Traumatic brain injuries can take a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and physically. Unfortunately, these severe injuries can also take a toll on your finances. The cost of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the treatment you need to recover. But, here’s a general look at some of the costs that are associated with treating TBIs:
Total Costs of TBIs in the United States
Medical experts estimate that every year in the United States, $48.3 billion is spent treating traumatic brain injuries. Almost two-thirds of this is due to hospitalization costs, while the other one-third is attributed to the cost of TBI fatalities. It’s not surprising to see how much TBIs cost the U.S. every year, given that these injuries are a contributing factor in 30% of all injury-related deaths. It’s important to note that this figure does not include costs associated with lost income or productivity, so the actual cost is probably much higher.
The Cost Per Victim
Now that you know how much TBIs cost the country every year, you may be wondering how much they can cost each individual who suffers one of these injuries. The exact cost will vary, but it’s estimated that the lifetime cost of a mild head injury is about $85,000. But, the costs increase as the injury becomes more serious. Victims who sustain moderate head injuries should expect to pay around $940,000, while those who have severe injuries should expect to pay upwards of $3 million.
Why are these injuries so expensive? Victims may require emergency surgery immediately after sustaining a brain injury. They also may spend days, weeks, or even months in a hospital until a doctor decides their condition has improved enough to warrant a release. Victims may require months of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and mental health counseling after a TBI to help them live independently and cope with the changes.
Even after victims finish treatment, they may be unable to return to work or forced to find another job if they can no longer perform the duties of their existing one.
Based on these estimations, it’s clear that brain injury victims will need to work with an attorney who can recover as much compensation for them as possible. If you make the mistake of accepting a settlement offer before speaking to an attorney, you could end up paying for a lot of your medical expenses, which is a huge financial burden to bear.
If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury, seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm today to learn how we can maximize the amount of compensation you are able to recover. Schedule a free consultation by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
