Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

In my almost 30 years of experience representing victims of work place injuries, I have handled quite a few cases involving traumatic brain injuries.  Cases involving a traumatic brain injury can be complex and heartbreaking.  Injuries to the brain can be so multifaceted and effect an injured worker’s life in so many ways.  The lists below gives some insight on the changes a person may experience after a brain injury.

“A TBI may result in mild, moderate or severe changes in one or more areas, including thinking, speech, physical functions and social behavior. The consequences of TBI can be lifelong for some people, while others may be able to recover and resume activities they enjoyed before the injury occurred.”  (Source: https://www.caregiver.org/)

Cognitive changes which can occur due to a brain injury include:

These are changes in thinking, which can include:

• Shortened attention span
• Memory problems
• Problem-solving difficulties
• Poor judgment
• Partial or complete loss of reading and writing skills
• Language problems, including communication deficits and loss of vocabulary
• Inability to understand abstract concepts
• Difficulty learning new things

Physical changes that can occur due to a brain injury include:

• Weakness
• Muscle coordination problems
• Full or partial paralysis
• Changes in sexual functioning
• Changes in the senses (hearing, sight, touch, etc.)
• Seizures (also called traumatic epilepsy)
• Sleep problems
• Speech difficulties

Personality and behavioral changes may be subtle or severe and include:

• Difficulty with social skills
• Inability to empathize with others
• Tendency to be more self-centered
• Inability to control one’s emotions
• Increases in irritability and frustration
• Inappropriate and/or aggressive behavior
• Extreme mood swings
• Depression (individuals with TBI are considered to be at a high risk for depression)

People with brain injuries have to travel a long hard road to recovery, the last thing they need is to worry about the legal issues or their workers’ compensation claim or having their benefits terminated on a technicality.  My firm’s belief is that the best thing anyone in this type of situation can do is to consult with an attorney who has experience fighting for the benefits of people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

If you are dealing with a traumatic brain injury as the result of a work injury or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia,” or call our office today (804) 755-7755.