A severe brain injury can be one of the most life-impacting traumas an individual can endure. Not only are the physical side effects of a head injury often permanent in nature, but certain injuries can bring about mental health issues as well. From anxiety and depression to mania and schizophrenia, post-accident psychiatric treatment is an essential component to a comprehensive recovery plan, and victims should receive compensation for enduring the effects of severe mental health disorders caused by an unexpected severe accident and injury.
For help with this sensitive issue, and to speak with an advocate familiar with the strains of traumatic brain injury on victims and families, contact Larson Griffee & Pickett PLLC today.
Types of Disorders
The types of psychiatric disorders associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are varied and will depend heavily on the unique neurological impact of each individual case. According to a study published in 2008 by Brazilian researchers, any of the following conditions can occur as a direct result of damage to the brain.
- Major depression (considered a “common sequel” to brain damage)
- Mania and disinhibition syndromes
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
- Addictive behaviors
- Personality disorders (g., apathy, rapid instability, aggression)
Of course, each of the disorders listed above is treatable with medication, counseling, and consistent monitoring. However, victims afflicted with these psychiatric conditions on top of the physical effects of traumatic brain injury may struggle to regain the same quality of life once enjoyed before the accident. For these reasons, seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit may be the best course of action in order to recover some semblance of normalcy following a sudden and traumatic event.
How does a TBI cause mental health issues?
A TBI can cause mental health issues in a few different ways. For example, depression may result from a neurotransmitter change in the brain. This could occur after a brain injury. How a victim responds to a TBI emotionally can also affect his likelihood of developing mental health issues.
How common are mental health issues after a TBI?
Many accident victims are surprised to learn that psychiatric disorders are relatively common following a traumatic brain injury. In fact, as many as 63 percent of traumatic brain injury survivors suffer from some sort of depression, while post-anxiety affects approximately 58 percent of victims, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
When it comes to compensation following a traumatic brain injury, a personal injury lawsuit can help compensate for not only the direct costs of the accident, but the rehabilitation and counseling necessary to overcome the collateral damage of the blunt trauma.
For example, victims experiencing the symptoms of a major psychiatric condition may be able to receive compensation for lost wages, lost future earnings, prescription medications, inpatient or outpatient treatment, counseling services, and any other intervention necessary to help treat the injury and its effects.
Contact a Legal Advocate Today
If you are enduring unexpected mental health issues following a head injury caused by an accident, please do not hesitate to contact The Larson Griffee & Pickett PLLC right away to discuss your legal options for compensation. Personal injury lawyer Bill Pickett is ready to walk hand-in-hand with you through the process. Give us a call today.