A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change a person’s life in an instant. From a bad fall or serious car accident, the physical and mental impacts of a TBI can be significant and long-lasting. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in Ohio, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the resources available to aid in recovery. This guide covers the basics of life after TBI and how to move forward on the road to healing.
Understanding TBI
A TBI occurs when a violent blow or jolt to the head disrupts the way the brain normally functions. The injury may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of damage. Common causes include falls, vehicle accidents, assaults, and sports collisions. TBIs range from concussions to contusions to dangerously swollen brain tissue. The initial injury is called the primary impact. Secondary impacts refer to the cascading chemical, cellular, and vascular changes in the brain post-trauma. These secondary effects can evolve over hours, days or weeks after the initial injury event.
Common post-TBI impairments include:
- Headaches, dizziness, fatigue
- Memory and concentration problems
- Sleep disturbances, mood swings
- Blurred vision or light sensitivity
- Ringing in the ears
- Impaired motor skills, balance issues
- Difficulty regulating emotions
The effects of a TBI depend greatly on which area of the brain was injured and the extent of damage. Some impairments may be temporary while others persist long-term or permanently. TBI recovery is a lengthy process that requires patience, lifestyle adjustments, and comprehensive rehab.
Seeking Medical Care After TBI
If you suspect a TBI after an accident, it’s imperative to seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 or visit an emergency room immediately post-injury. Diagnostic tests will check for bleeding in the brain, skull fractures, and other damage. These may include CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and neurological exams. Hospitalization is often required for moderate to severe TBI cases.
From there, follow up with a neurologist or rehabilitation specialist. Ongoing care helps manage post-concussion syndrome or other lingering effects. Your treatment team may include physical, occupational, and speech therapists, psychologists, and other allied health providers. Medications can also help relieve certain symptoms during recovery.
Navigating Insurance and Legal Action
The emergency and ongoing treatments required after a traumatic brain injury can become very expensive. At the same time, injuries may prevent you from working and earning income for an extended period. This combination often necessitates help from insurance policies and/or personal injury claims.
Review your health insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, and auto insurance policies. Determine what medical costs and lost wages they will cover. If another party is liable for your injury due to negligence (like a car accident), consult a personal injury attorney about pursuing compensation through a lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can build a strong claim to recover damages for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses stemming from the TBI.
In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, strict notification and statute of limitations rules apply for injuries involving government entities, medical providers, and public transportation. An attorney can advise you on the legal timeframe and process for your specific case. Proper documentation and prompt action are key to securing the maximum compensation allowed.
Life at Home After TBI
Returning home after a brain injury marks a major step forward. However, don’t underestimate the adjustments it will require. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or depressed during this transition. Give yourself permission to move slowly and focus on one task at a time. Enlist friends and family to help with chores, errands, and transportation.
Pace yourself between rest and activity to avoid overexertion headaches. Maintain a structured routine with calendars, alarms, lists, and other aids. Simplify tasks by breaking them into smaller steps. Update your home with grab bars, railings, and other modifications to improve safety and accessibility. Join a support group in your community or online for encouragement.
Many TBI survivors benefit from working with occupational therapists at home. They can teach techniques for household activities, mobility, driving, and managing medications. Regular doctor visits, therapy, and relaxation practices will continue to help you heal. Don’t be afraid to lean on your support network.
Returning to Work After TBI
Recuperating from a brain injury often means taking a temporary break from work duties and responsibilities. The duration depends on the severity of your injury, type of job, and how quickly your symptoms improve. Don’t rush back to work prematurely – give your brain ample time to rest and recover.
Once you feel ready to return, schedule a meeting with your employer. Discuss potential accommodations that may ease the transition back to your normal duties. If your injury caused significant impairment, vocational rehabilitation can help you explore alternate positions or career paths. Disability benefits like Social Security and long-term disability can provide income if you’re unable to resume working.
A vocational therapist can also help you practice job skills or develop strategies to manage TBI-related workplace challenges:
- Setting reminders for tasks and meetings
- Note taking aids or recorded trainings
- Noise-reduction headphones to minimize distractions
- Regular breaks to clear brain fog
- Job coach for assistance on specific tasks
With perseverance and a support team, many TBI survivors can successfully return to fulfilling careers. Don’t be afraid to ask your employer for the adjustments you need.
Moving Forward After a TBI
Traumatic brain injuries can change lives instantaneously. The aftermath often brings physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that require time and effort to overcome. But with the right blend of medical treatment, therapy, self-care practices, and family support, it is possible to regain function and live meaningfully.
Focus on celebrating small wins in your recovery journey. Track your progress. Stay patient on the bad days and know there are brighter ones ahead. Maintaining hope is key, even when the road to healing feels long.
If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI in an accident caused by negligence in Ohio, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free consultation by calling (888) 477-0597. We are here to help guide you through the legal process while you focus your energy on getting your health and life back on track after this traumatic injury.
With 32 offices located in 19 states, including Ohio, Virginia, and Missouri, we will strive to secure the maximum recovery available so you can gain the resources and assistance needed to heal.