Falls and car crashes are responsible for the majority of brain injuries that occur annually in the U.S.
Even a minor head injury such as a concussion can result in long-term issues, but severe brain damage can lead to the need for lifelong rehabilitation.
Understanding TBI
There are two forms of traumatic brain injury: open and closed. The open form refers to the penetration of a foreign object that pierces the skull and becomes lodged in the brain. The much more common closed form results from a blow to the head; for example, a driver hitting his head against the steering wheel or windshield during a car crash.
Working on spontaneous recovery
Following an injury, the brain begins a healing process once the person’s condition stabilizes. New pathways begin to form among the billions of undamaged brain cells. Healthy cells even take on some of the functions once performed by those damaged in the car crash. However, the brain needs assistance with this process, which is where rehabilitation comes in.
Relearning skills
A rehabilitation program for someone with serious brain damage has two goals: to help the patient relearn basic skills and to compensate for long-term impairments. The injury may block that part of the brain that stores information learned over a lifetime. Through training, dedicated practice and repetition, rehabilitation can reprogram the brain and help the patient relearn skills, some as basic as walking, eating, bathing and moving from a prone to a sitting position.
Moving forward
If the actions of a negligent driver cause someone to sustain a traumatic brain injury, the victim has the right to expect a full and fair settlement. Financial compensation should be sufficient to cover current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, loss of quality of life and more.