A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) refers to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as a “silent epidemic.” Not only are brain injuries far more common than many people realize, but they are consistently one of the leading causes of “disability, morbidity, and mortality.” The physical and mental recovery from serious TBI can take months or years. The injury could even leave the victim with permanent impairments. Within this article, our Phoenix personal injury attorney provides a comprehensive guide to the potential long-term effects that a TBI can have on your personal life and your professional life. 

A TBI Requires Immediate Medical Attention and the Proper Follow-Up Care

All suspected brain injuries require immediate medical attention. As TBIs are well-known to arise with a delayed onset, it is imperative that injured victims seek professional medical care as soon as possible after an accident. Prompt treatment in the acute phase can have a big influence on the long-term outcome and promote a more successful recovery. Following initial treatment, ongoing follow-up care with specialists is also a must to help the victim manage any lingering symptoms and facilitate rehabilitation. A comprehensive care plan may include physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and mental health counseling. 

How a Brain Injury Can Adversely Impact Your Professional Life

Your career is your livelihood. Unfortunately, a brain injury can adversely impact your professional life in a number of different ways—potentially both in the short-term and the long-term. Indeed, the cognitive, emotional, and physical changes resulting from a serious TBI can be a big issue for your ability to perform your job. Some specific issues include: 

• Physical Impairment: Brain injuries can cause a serious physical impairment. Following a bad accident, a victim may be left dealing with such as partial or total loss of motor functions, balance issues, and fatigue. These physical challenges can make it difficult to perform job-related tasks—especially in physically demanding roles. In some cases, job training may be required to facilitate a career transition. 
• Cognitive Decline: A TBI can lead to decreased cognitive function. It is an impairment—which may last for months, years, or even permanently—that can manifest as slower processing speeds, difficulty in understanding or communicating complex information, and impaired memory. These cognitive deficits can hinder a person’s ability to perform tasks and adversely affect job performance. 
• Reduced Concentration and Focus: A person with a TBI might experience diminished concentration and focus. It can make it a challenge to stay on task—particularly in environments that are fast-paced or require long periods of attention. As a result, productivity may decline, and the quality of work can suffer. 
• Impaired Executive Functioning: Executive functions are higher-level cognitive skills that include planning, organization, and task initiation. Damage to these areas can make it difficult for individuals to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines—all of which are crucial for maintaining employment and excelling in a professional setting.

How a Brain Injury Can Adversely Impact Your Personal Life

A TBI can also have serious personal implications for the victim. Indeed, a serious brain injury can adversely affect the victim in a number of different ways. It could make their personal life—including meeting certain obligations and managing certain relationships—more challenging. Some common ways in which a brain injury can adversely impact your personal life include: 

• Altered Family Dynamics: TBIs often lead to changes in personality and behavior, which can strain family relationships. The victim might become more dependent on family members for daily activities and support. It can lead to shifting roles and responsibilities within the household. You may be dealing with stress and tension within your family. 
• Social Isolation: Due to difficulties in social interaction and communication, individuals with brain injuries may find themselves withdrawing from social activities they once enjoyed. It can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation as friendships and social networks begin to dwindle. There can be serious adverse mental health impacts. 
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Brain injuries can result in emotional instability and psychological challenges such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings. These changes can make it difficult for people to manage their emotions effectively. 
• Struggles With Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Cognitive and physical impairments can affect an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. The loss of independence can be frustrating and demoralizing. Depending on the nature and severity of the brain injury, the victim may gradually regain their independence. However, unfortunately, in other cases, a person may be left with permanent impairments. 

Injured Victims Need Full and Fair Financial Compensation 

If you or your family member sustained a serious TBI in an accident in Arizona, it is imperative that you are able to access all available financial and medical resources. The at-fault party—and their insurance company—must be held accountable for the accident. An injured victim needs compensation that accounts not only for their direct out-of-pocket costs but also for any intangible personal or professional consequences. Our Phoenix personal injury attorney fights aggressively to help clients secure the absolute maximum financial compensation. You may recover damages for: 

• Property loss, such as vehicle repairs; 
• Emergency medical treatment; 
• Hospital bills and other medical costs; 
• Physical therapy; 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy; 
• Mental health counseling; 
• Loss of wages; 
• Loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Emotional distress; 
• Long-term physical disability; 
• Long-term mental health impairment; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

Contact Our Phoenix Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today

At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, our Phoenix personal injury lawyer handles all types of traumatic brain injury cases. It is our mission to help victims and families get justice and the absolute maximum compensation. If you or your loved one sustained a serious concussion, we can help. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation initial case review. From our Phoenix office, our firm handles brain injury cases in Maricopa County and throughout the State of Arizona.