When Brain Injury Results in a Lifelong Disability

Many traumatic brain injuries are caused by the negligence of others, as in the case of some car accidents. Other brain injuries may be caused by defective or dangerous products, or they may occur on the job site. If you or a loved one has suffered a lifelong disability from a TBI where someone else is liable, then you have likely been approached by the individual's insurance company looking to make a settlement with you for your injuries. The amount of money offered may seem large and adequate for the injuries that you or your loved one has suffered.

Remember, however, that the insurance company is not necessarily working in your best interest. You need to discuss insurance offers with your attorney before you agree to any settlement. If you do not currently have an attorney, look for one who specializes in traumatic brain injuries, disability, and personal injury law.

An attorney will be able to help you generate an estimate that covers all anticipated expenses over the remainder of your or your loved one's lifetime. To create such an estimate, your attorney will work with your medical providers to assess the extent of your disabilities, what support you will need throughout your lifetime, and what those needs will cost. Your attorney will ask:

• How well will you or your loved one be able to provide a living for themselves and their family?

• Will you or your loved one be capable of self-care, or will you need long-term caregivers?

• Will you or your loved one need long-term therapy or medical care?

• How will inflation affect these costs over the long run?

All of these factors will be turned into a financial assessment that your attorney can present to the responsible insurance company. Your attorney will make sure that all costs are accounted for and not overlooked by the 

Lifelong disabilities are difficult enough to deal with, even without the financial burdens that they can incur. If someone else was liable for your or your loved one's TBI disability, then settling with the insurance company will be a great relief, but you don't want to find out later that the settlement originally offered wasn't enough to meet all the needs created by a lifelong disability.

Working with an attorney who specializes in traumatic brain injuries, disability, and personal injury settlements will ensure that you are compensated with an adequate amount to meet all of the needs associated with your or your loved one's disability throughout a lifetime.