The human brain is the most vital and complex of all human organs. From the emotions we feel, to the breaths we take, to the movements we make; the brain controls every bodily function. What happens then if an individual is involved in a car accident or work accident and suffers a traumatic brain injury?
Brain injuries are among some of the most devastating and unpredictable of all injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during 2010 alone, an estimated 2.5 million people in the U.S. suffered brain injuries and more than 50,000 died as a result brain injuries.
Brain injuries can be mild to severe in nature and can negatively effect on an individual’s memory, thinking and reasoning skills, cognitive functioning, emotions, personality and motor functioning. While a brain scan can help determine the region and extent of damage suffered to an individual’s brain, doctors often struggle to provide a long-term prognosis as individuals with seemingly identical injuries may have very different outcomes.
Any damage suffered to the brain is permanent, but some adverse symptoms may dissipate or improve with time. In some cases, an individual’s brain may form new neural connections in different regions of the brain to help compensate for the damage.
Individuals who suffer brain injuries and their family members, often struggle to cope with the side effects. Additionally, an individual with a brain injury may be unable to work and require ongoing medical treatments.
The personal and financial costs associated with a brain injury can be great. In cases where an injury results from an alleged act of negligence, a personal injury lawsuit may aid in the recovery of compensation related to injuries, disability, lost wages and medical expenses.
