Each year, March is designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month, a period dedicated to raising public consciousness about the prevalence, causes, and consequences of brain injuries. Throughout this month, various organizations, healthcare professionals, advocates, and survivors work together to educate communities, promote prevention strategies, and support those affected by brain injuries.

Brain injuries can occur from a multitude of causes, including traumatic events such as accidents, falls, sports-related incidents, and assaults, as well as non-traumatic factors like strokes, tumors, infections, and degenerative diseases. These injuries can result in a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments that may have a profound impact on individuals and their families. If someone sustains a brain injury due to the negligence of another party, it is important to consult with a Virginia Beach brain injury lawyer to find out what legal recourse is available.

Impact of Brain Injuries

The immediate consequences of a brain injury are often apparent, such as loss of consciousness, memory impairment, and physical disabilities. However, the long-term effects can significantly alter a person’s life trajectory.

Cognitive

One of the most common long-term effects of a brain injury is cognitive impairment. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may experience difficulties with attention, concentration, memory, and executive functioning. This can manifest as problems with decision-making, planning, problem-solving, and processing information. These cognitive deficits can persist for years following the injury, affecting a person’s ability to work, study, and engage in daily activities independently.

Physical

The physical effects of brain injuries can also be long-lasting. A brain injury victim may experience chronic pain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and sensory impairments such as blurred vision, tinnitus, or sensitivity to light and sound. Motor deficits, including weakness, coordination problems, and difficulty with balance and gait, can also persist, making it challenging to perform tasks that require fine or gross motor skills.

Emotional and Behavioral

Emotional and behavioral changes are common issues after a brain injury. Individuals may experience mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and emotional lability. These changes can significantly impact relationships with family, friends, and colleagues and interfere with social interactions and leisure activities. Some people may also struggle with impulse control, aggression, disinhibition, and difficulties regulating emotions, further complicating their ability to function effectively in various settings.

Social

The social consequences of brain injuries can be profound and long-lasting. Many victims experience social isolation, withdrawal, and difficulties maintaining relationships due to their cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Changes in personality, interests, and communication abilities can make connecting with others and participating in social activities challenging. Furthermore, stigma and misconceptions surrounding brain injuries may exacerbate feelings of alienation and loneliness, making it even more difficult for individuals to reintegrate into their communities and pursue meaningful relationships and opportunities.

Employment

The long-term effects of brain injuries can also have significant implications for employment and financial stability. Many individuals may struggle to return to their previous occupations or maintain employment due to cognitive, physical, or emotional impairments. This can lead to financial strain, dependence on social welfare programs, and decreased quality of life. A person may even face discrimination and barriers to accessing education, training, and employment opportunities, further exacerbating their socioeconomic challenges.

Let Our Personal Injury Law Firm Help

A brain injury is often a long-term or permanent injury requiring rehabilitative care. The financial costs of caring for a brain injury victim through the course of their life can be overwhelming and carry heavy financial burdens. A Virginia brain injury attorney can pursue monetary damages against the at-fault party that will assist your family in providing the care your loved one needs, including future medical care, loss of income, pain, mental anguish, and permanent disability.

Contact the legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation and learn how we can help. We will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve, like the $600,000 insurance settlement we obtained for one client who suffered a severe brain injury after a tractor-trailer slammed into her car head-on.

For your convenience, we have offices in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries?