When a person suffers a traumatic brain injury, the immediate medical costs are almost always very high. If someone else was at fault for their injury, then the victim can hold that party accountable for these medical bills. However, it is important to consider not just past and present medical bills but estimated future costs related to the injury. Keep reading for the facts and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
A New Study Shows the Link Between Traumatic Brain Injuries and Increase Chance of Premature Death
A new study from JAMA Psychiatry magazine finds that there is a link between brain injuries and premature death. However, this is not for the reason you might immediately assume. It appears that the issue is not the physical trauma of the accident as much as it is the psychological trauma that a person goes through as they learn to live with the life-long consequences of their injury. In particular, the chances of suicide are much higher than they are for the general public.
More Details of the Study
Doctors at the University of Oxford, UK completed the study by looking at statistics from people who had suffered a traumatic brain injury in Sweden between 1969 and 2009. The study looked only at people who survived at last six months after the injury to rule out most deaths directly related to the injury. The researchers discovered that the patients they studied had a higher risk of premature death compared to the general population.
Additional Findings of the Study
In addition to general premature death, those who had suffered traumatic brain injuries also had higher than average instances of death from assault, injury, and suicide. A person who had a history of substance abuse issues and/or psychiatric issues was at an even higher risk than other people with brain injuries. They made up more than 60% of all premature deaths among those in the study. This means that it is not just physical issues that are causing the increase in premature death – it is also psychological issues.
All Long-Term Effects Should Be Considered Before a Settlement is Achieved
If you or your loved one has been the victim of a brain injury that was caused by someone else acting negligently or recklessly, compensation might be available. It is important to consider not just the past medical costs but future medical costs such as nursing care, physical therapy, adaptive devices, modifications required to a person’s home, and future medical costs.
If you need help determining your legal options or moving forward with them, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now for a free legal consultation.
