After a traumatic brain injury, it is important to try to recover damages from the responsible party to cover the costs of medical bills and other expenses. However, this is only one of many concerns that you and your family have after a TBI. Fortunately, you do not necessarily need to address these alone. There are organizations that provide support to victims and families in a number of different areas related to the aftereffects of traumatic brain injury.
Education
TBIs are complicated injuries. Each one is a little bit different because each affects different areas of the brain. Your source for information about your individual situation is your neurologist. However, there are many organizations that also provide general information about traumatic brain injuries. One of these is the Brain Injury Association of America, which has a number of state affiliates and local chapters across the country.
For those who prefer to access information online, there is Brainline, an online project that puts together weekly webcasts and e-newsletters in the interest of educating the public about TBI. Brainline is a project of the public television/radio station in Washington, D.C., WETA, in partnership with other national organizations.
Support Groups
Support groups can be helpful for victims and families alike because they are made up of people who have been through the same experiences you have and understand firsthand what you are going through. There are face-to-face support groups as well as virtual support groups available online. It can be a challenge to find a group that fits into your schedule or that meets in your area. With its list of support groups, the Brain Injury Group Foundation, also known as BIG, Inc., makes it easier.
Independent Living
Though the effects of a TBI can last a lifetime, those who are able may find it beneficial to regain some degree of independent living. However, this may only be possible with assistance. Across the country, there is a network of Centers for Independent Living that provide services, such as skills development, counseling, case management, and personal assistance, to those with disabilities who are seeking to live independently.
Military Resources
Service members are particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injury. Due to the widespread use of Improvised Explosive Devices in Afghanistan or Iraq, this is even more true of personnel who served in those areas. Information and resources pertaining to TBIs are available to both active-duty members and veterans.
If you are also looking for legal resources, a law firm can take care of you. Contact a law office to arrange to speak with a brain injury lawyer.