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TBI survivors face longterm risks

Home » TBI survivors face longterm risks
October 28, 2014
Edward Smith
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As a Sacramento TBI (traumatic brain injury) lawyer since 1982, I’ve handled hundreds of Traumatic Brain Injury cases resulting, for the most part,  from auto or motorcycle accidents.
Occasionally, it appears that my  client was unconscious at the scene or had an altered state of consciousness such as dizziness or confusion.  Medically, whether the client was unconscious or simply in a daze, he or she is considered to have a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If it appears that the client appears to have  made a recovery within 6 to 9 months, insurance adjusters invariably argue that while the person may have suffered a concussion at the scene, they have made a “good” recovery and are back to normal and hence their case has little monetary  value.
Unfortunately, what can appear to outsiders as a “good”  recovery often has hidden long-term effects  to  on a  brain injured client and on the family that loves him.
People who survive a traumatic brain injury are three times more likely to die prematurely compared with the general population, a recent  study has shown.  Nearly half of all  TBI patients  died prematurely died from suicide, violence, or injuries (JAMA Psychiatry , February 2014.) The study drew from more than 4 decades of Swedish national patient registries and death records.

 In addition to a much higher risk of violent death, clients who suffer a brain injury have a much higher incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease in their future.   A study by Alzheimer’s.Org, found that individuals with a traumatic  brain injury had a rate of development of Alzheimer’s that may be two to four times the average. It is thought that individuals with a certain gene have a propensity for even a single traumatic accident to substantially increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The high rates of future violent death or development of Alzheimer’s should be taken into account by Plaintiff’s attorney before settling any TBI injury where the insurer suggests the client has made a complete recovery.
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Brain Injury Attorney  since 1982. Feel free to call me anytime for free, compassionate advice. In Sacramento my number is 916-921-6400. Elsewhere it is 800-404-5400.  You can also reach me at my website at www.AutoAccident.com or find more about our office on Yelp.

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