Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Financially Devastating

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are painful, life changing, and expensive for victims and their families. TBIs are particularly devastating because they have a tremendous impact on an individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.

Here are some reasons why traumatic brain injuries have such profound effects:

• Complexity of the brain: The brain is the control center for all bodily functions, including movement, sensation, cognition, emotion, and behavior. Damage to any part of the brain can disrupt these functions. While the brain has some ability to reorganize and adapt (neuroplasticity), this capacity is limited, especially with severe injuries. Recovery can be incomplete, leading to long-term deficits.
• Variety and severity of symptoms: TBIs can cause difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functions. These impairments can significantly affect daily life and the ability to work. Depending on the injury’s location and severity, TBIs can result in motor deficits, paralysis, coordination problems, and chronic pain. Personality changes, depression, anxiety, irritability, and aggression are common after a TBI. These changes can strain relationships and impact social interactions.
• Invisible nature of injuries: Unlike external injuries, TBIs often involve “invisible” symptoms such as cognitive and emotional difficulties, which can be misunderstood or overlooked by others, leading to a lack of appropriate support and accommodations.
• Long-term and chronic effects: Many TBI victims experience chronic symptoms that can last for years or a lifetime. These include chronic pain, headaches, and ongoing cognitive and emotional difficulties. TBIs can also lead to secondary complications such as seizures, increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), and higher likelihood of mental health issues.
• Impact on independence and quality of life: Severe TBIs can result in significant disability, requiring long-term care and assistance with daily activities. This loss of independence can be profoundly challenging for individuals and their families. The combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments can drastically reduce the quality of life. Individuals may struggle with employment, social relationships, and personal fulfillment.
• Economic and social burden: The cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support can be significant. Loss of income due to inability to work further exacerbates financial strains on individuals and their families. The broader societal costs include increased healthcare expenses, disability benefits, and the economic impact of lost productivity.

What are the primary expenses associated with a TBI?

According to a 2024 Canadian study, survivors of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often pay a significant financial price, even years after the injury. The research found that among the 18,050 TBI survivors studied, most continued to lose income for at least the first three years after the injury occurred. Almost eight percent were unemployed in each year studied. The results showed that TBI survivors lost an estimated $7635 in personal income in the first year after their injury, $5095 in the second year, and $5000 in year three. The estimated total income loss sustained by the TBI survivors during the three years was $365 million.

The financial impact of a TBI can be substantial and multifaceted, affecting the individual, their family, and society. Here are some of the typical financial burdens associated with TBIs:

Medical costs

Emergency care, surgeries, and intensive care unit (ICU) stays can be extremely costly. Initial hospital costs for TBI can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the injury. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are often necessary long-term expenses. These can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost of care. Long-term medication for pain management, anti-seizure drugs, and other treatments increase the financial burden.

Lost income and employment

Individuals with TBIs often face significant time away from work, leading to loss of income. In severe cases, they may be unable to return to their previous employment or work at all. Even if they can return to work, their ability to earn may be significantly reduced due to cognitive or physical impairments.

Long-term care and support

Adjustments to the home to accommodate disabilities—ramps, grab bars—can be costly. Hiring personal care aides or live-in help for daily activities can also be a significant ongoing expense.

Non-medical costs

Special transportation services or modifications to personal vehicles to accommodate disabilities are expensive, a cost that must be paid each time a personal vehicle is replaced. Legal fees for claims and settlements, particularly if the TBI was caused by an accident or assault, sometimes must be paid by the claimant.

Caregiver burden

Family members often need to take time off work or reduce their working hours to provide care, leading to lost income and benefits for the family. The stress and emotional toll on family members can lead to additional costs for necessary mental health services.

Societal costs

The overall cost to the healthcare system, including hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities is significant. In the United States, the estimated annual cost of nonfatal TBI is more than $76 billion. Increased claims on health insurance, disability insurance, and social security can impact the broader economic system.

The financial impact of TBI extends beyond immediate medical costs to long-term care, loss of income, and societal costs. These financial burdens highlight the need for comprehensive insurance coverage, support systems for affected families, and ongoing research and policy efforts to reduce the incidence and severity of TBIs.

Did you or someone you love sustain a TBI as a result of another person’s negligence? At Harris Lowry Manton, our Savannah TBI lawyers understand how devastating a TBI can be for you or a loved one. For answers to your questions and immediate help, call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation today.