Brain Injury and Depression
Suffering serious damage to the brain can have long-term effects on mood, cognitive processes, and even your coordination. What’s most alarming is that it can take years for the full effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) to become apparent. That’s why Kirkland, WA attorneys Matthew Quick and Elizabeth M. Quick are here to listen to you and give you information about your legal options.
Consider former football players suffering from CTE. When these athletes were in their prime, concussions and frequent head trauma might have only led to headaches. Years later, the damage and its effects has become progressively worse. With regard to depression and brain injuries, it may not arise until years after you’ve suffered the initial head trauma.
When Does Depression Become Apparent After Brain Injury?
This can vary from person to person.
It’s estimated that half of all people who experience a brain injury develop some form of depression within the first year. That fraction jumps to two-thirds within seven years of the brain injury, which is a rate much higher than the general population.
In addition, our Kirkland lawyers have noted that more than half of people diagnosed with depression related to a brain injury also wind up suffering from anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
The most common signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Lingering feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or failure
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleeping habits/patterns
- Problems focusing or concentrating
- Withdrawal from friends and social situations
- Frequent fatigue
- Slower speech and movement
- Thoughts about death and dying
- Ideations of suicide
If you notice any of the above symptoms, be sure to reach out to loved ones and to also seek professional help from your general practitioner or a mental health specialist.
Additional Effects of Brain Injuries
It’s important to keep in mind the other symptoms and side effects associated with brain injuries. These include:
- Headaches
- Convulsions/seizures
- Problems with speech
- Blurry vision
- Confusion and mental fog
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Your Injury
If another person or party caused an accident or incident that resulted in a brain injury, it’s imperative that you consider a civil lawsuit to hold them accountable. During the case, you can seek legal damages to address the hardships and financial setbacks you’ve faced as a result of the brain injury you sustained.
What Legal Damages Will Cover in Brain Injury Cases
There are two kinds of legal damages: compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory damages will cover financial and material losses associated with your brain injury. This includes medical care, mental health services such as therapy and counseling, lost wages, lost future earnings, and any damage to personal property from the initial incident.
Punitive damages are sought to punish the person or party responsible for your brain injury. These damages are not linked to actual losses, and the amounts are determined based on the egregiousness of the incident.
Speak with Our Attorneys
When you or someone you loved is injured, you need strong advocates on your side. We encourage you to contact a skilled head trauma and brain injury attorney. You can reach the lawyers at Quick Law Group, PLLC by phone in Kirkland at (425) 576-8150.