A person who suffers a traumatic brain injury can experience a variety of symptoms and lasting effects. Brain injuries can be measured in several different ways such as with the Abbreviated Trauma Score, the Abbreviated Injury Scale and the Glascow Coma Scale. If the latter is used, a person’s brain trauma is rated on a scale. Those with a score of 13 to 15 are classified as having a mild traumatic brain injury, scores between 9 to 12 are considered having moderate TBI. Lastly, those who have scored between 3 to 8 have severe TBI. The higher the score, the better the prognosis for recovery. The lower the score, the higher the possibility the injury could cause permanent and life-altering damage.
Traumatic brain injury can occur in numerous fashions, but most injuries result after an accident. TBIs are divided into two different levels depending on their associated causes. Penetrating trauma is trauma that is caused by the brain being pierced by an object. This type of trauma would exist when the brain is struck with a bullet or other sharp object. Closed injuries are those that might occur from a fall or other serious event where the brain was severely shaken inside the skull. Athletes who have suffered multiple concussions could develop a TBI over an extended period of time.
Whether the type of TBI is penetrating or closed, the effects of a severe TBI can hamper the quality of life of the person who suffered the trauma. A person could have long-term issues with things such as cognitive function, completing daily tasks such as feeding and dressing and undergo a personality transformation. The affects are not just difficult for the person, they take a toll on the entire family. The issues can be compounded if the injury was caused by physician error or an accident that was not the fault of the injured person.
A person with a TBI could face a long recovery, high medical expenses and the possibility of needing permanent care. For a person or a family that is facing this reality, speaking to a legal professional about possible options for financial relief can help determine a suitable course of action.
Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Injury Prevention & Control: Traumatic Brain Injury” Aug. 05, 2014