A traumatic brain injury is often life-changing and almost always accompanied by numerous challenges. One of the many underestimated obstacles frequently presented by a traumatic brain injury is depression. Roughly 33% of all brain injury victims experience the profound psychological effects of a major depressive disorder which can impact not only the victim but their friends and family as well. The experienced Chesapeake personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you understand the connections between your traumatic brain injury and depression, protect your rights, and determine if you are eligible to take legal action.
What Are the Impacts of TBI-Related Depression?
Your brain is the locus of your cognitive functions and emotions. When it is subjected to trauma, it undergoes substantial changes, some of which, because they affect your energy levels and mood, can manifest depression. People with depression often experience constant feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and sadness, which only complicate their recovery process.
Symptoms of depression arising from a traumatic brain injury may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Decreased appetite
Personal and familial relationships can also struggle under the weight of depression since victims often find it difficult to connect with other people. Employment can also be jeopardized as a result of emotional instability and decreased cognitive function. In addition to this, completing routine day-to-day tasks can also become difficult, resulting in a decreased quality of life.
Treating depression associated with a TBI usually involves a multi-disciplinary approach, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of psychotherapy
- Antidepressants and other prescription medications to manage symptoms
- Support groups
- Rehabilitation programs
Proving Liability for a Brain Injury
Pursuing damages for TBI-related depression requires the establishment of a clear link between the victim’s accident and their ensuing mental health problems. It is also critical to prove that their depression was an immediate consequence of their accident and a preexisting condition. A skilled Chesapeake personal injury attorney will be able to demonstrate the defendant’s liability, and that their negligence was the direct cause of your brain injury and depression.
Potential Damages in a Brain Injury Case
Once liability is successfully established, victims with TBI-related depression could be entitled to damages such as:
- Current and projected medical bills
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost earnings/Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
How Can a Chesapeake Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Pursuing damages for a traumatic brain injury and depression is a challenging and complex process. Working with an experienced Chesapeake personal injury attorney at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is vital to a successful case resolution. Our attorneys can help you by:
Reducing Stress
Dealing with a traumatic brain injury and depression at the same time is a lot to manage. Our attorneys can help you reduce stress by handling all of the legal aspects of your claim while you focus on your recovery.
Providing Legal Guidance
An attorney who specializes in brain injury cases has a thorough knowledge of all applicable laws. They are familiar with the intricacies of Virginia personal injury laws and can use their specialist knowledge to ensure a favorable outcome to your case.
Collecting Evidence
Demonstrating a direct connection between your accident and following depression will require the collection of evidence. Your attorney will work with healthcare experts and other professionals to build a compelling case and ensure all relevant evidence, such as medical records, pictures, and witness statements, is convincingly presented.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are notorious for rejecting valid claims and reducing payouts. An experienced attorney will have strong negotiation skills and use them to advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
Representing You in Court
If a settlement is unable to be reached during negotiations, your attorney will be fully prepared to represent you in court by presenting your case in front of a judge and jury and fighting for maximum compensation.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own and have since been diagnosed with depression related to your traumatic brain injury, the experienced Chesapeake personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you pursue full and fair financial compensation for your medical bills and other damages. In one recent case, we were able to secure a $5.5 million settlement for a family whose two young children sustained TBIs after they were struck by a negligent truck driver. To schedule a free consultation regarding your potential brain injury case, call us at (833) 997-1774 or fill out our online contact form. Our offices are in Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth.