma after a vehicle accident, fall, or other personal injury, you need experienced legal representation. Our attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers have won millions in compensation for injured victims, including $135,000 for a TBI injury and broken femur in Oklahoma.
When you’ve suffered serious head trauma, you’ve got a lot at stake but so does the insurance company. That’s precisely why you need a determined, results-oriented injury lawyer by your side. Our team of skilled and empathetic attorneys is ready to assess your situation and estimate your potential damages.
Contact us today for a confidential, free consultation, and let our legal team protect your rights.
