There are many ways for people to injure their heads in car crashes and also numerous symptoms that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may present. Every brain injury is unique, making the exact impact of a TBI difficult to predict.
However, it is reasonable to assume that a moderate to severe TBI may cause both substantial medical expenses and significant career setbacks. There are three distinct mechanisms through which a TBI may affect a person’s career, and understanding that impact on earning potential can help people as they seek compensation after a crash.
How can a TBI reduce someone’s earning potential?
1. Through functional limitations
Regardless of what symptoms a TBI produces, a brain injury has the potential to affect professionals in any career. From issues with balance and motor function to changes in personality and memory deficits, the symptoms of a TBI can prevent a person from returning to their previous line of work.
2. The impact of missed work
When people miss a substantial amount of work, their employers may have a less positive view of their job performance. For those who miss weeks of work due to a TBI or who must attend frequent appointments that require time away from work, their injury-related absences can have a chilling effect on their career development.
3. Changing relationships
A major injury is a personal trauma that tends to have an impact on an individual’s closest relationships. Not only do people who have sustained major injuries often notice their family dynamics changing, but their relationships with coworkers, subordinates and clients may change as well. Those changes can potentially have a negative impact on a person’s job security or eligibility for advancement opportunities.
Understanding the economic impact of a TBI can help car crash survivors pursue financial compensation more effectively. For those facing long-term career setbacks, options beyond insurance are often necessary given the extent of their losses.