A traumatic brain injury refers to damage to the brain caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. While minor cases could lead to temporary, subtle symptoms, more serious damage could lead to long-term or even permanent effects.
Traumatic brain injuries are often associated with road traffic accidents and physical attacks, and the victims may be entitled to compensation regardless of the severity. In this blog, we take a closer look at this type of injury, including potential causes, effects and how much money you could be entitled to if you decide to make a claim.
What qualifies as a traumatic brain injury?
Also sometimes referred to as a TBI, a traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain caused by a jolt, blow or bump to the head. It differs from other types of brain injuries such as a stroke, anoxia, hypoxia, tumour, inflammation or infection, which aren’t caused by an impact to the head.
Types of traumatic brain injury include:
- concussion
- penetrating injury
- contusion
- closed head injury
- shaken baby syndrome.
Is concussion a brain injury?
As previously mentioned, concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury as it is the result of abrupt damage to the head. It is generally one of the milder forms of brain injury, with symptoms potentially including headaches and issues with memory, balance, coordination and concentration.
What causes a traumatic brain injury?
Several contributing factors can lead to a traumatic brain injury. Common causes include a:
- motorbike, cyclist or car accident
- slip, trip or fall
- blast injury
- sports injury
- excessive shaking.
What are the effects of a brain injury?
In minor cases, the symptoms of a brain injury could include short-term dizziness, headaches, memory problems, irritability, fatigue, depression and impaired brain function. Although these symptoms are usually only temporary, people who’ve experienced severe brain injuries may suffer from problems that could have negative long-term effects on their mood, personality, relationships and how they live their life.
Can a brain injury be cured?
The cause, severity and location of the brain injury will affect whether or not it is permanent. For instance, mild traumatic brain injuries such as concussion can often be treated and may only cause temporary discomfort.
Even with more severe brain injuries, it may be possible to partially or entirely cure the symptoms through the correct rehabilitation and therapy, but in the most severe cases, brain injuries could be permanent.
How much compensation do you get for a brain injury?
As with any compensation claim, the amount you’re entitled to depends on the severity of your injury. More specifically, compensation claims for brain injuries are split into two separate categories known as general damages and special damages. General damages compensate for the physical, emotional and psychological pain and suffering caused by the brain injury, as well as any negative effects to your quality of life. Special damages account for financial losses that are a side effect of the injury.
When it comes to brain injuries, general damages have set brackets for how much compensation should be awarded to the victim. Based on the level of severity, these brackets are:
Moderate – between £35,000 and £190,000
Moderately severe – between £190,000 and £250,000
Severe – between £250,000 and £350,000
Combined compensation for both general damages and special damages will vary depending on the financial impact of the injury. For example, the cost of rehabilitation and alterations made to your home to accommodate your recovery are added, and if the injury was severe enough to prevent you from working again, special damages will include the predicted salary for the remainder of your working life.