Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be debilitating. In the most extreme cases, people may become dependent on life support after sustaining a TBI. Moderate to severe injuries cause permanent changes to the structure of the brain. The symptoms differ from one case to the next. Brain injury symptoms can include motor function challenges, memory issues, changes in personality and shifts in sensory perception. TBIs tend to produce major expenses.
They can generate tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs just in the first year after the injury. They can also lead to a significant reduction in long-term earning potential. People dealing with TBIs require medical support and may need financial compensation.
How can individuals with TBIs properly document injuries to get the care and financial support they require?
See a doctor promptly
The timing of an individual’s TBI diagnosis can have a major impact on their right to compensation. The sooner people receive a diagnosis after a car crash, a fall at an unsafe property or an assault, the easier it is to connect the TBI symptoms to the incident. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is also important for the long-term prognosis of the injured person. TBIs tend to progress if left untreated. Prompt medical intervention can limit how much the symptoms of the injury worsen after initial onset.
Keep a journal
There are limits to what medical doctors can verify using modern technology. They can affirm the presence of structural damage to the brain and can document certain symptoms that present in a medical environment. The injured person may also need to keep their own records of the various symptoms they experience. Bouts of dizziness, sudden memory issues, trouble sleeping and a variety of other symptoms are easier to prove when there are detailed records of the frequency and severity of those symptoms.
Ask doctors for support
People coping with chronic medical issues sometimes make the mistake of assuming that their doctors know their symptoms and have already offered every option available. Patients may want to check in with their physician at each appointment. Especially in cases where they develop new symptoms or their symptoms worsen, alerting a doctor to the progression of the condition can be important. Consistent notes in official medical records about symptoms can help people validate the severity of their injury and how it may impact their daily life or ability to work. Particularly in scenarios where insurance providers offer low initial settlement amounts or where litigation is necessary, evidence is crucial. Those with TBIs need robust documentation affirming the severity and frequency of their symptoms.
Gathering appropriate documentation can help those with serious injuries optimize their financial and medical recovery. Traumatic brain injuries can be very costly, especially if injured people fail to secure compensation from the party at fault for their injuries.