Maybe, but recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often hinges on the severity of the injury and the quality of medical care you receive. Unlike other types of serious injuries, brain injury recovery is non-linear and unpredictable. The effects of even a mild TBI on one person may be vastly different than those suffered by another.
Victims of head injuries caused by another party’s negligence, like motor vehicle accidents, premises liability accidents, or malicious acts, have the right to file a claim for compensation for their damages, including current and future medical care. Our California traumatic brain injury lawyer can advise you of your legal options.
The healing process for brain cells and tissue
With the right medical treatment and support, including occupational and physical therapy, plus plenty of rest, many people can recover from a TBI. Even people who have long-term effects from the head injury may show improvement with the right care. With the right TBI treatment and support, including occupational and physical therapy, plus plenty of rest, many people can recover from a TBI.
Brain injury recovery differs from recovery from other types of tissue damage. Brain cells don’t regenerate as readily as other types of cells. Instead, your brain redevelops new neural connections via neuroplasticity. Think of the process like a detour around broken pavement; your brain creates alternative pathways to complete the same functions the damaged tissue did.
That being said, while many people fully recover from mild traumatic brain injury, those who suffer a moderate to severe TBI may never regain their full brain function. The tissue itself may be too damaged for neuroplasticity to effectively create a workaround, or the damage to the delicate blood vessels may have starved critical parts of the brain of oxygen, damaging the tissue just as badly as a vehicle accident would have.
Factors determining whether you will heal from a TBI
The worse your brain injury is, the less likely you are to make a full recovery. TBI patients who suffer a severe traumatic injury may suffer complications that last the rest of their lives. Those who suffer a moderate concussion may see brain injury symptoms persist even years after their injury. And, anyone who suffers a blow to the head and concussion has a more serious risk of severe brain damage if they are reinjured.
Most people who experience a moderate concussion have some lasting effects, although with consistent therapy and treatment, you may enjoy a fairly normal quality of life. However, those with severe brain trauma are unlikely to recover or be the person they were before the injury. Most require accommodations in a nursing home or a dedicated memory care facility.
What are the side effects of a brain injury?
The damage to your brain affects every system in your body, including compromised physical abilities, hormone dysfunction, and disruption of the autonomic nervous system. The post-injury physical and cognitive complications affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to work or go to school to your ability to complete tasks of daily living.
Traumatic brain injuries also cause unpredictable emotional symptoms and may trigger the onset of TBI personality change and mental illnesses like anxiety or depression. Many people struggle to control their emotions, which is often exacerbated by frustration over their altered abilities.
The lifetime cost of care for a moderate to severe brain injury can easily top six figures. If another party’s negligence caused the injury, you may seek damages to cover your future cost of care.
Suffered from a traumatic brain injury? Let Ernst Law Group help
Have you or a loved one suffered a TBI? Our attorneys can help you secure fair compensation for the quality medical care you deserve. Contact Ernst Law Group at (805) 541-0300 for a free consultation.
