Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). People who experience blunt force trauma, violent vehicle motions or explosions can end up with a TBI after the crash.
A TBI can result in catastrophic consequences for someone’s health and their finances. There are a variety of ways in which a TBI caused by a collision could lead to financial challenges for a crash survivor and their immediate family. The following are the biggest expenses commonly associated with TBIs caused by car wrecks.
Medical costs
There is no cure for a TBI, but proper medical intervention can prevent an injury from worsening and help someone acclimate to their symptoms. In some cases, people require an extended stay at a hospital for trauma care. Surgical procedures are sometimes necessary, and patients may need rehabilitative support after their initial trauma. The cost of someone’s lifetime medical care for a TBI will depend on their age and the severity of the injury. The average expenses range from $85,000 to more than $3 million.
Lost wages and lost earning potential
Someone hospitalized because of a TBI will not be able to work until their condition improves. Some people will lose out on income for months after a car crash. Even when returning to work becomes possible, many adults will find that they cannot command the same wages they previously earned. A brain injury can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect people in careers ranging from blue-collar professions to executive roles. Many people find that their earning potential drops even if they don’t have a protracted loss of income due to the symptoms they experience.
The cost of accommodations
People need their lives to accommodate the functional limitations created by a TBI. The accommodations that they require could range from wheelchair-accessible vehicles to first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms because of newfound equilibrium challenges. The cost of obtaining such accommodations can add up to many thousands of dollars.
Those adjusting to life with a TBI or providing support for a loved one with such an injury often require financial compensation to offset the economic impact of the injury they’ve suffered. Determining how much a TBI will ultimately cost and pursuing compensation with the assistance of an attorney accordingly, is often crucial for those trying to mitigate their losses after a crash caused by another’s negligence.
