A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change your life in an instant. The symptoms may not show up immediately. Sometimes, MRIs and CT scans don’t always show them. That’s why it’s important to know what to do after an accident.
If you want to learn about disability from TBI, it’s helpful to know how compensation works. A lot of victims face lost income, rising medical bills, and emotional trauma. You might not be able to work or take care of yourself as well after these accidents. In this article, we’ll reveal steps you can take to pursue compensation for a traumatic brain injury.
Steps in Pursuing Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
Follow the steps to get compensation after suffering a TBI.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
After any head injury, you should see a doctor right away, even if you feel fine. Some signs and symptoms don’t show up for days or weeks.
Figuring out what’s wrong with you helps you get the right treatment. It creates medical records for you, too, which you’ll need for your claim.
Step 2: Keep Track of All Evidence
You will need proof to show how bad your injury is. Keep all of your medical records, including test results and notes from your doctor. People who saw the accident should be asked to give their statements. A journal of your symptoms and struggles can also help your case.
Step 3: Talk to a Lawyer
It can be hard to prove that someone really suffered TBI, especially if scans don’t show any damage. Therefore, a lawyer who knows how to handle TBI situations can be helpful. They know how to present strong evidence and work with medical professionals. Insurance companies that want to settle for less can also be dealt with by a good lawyer.
The lawyer will determine whether the case should be settled out of court. Also, they will know how to meet the deadlines for filing the case, among others. With a good lawyer, you don’t need to worry about the settlement process. Instead, you can just focus on recovery.
What Can Compensation Cover?
The money you get for your TBI should cover all of your needs now and in the future. This includes:
- Emergency treatment and hospital stays
- Medications and surgeries
- Physical and mental rehabilitation
- Lost wages if you can’t work
- Future care and living support
It also includes pain and suffering. That means the emotional toll and reduced quality of life caused by the injury.
What If the Injured Person Can’t Handle the Case?
Severe TBIs can make it hard to remember things and make decisions. If a person can’t handle their own case, someone else might step in. This person could be a family friend, a lawyer, or someone appointed by the court. They work in the injured person’s best interest during the claim process.
How Insurance Companies Might Fight Back
Some insurance companies may argue that your injury isn’t real. If the injury doesn’t show up on a scan, they might say you’re lying. However, doctors can use other tools to prove brain damage. Don’t be disappointed if your scans look normal; many people with TBIs face this same challenge.
