Dealing With Permanent Disabilities After an Accident

Person of unrecognizable gender and age in wheelchair outside

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can alter every aspect of a person’s life, leaving them with permanent disabilities that require lifelong care and support. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, you may be facing overwhelming medical expenses, the loss of your career, and significant lifestyle changes. At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, we understand the profound impact of a TBI and are here to help our clients secure the compensation and resources needed for their long-term well-being. Learn more below about the challenges our clients may face and how we can help. For personalized advice and legal assistance tailored to your specific needs, contact our experienced and dedicated team of California personal injury lawyers for a free case review.

The Everyday and Long-Term Challenges of a TBI

A traumatic brain injury doesn’t just affect physical and cognitive abilities—it changes lives in ways that may not be immediately visible. Some of the most common everyday and long-term challenges TBI victims face include:

Cognitive Impairments – Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired problem-solving abilities can make even simple tasks frustrating and exhausting.
Physical Limitations – Balance issues, chronic headaches, fatigue, and coordination problems can affect mobility and independence.
Emotional and Psychological Changes – Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes are common, often straining relationships with family and friends.
Loss of Independence – Many TBI victims struggle with basic activities of daily living, such as cooking, driving, or managing finances, requiring ongoing assistance.
Career and Financial Struggles – A TBI can make it impossible to return to work or may force a career change, leading to financial instability.
Social Isolation – Cognitive and emotional changes can make it difficult to maintain friendships and social activities, leading to feelings of loneliness.

These challenges require long-term support, from medical care and therapy to home modifications and personal assistance.

Securing the Necessary Support for a Lifetime

Living with a permanent disability after a TBI means planning for the future. For example, traumatic brain injury victims may need:

Ongoing Medical Care – Neurological specialists, rehabilitation therapy, and mental health counseling are essential for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Assistive Devices & Home Modifications – Wheelchairs, speech devices, and modifications like ramps and accessible bathrooms can enhance independence.
Personal Care Assistance – Depending on the severity of the injury, TBI victims may need help with daily tasks such as dressing, meal preparation, and transportation.
Financial and Legal Planning – Long-term financial security is critical, especially if a victim can no longer work. Setting up trusts, disability benefits, and structured settlements can provide stability.

All of these services come with a significant financial burden, making it critical to seek full and fair compensation for injuries.

How to Claim Compensation That Reflects the Lifelong Impact of a TBI

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts and settle claims quickly, failing to account for the full, lifelong impact of a traumatic brain injury. That’s why it’s essential to have experienced legal representation that understands the true cost of injuries and fights for substantial compensation.

When seeking damages for a TBI, some of the costs one may be entitled to compensation for include:

Medical Expenses – This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future medical needs.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity – Compensation should reflect not only lost income but also the diminished ability to earn in the future.
Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional toll of a TBI is immense, and victims deserve to be compensated for their suffering.
Home and Lifestyle Modifications – The cost of modifying a home or vehicle, as well as assistive devices, should be covered.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life – When a TBI robs a person of their ability to participate in activities they once loved, they deserve compensation for this loss.

A successful claim requires strong medical evidence, expert testimony, and legal strategies tailored to proving the full extent of injuries.

We Are Here to Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, wants to hear from you. We help our clients through the legal process with compassion and determination. We fight for the compensation our clients need to secure their futures and regain as much independence as possible.

By Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP | Posted on February 11, 2025