How Brain Injury Affects a Person

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a form of brain injury cause by sudden damage to a person’s brain. It can be either closed or open head injuries. It can difficult to diagnose because the signs of a brain injury can be immediately visible or delayed – it can appear immediately or even years after the accident.

 

Open Head Injuries

These are also called penetrating injuries which occur when an object enters the brain and causes damage to specific brain parts. Symptoms can vary depending on damaged part of the brain.

 

Closed Head Injuries

These injuries, on the other hand, result from a blow to the head, like when the head strikes the windshield in a car accident.

 

 

A person who suffers brain injury can be in a state of anger, confusion, devastation and depression. That’s just the physical trauma. The road to healing begins the brain but it also continues with support in all elements of the patient’s life – from a family-based support system to a financial one. Financial stability, unfortunately, can be extremely difficult especially when you are coping with a brain injury. The good news is that Canadian law knows this and it wants to help.

 

Signs of Brain Injury

Signs can occur after any traumatic brain injury or acquired brain injury (ABI). Signs to watch for following a significant brain injury include the following:

  • Difficulties communicating smoothly with others, both listening and speaking

  • Difficulties receiving and processing daily information as well as abstract concepts

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Short and long-term memory loss

  • Impaired decision-making processes

  • Changes in sleeping patterns

  • Changes in patient’s senses

  • Inability to process time

  • Mental and physical fatigue

  • Slurred speech

  • Altered loss of consciousness

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Changes in personality, becoming irritable, emotional, aggressive, impatient and with lowered tolerance for stress

  • Heightened or flattened emotions

 

Know Your Rights

Brain injury victims should know their rights as defined in Canadian law. They are as follows:

  • You have the right to file a brain injury-related personal injury claim

  • You have the right to obtain legal representation who can aid you in filing a successful claim.

  • You have the right to negotiate an out-of-court settlement agreement should you choose to do so.

  • You have the right to apply for long-term disability benefits.

 

In addition to the above-mentioned rights, you are also required to adhere to specific responsibilities such as:

  • Your claim must be filed within the statute of limitations.

  • You are required to thoroughly document the accident as well as the injuries you have obtained.

  • You may have the option to file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada if you are unhappy with the outcome.

 

Contact us today at 1.855.905.9222 if you or someone you know is suffering from brain injury.

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