If you're caring for a loved one who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the wrongdoing or negligence of someone else, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle everything all by yourself.
The skilled team at Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group is ready to help. While we can’t undo the tragedy your loved one experienced, we can help you access the resources and compensation needed to cope with this life-altering diagnosis. Our Texas catastrophic injury attorneys have more than 60 years of helping people just like you. Here's our family guide for TBI support resources, what to expect during recovery, and our steps for fighting for the best possible result in your potential settlement.
Understanding the Profound Impact of a TBI
The symptoms and complications of a traumatic brain injury vary widely depending on the severity and location of the damage. Here are some of the most common effects our clients experience.
Physical
- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Sensory problems, such as blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Seizures
- Weakness or paralysis
Cognitive
- Memory loss or difficulty forming new memories
- Problems with attention, concentration, and multitasking
- Slowed processing speed
- Difficulty with planning, organization, and problem-solving
- Language and communication challenges
Emotional and Behavioral
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression and anxiety
- Aggression or impulsivity
- Lack of awareness of one's own limitations
- Changes in personality
- Social isolation or withdrawal
TBI patients may also experience a range of complications that impact their quality of life and overall health. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Chronic pain
- Increased risk of infections
- Endocrine disorders
- Heterotopic ossification or abnormal bone growth
- Hydrocephalus, which is fluid buildup in the brain
- Epilepsy
- Degenerative brain diseases
Life after a TBI is often challenging, with many patients requiring extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care. Family members play a vital role in supporting their loved ones throughout this process, but it's important to remember that every TBI is unique. What works for one patient may not work for another, so it's essential to work closely with health care providers to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Helping Your Loved One Adapt to a New Normal
As your family member begins the long road to recovery, there are many ways you can offer support and assistance. Here are just a few tips for helping them cope with a TBI.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
TBI patients often struggle with sensory overload, so it's important to create a soothing, quiet space for them to rest and recover. This may involve adjusting lighting, minimizing noise, and decluttering the home to reduce tripping hazards.
Assist with Daily Tasks
Depending on the severity of the injury, your loved one may need help with basic activities such as dressing, bathing, and preparing meals. Be patient and allow them to do as much as they can on their own to promote independence.
Encourage Therapy and Rehabilitation
Consistent physical, occupational, and speech therapy help TBI patients regain lost skills and adapt to new limitations. Encourage your loved one to attend all scheduled therapy sessions and follow through with at-home exercises.
Communicate with Health Care Providers
Keep track of your loved one's medications, therapy schedule, and any changes in symptoms. Share this information with their doctors to ensure they receive the best possible care. If you feel there’s a need for a personal injury claim, make sure to keep accurate medical records that could be used as valuable evidence later.
Seek Emotional Support
Caring for a TBI patient is emotionally and physically exhausting. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a professional counselor for the attention you need to take care of yourself. Many hospitals and rehabilitation centers also offer support groups for TBI caregivers.
Resources That Provide TBI Support for Patients and Families
After experiencing a catastrophic injury, you and your loved ones shouldn’t have to handle everything yourselves. Fortunately, there are many organizations throughout Texas you can turn to that help ease the challenges of dealing with this diagnosis.
- Brain Injury Association of America—Texas Chapter
- Brain Injury Network
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Texas Brain Injury Advisory Council
- Texas Brain Injury Alliance
- Texas Health and Human Services
- Traumatic Brain Injury Resources for Service Members, Families, and Caregivers
These and other agencies connect you with local support groups, educational workshops, specialized medical care, and financial assistance programs.
Pursuing Legal Action for a TBI Caused by Negligence
If your loved one's TBI was the result of a motor vehicle accident, a property owner who failed to fix a hazardous condition, an oilfield or offshore accident, or some other type of incident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. While no amount of money can erase the trauma your family experienced, a successful settlement provides vital resources for:
- Medical and rehabilitation bills
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Future care needs
- Pain and suffering
- Home modifications
At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, trust that our experienced team of Dallas catastrophic injury attorneys will clearly define your legal rights and work diligently to pursue options during this difficult time.