What Are the Possible Long-Term Effects of a Brain Injury?

The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body, and any damage to the brain can result in long-term complications. Unfortunately, many Oregon residents develop brain damage due to the negligence of other people and companies. If you are involved in an accident and sustain a brain injury, you could pursue legal action against the parties responsible for your damages.

What Causes a Brain Injury?

Brain injuries develop for many reasons. In many cases, medical conditions like stroke, tumors, and brain aneurysms lead to bleeding and swelling in the brain, leading to permanent damage. Incidents involving loss of oxygen can also contribute to these injuries, such as drowning, birth injuries, and issues during surgical procedures.

Traumatic brain damage occurs when you sustain a violent jolt or blow to the head, or when an object penetrates the skull. Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include the following.

• Portland car accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Motorcycle collisions
• Physical assaults
• Gunshot wounds
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle collisions

Potential Complications of a Brain Injury

The brain is responsible for controlling many of the functions critical for daily life, including memory, concentration, learning ability, and movement. When you develop a brain injury, you can develop permanent, life-altering complications that can impact your daily life.

Possible long-term effects of brain injuries include the following.

• Hearing and vision impairment: You may experience blurred vision, difficulty judging distance, a loss of vision, or involuntary eye movements. Tinnitus, loss of hearing, and an increased sensitivity to sounds may also occur.
• Physical disabilities: Brain injuries can impact your stamina, sleeping patterns, and ability to regulate hormones or body temperature. You may also develop physical paralysis, seizures, and chronic pain.
• Speech and language changes: You may develop slurred speech and find it difficult to comprehend written text. You may suddenly speak faster or slower than usual.
• Cognitive impairment: Brain injuries can result in difficulties with memory, concentration, and language processing. You may also be easily confused or distracted, and experience impulsiveness.
• Psychological impacts: You may experience fluctuating emotions and irritability after a brain injury. Depression and aggression may also occur.

Pursuing Compensation After a Brain Injury

If you developed permanent complications after a brain injury, you could experience significant hardship. You may need to pay for rehabilitation, extensive medical care, and mobility equipment to support yourself after the injury. You may be unable to return to work or spend time doing the activities that you enjoy. 

Physical, financial, and psychological damages are common after brain damage. However, if someone else’s actions caused your brain injury, you could hold him or her accountable for these losses. By filing an Oregon personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault party, you can recover compensatory damages, such as the following.

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future wages
• Property damage
• Chronic pain
• Disability accommodations
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Depression and anxiety
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

In these situations, you need an Oregon personal injury lawyer on your side who can represent your best interests and secure the compensation that you deserve. An attorney can provide important guidance, support, and resources during your claim, helping you craft a compelling case in your favor. Contact a Portland brain injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your legal options.