When you suffer a brain injury at work, you may initially think that it’s something that will resolve and allow you to return to work shortly. In some cases, that’s true, but in others, you may be facing a lifetime of recovery. Your attorney can help you obtain the compensation you need during your time away from work and for your expenses, but to do that you should understand how extensive your injury is.
There are a few kinds of brain damage that can affect you. Traumatic brain injuries are caused by external forces, while acquired brain injuries take place at the cellular level. Both terms are interchangeable at some points, so if you’re told you have an ABI or TBI, you must understand that your brain has been damaged due to pressure or stress on the brain itself.
After a TBI, you may suffer life-altering changes to your body and mind. You may not have the memory you once had, or you could suffer changes to your personality. You might have to relearn to walk, talk or move. Sometimes, if you’re comatose or left in a minimally responsive state, others will need to take care of you for the remainder of your life.
Mild brain injuries are usually temporary, although up to 15 percent of people who suffer from them will have persisting issues after a year has passed. Moderate or severe injuries can take weeks, months or years to heal — if they ever do completely. Temporary and mild injuries could cause headaches, problems with memory loss and nausea. Moderate injuries usually present with longer-lasting symptoms and symptoms that are pronounced and recognizable. With severe injuries, the consequences may be unpredictable.
Source: WebMD, “Brain & Nervous System Health Center,” accessed Oct. 29, 2015