A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can result from an impact to the head during an auto accident or fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 223,000 hospitalizations in 2018 were due to a TBI. About 57% of people who survive such an accident have a long-term disability and chronic health conditions.
The total cost of a TBI adds up over time, potentially resulting in millions of dollars in expenses throughout a person’s life, according to an analysis from Northwestern University.
Lifelong medical expenses from a TBI
Fees related to the initial trauma may be the beginning of prolonged medical spending. Patients with a TBI are more susceptible to seizures, infections, obesity and drug addictions. These conditions might involve hospitalization, medication or durable equipment, adding to a patient’s reoccurring health bills.
Additional long-term costs of a TBI
A moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can change an individual’s behavior, motor skills, thinking and physical aptitude, making day-to-day functioning difficult. Some essential therapies that require extra financing are:
• Speech lessons to learn to speak or use communication devices
• Occupational classes to discover new ways to cook or get dressed
• Cognitive treatments to improve memory and learning
• Psychological consultations for depression and impulse control
In cases of severe impairment, around-the-clock care at home or in a facility might amount to several thousand dollars a month. However, many people cannot work or earn wages to pay their debts or support themselves.
TBIs drastically change people’s lives, and the costs can be insurmountable. A personal injury claim can provide compensation to support ongoing care.