Sometimes, an injury suffered in an accident heals, and the victim makes a full recovery. Other times, the injury is something that the victim must adjust to for the rest of their life. In the case of a brain injury, the injury itself can lead to serious conditions that do not develop until many years after the accident.

A recent study of three million victims of traumatic brain injury has found a significant association between the injury and the onset of dementia. Specifically, the study showed that a brain injury victim's risk of developing dementia is 25 percent higher than that of a person without a TBI. While the connection is not proof that brain injuries cause dementia directly, researchers hope it will raise awareness of the dangers of brain trauma in society.

Awareness of the long-term effects of a brain injury is also important for accident victims and their families when pursuing compensation from a negligent party. Certain symptoms may arise in the aftermath of an accident, and an insurance company may offer a settlement or a jury make an award based on those symptoms. But it is important to consider that other symptoms may not develop until much later that can require a more intense level of care or treatment than anticipated.

A legal professional with experience representing brain injury victims will be able to advise victims and their families regarding the extent of the compensation that can be pursued in such a case. One does not treat a brain injury like a broken bone, burn or other injury. It is a unique case that may require compensation commensurate with the potential for long-term care.

Source: ABC News, “Traumatic brain injury linked to increased dementia risk: Report,” Christy Duan, Jan. 31, 2018