According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 150 people in the United States die from complications related to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every single day. Those who are fortunate enough to survive head injuries can experience lifelong repercussions as the result of a TBI.
TBIs are often devastating because they do not only affect the individuals who sustain them but also their friends and family. Watching a loved one struggle to complete simple tasks that posed no challenges prior to the incident can be emotionally draining; however, it is ultimately up to those who are closest to the accident victim to be as loving and supportive as possible so as to facilitate the recovery process.
If someone in your family sustained a TBI in a preventable accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and benefits, and emotional distress. To discuss your case with a compassionate head injury attorney in Albuquerque, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.
Our primary areas of focus include serious personal injury, premises liability, products liability, oilfield accidents, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free case evaluation.
How Can You Help a Loved One Cope with a TBI?
No two brain injuries are the same, and one of the greatest struggles of coping with a TBI is dealing with the unknown. When a relative sustains a traumatic brain injury, the entire family may feel stuck because there is no way to predict just how well he or she is going to recover.
As challenging as it is for you and your loved ones, though, navigating this state of limbo will likely be hardest on the accident victim. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help him or her cope with the new normal. Read on for just a few of them:
- Take the Initiative
When people are sick or injured, your natural inclination may to be to ask what they need. Those with a TBI may not necessarily know what they need, though, and if you offer to help out in a noncommittal or open-ended way, they are unlikely to take you up on it.
Instead of asking how you can help, take the initiative and do something to make your loved one’s life easier. Pick up some groceries, wash and fold all the laundry, or just stop by to provide some companionship.
- Get out of the House
Anxiety, depression, isolation, and anger are common in the aftermath of a serious accident, and staying holed up in the house is only going to contribute to such feelings. People with TBIs may not be up for big social outings, but partaking in a more mellow activity like walking in a fairly secluded park is the perfect way to beat the blues.
- Provide Distractions
Distractions are always welcome for those recovering from serious injuries. Depending on the severity of the TBI, your relative may not want to watch a movie or read a book, but chances are he or she will still value an engaging conversation.
If someone in your family sustained a traumatic brain injury in a preventable accident, turn to The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Contact us online or call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with a head injury lawyer in Albuquerque. You can learn more about personal injury claims in New Mexico by visiting USAttorneys.com.