Tips for Those Suffering From a Brain Injury
What Is TBI? A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurs due to a sudden jolt to the head or an object impaling the skull. Also known as an acquired brain injury, this condition often impacts how the brain works, potentially resulting in disability or death. Minor TBIs can occur as well, although repeated trauma increases the risk of brain damage.
#1 New Technologies Can Help Prove a Brain Injury
In the past couple of decades, our understanding of the brain, how it works, and the nature of brain injuries has vastly improved, thanks to the efforts of scientists and researchers. Previously, because there was no real way to objectify a traumatic brain injury (TBI), we had to rely on specious, purely theoretical methods to determine whether a person’s brain was injured or not. That is no longer the case. Today, we have sophisticated new technologies available to us – Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Susceptibility Weighted Imaging, Spectroscopy, etc. – which make brain injury lawsuits more viable than ever before.
#2 Recovery Can Take Time
The time it takes for a TBI patient to make a full recovery, assuming that a full recovery is even possible, depends on several factors: the severity of the injury, the presence of pre-existing conditions, the patient’s social support system, and so on. Recovery can take as little as a few weeks, and as long as, well, a lifetime. Since no TBI cases are alike, it is highly advised that you consult with both a qualified physician and an experienced attorney to get a sense of how long your recovery will take as well as what the process will involve.
#3 Look Into Social Security Disability Coverage
In the case of moderate-severe TBI, families should consider applying for social security disability immediately. The system is currently backed up and the application needs to be submitted ASAP to avoid long periods without medical coverage. Visit the Official Social Security Website for more information.
#4 Return to Work (Or At Least Try)
Unfortunately, juries tend to look down on – and punish – those who don’t work, or at least attempt to find work, while awaiting trial. Of course, this may not be possible for people with especially serious brain injuries. If you can get a (former) employer or co-worker testify on your behalf, this will really help convince the jury of the debilitating nature of your injury. Working with rehabilitation experts can also help with this sometimes difficult issue.
#5 Beware of Deceptive and Devious Insurance Company Tactics
During your recovery, the insurance company may try to contact you and get you to say something incriminating, hire private investigators to track your activities, look at your social media profiles, and even go through your trash – all for the sake of finding something that can weaken your claim. Don’t slip up and do or say anything that is contrary to your case. Also, gather supporting evidence and witness testimonies (or have someone trustworthy do it for you) to strengthen your claim. Basically, do everything possible to make sure your account holds up under scrutiny.
Here’s one more essential tip: consult with a knowledgeable traumatic brain injury as soon as possible to ensure the protection of your right to full and fair compensation. At Wilshire Law Firm, we have helped countless clients obtain maximum recovery for their losses. Since 2007, we have achieved more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts. To discuss the specifics of your case with one of our dedicated legal experts, call us now at (800) 522-7274. We offer FREE consultations.
