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Direct and Indirect Costs for Victims of TBI

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You can expect any head or brain injury to come with sky-high medical bills, but some forms of trauma are so severe that the costs of treatment run into the millions of dollars. According to researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, victims who suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) could incur up to $3 million in health care costs over their lifetimes. Plus, there are many associated and indirect costs that you may not consider. When a person sustains TBI, the circumstances affect entire households, causing extreme emotional and financial losses in addition to the physical harm. 

It may come as some relief to know that you may be able to recover compensation to cover these losses, and a Miami personal injury lawyer can advise you on the legal process. However, it is also important to review the direct and indirect costs of TBI, so you know the difficulties you could be facing.

Direct Medical Costs for Treating TBI

This category includes expenses that are directly related to medical care, such as those for which you receive a bill or pay out-of-pocket. Though you might be treated for the immediate TBI issues, many victims are unable to make a full recovery. They may be unable to walk, drive, handle personal hygiene, or live independently due to physical disabilities. You or a loved one may suffer additional health complications, such as:

  • Diminished cognitive abilities;
  • Decreased sensory perception, particularly with respect to hearing and vision;
  • Issues with motor skills;
  • Emotional distress, mood swings, depression, and anger; and,
  • Many other implications.

Victims of TBI will need ongoing medical care, so doctor’s appointments will be far more frequent. Treatment may also touch on various specialty areas, so you may receive care from multiple health care providers over time. Life care costs may include:

  • Physical therapy;
  • In-home care;
  • Assistance with personal tasks;
  • Medical equipment and assistive devices; and,
  • Medications.

Indirect and Non-Medical Expenses Related to TBI

You may overlook some of the indirect costs associated with TBI, but these most certainly add up. Head injuries disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, so a victim who retains some mobility may be at greater risk of slips, trips, and falls. In addition, TBI often leads the person to develop other medical conditions, such as:

  • Alzheimer’s disease;
  • Parkinson’s disease;
  • Seizures;
  • Pneumonia; and,
  • Infections.

There are also losses that are not related to medical care. The victim may never be able to work again and will suffer decreased quality of life. Plus, family members may need to act as caregiver, so these individuals forego the income that would have made in their chosen profession.

Contact a Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Regarding Your Legal Remedies

If you or a loved one suffered a TBI, your direct and indirect losses can be devastating. Fortunately, you do have options to obtain compensation, including an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit in court. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA can describe the legal concepts and assist with the process, so please contact our firm to set up a free consultation. We are happy to meet with you at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.

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