How Early Detection of Brain Injury Progression can Affect Personal Injury Claims

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the worst, most catastrophic forms of bodily harm a victim can suffer in an accident, especially since the consequences and complications can be long term. The implications can range from minor neurological issues to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to extreme cognitive impairment. If you or a loved one suffered TBI in an accident, you may be pleased to learn that researchers from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) have developed a predictability tool that can identify patients who may experience future neurological decline. With this information, you can work with your health care providers to develop a plan of care. 

However, the predictive technology may also support the pain and suffering component of your compensation in a personal injury claim. A Miami catastrophic injuries attorney can explain in more detail about how the NINR findings are a positive development for victims of TBI.

Overview of the NINR Study and Findings

In their study on the long-term effects of head trauma, researchers found that there are certain molecules that appear in the blood stream before the injuries worsen and the patient’s condition further deteriorates. Subjects of the study were military personnel who had suffered mild TBI, and their blood samples were compared to those with no head injuries. The specific molecules were only found in the samples of the injured members of the military.

The takeaway for researchers is that tissues surrounding the damaged part of the brain were releasing the molecules into the blood stream – as a part of the human body’s natural response to injuries. This means health care providers can predict the severity of the ongoing medical issues and additional complications that a TBI victim may encounter in the coming years.

Early Detection of Long-Term Brain Injury Effects May Impact Your Personal Injury Case

The NINR study also carries benefits when a TBI victim is seeking compensation for his or her losses. While current medical costs and lost wages are readily ascertainable for someone who has suffered a head injury, other types of damages are subjective and speculative in nature. It can be difficult to establish the right to compensation when there is little evidence regarding which victims are more at risk for neurological decline.

The NINR findings clear up some of the speculation and provide the proof personal injury attorneys can use to get TBI victims fair, reasonable compensation. When the molecules are present in the victim’s blood to predict that neurological issues will develop, this information is useful in settlement discussions and in a potential lawsuit. The NINR study results can support claims for such damage as:

  • The costs of future medical care;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Emotional distress; and,
  • Many more.

Discuss Your Claim with a Miami Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer 

For more information on damages in a claim involving TBI or other catastrophic injuries, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. We can set up a no-cost case evaluation to explain how compensation works in personal injury cases.

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