A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not only a major health problem, but it can also be extremely expensive to treat and manage. The direct and indirect costs associated with a TBI can place a substantial financial burden on individuals and their families after injury-causing accidents, and it’s common for many victims to struggle to pay for their normal living expenses on top of their TBI-related costs.
In this blog post, we will explore the common financial damages of traumatic brain injury and provide insights into how to mitigate these challenges.
Medical Expenses
The most immediate and substantial financial damage caused by a traumatic brain injury is the cost of medical treatment. Treating a TBI often requires a wide and expensive range of medical interventions, often including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, and long-term therapies. These expenses can quickly escalate, and even with insurance, the associated copayments, deductibles, and uncovered services can strain an individual’s finances.
Rehabilitation Costs
Recovery from a serious TBI often involves extensive rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. These treatments are essential for regaining lost abilities, but they come with their own financial burden. The costs associated with long-term rehabilitation can mount over time, posing a significant challenge for TBI survivors and their families.
Lost Income and Employment
A TBI can lead to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that may render an individual unable to work for long periods of time, or ever again, or at least significantly reduce their earning capacity potentially permanently. Lost income is a major financial damage, especially if the individual was the primary breadwinner of the family. In addition to lost wages, individuals may also experience reductions in employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement contributions.
Caregiver Expenses
Many individuals with a serious TBI require ongoing care and support, which often falls on the shoulders of family members or hired caregivers. The costs associated with hiring caregivers or modifications to the home to accommodate the needs of the TBI survivor can be substantial. These expenses, along with the lost income of family members who become caregivers, add to the financial strain.
Assistive Devices and Home Modifications
TBI survivors often require assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive technology. Home modifications may also be necessary to improve accessibility and safety. These expenses can be significant and may not always be fully covered by insurance.
Transportation Costs
Individuals with a TBI may need ongoing transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and support groups. These costs can add up, particularly if the individual’s mobility is limited or specialized transportation is required.
Specialized Education
A TBI can affect cognitive and learning abilities, making it necessary for children and young adults to receive specialized education or tutoring. These educational services can be costly, and the financial impact can extend over many years.
Emotional and Psychological Costs
The emotional and psychological toll of a TBI on both the victim and their family can lead to additional costs. These may include expenses related to mental health services, counseling, and support groups to help individuals cope with the emotional fallout of the injury.
How Can TBI Victims Pay for Their Injury-Related Expenses?
While the financial damages of traumatic brain injury are substantial, there are steps that individuals and families can take to mitigate these challenges:
- Health Insurance—If you or your spouse have health insurance through your job or through a private policy, some of your TBI-related expenses may be covered. Familiarize yourself with your policy and understand its limitations.
- Disability Benefits—If you or a loved one cannot work due to a TBI, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits (if the injury happened at work), Social Security Disability benefits, or disability benefits through a private insurance policy.
- Support Services—Certain public support services, such as community organizations and government programs, can sometimes help TBI victims and their families offset some costs.
- Injury Claim—While insurance, disability benefits, and social support services can help, pursuing an injury claim against the at-fault party if you were hurt in an accident or because of someone else’s negligence can result in significant compensation for you and your loved ones.
Our Oklahoma Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation
TBIs are among the most devastating types of injuries people can suffer in accidents. They can profoundly change every aspect of not just the victims’ lives, but the lives of their loved ones, too. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma brain injury attorneys work hard to help victims through every step of the recovery process.
When you contact us, we’ll build your claim with one goal in mind: getting you the settlement you deserve to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free case review. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone.
