If your traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes a permanent disability, several sources of financial support may be available for you. If you can no longer work, you could qualify for SSDI benefits. Also, you might be eligible to receive SSI benefits.
A court award or settlement can cover your immediate and long-term expenses if someone else’s negligence caused your TBI. An experienced Columbus brain injury lawyer will evaluate all your options for compensation and help you get the financial assistance you need.
Do I Have a Permanent Disability After a Brain Injury?
After carefully evaluating your condition, medical professionals will determine if you have a permanent disability. Brain injuries can have varying effects, from temporary symptoms to long-lasting impairments.
To assess the situation, doctors conduct physical exams and cognitive tests. They also use imaging tools like MRIs or CT scans to better understand the extent of your injury and examine how it affects your memory, thinking, movement, and emotions.
Some symptoms might improve with treatment and rehabilitation over time, while others could be permanent. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and stay informed about your condition to understand your brain injury’s long-term impact.
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SSDI Benefits for Victims With Brain Injury
Suppose you are diagnosed with a permanent disability caused by a brain injury. In that case, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offered by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits are meant for people who can no longer work due to a disability.
You may qualify for disability benefits if your traumatic brain injury symptoms prevent you from returning to work for at least a year and you struggle with your daily tasks.
Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must meet specific criteria. The SSA only considers total disability; if you have short-term or partial disability, you do not qualify for SSDI. Also, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
You have a qualifying disability if:
- Your medical condition prevents you from working at the substantial gainful activity level
- Due to your condition, you can no longer perform your previous job or adapt to a new position
- The condition has lasted for at least one year or is expected to last at least one year or result in death
What dDo SSD Benefits Cover?
SSDI benefits cover a range of expenses, primarily offering monthly cash payments to help with living costs such as housing, food, and medical care. After a waiting period, beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicare coverage.
Possible SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who have limited income. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require the recipient to have a work history or have paid Social Security taxes. Instead, eligibility is based on financial need and disability status as determined by the SSA.
SSI benefits offer monthly cash payments to help cover basic living expenses such as food, shelter, and clothing. The amount of SSI payment varies depending on factors such as income, living arrangements, and other financial resources. In addition to the financial assistance, you may also qualify for Medicaid benefits, which provide essential healthcare coverage.
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Personal Injury Compensation or Settlement
You have the legal right to pursue compensation if someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, whether through negligence or intentional harm. A personal injury lawyer will calculate all your losses and estimate projected expenses.
Having a disability caused by TBI means expensive medical bills, including initial emergency care and ongoing rehabilitation therapies. These costs can accumulate quickly, particularly if you need specialized care or long-term support.
Additionally, you may experience lost income if you cannot work or return to your previous employment due to the disability. Earnings loss can affect you and your family, leading to financial instability. Your attorney will ensure your long-term injuries are considered in the settlement.
Types of damages you can receive through a personal injury claim include:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
Intangible losses like pain and suffering are particularly important in these types of cases. Since these are subjective experiences, assigning a dollar value to them is difficult. However, these impact your life in many ways, and you should be compensated for them.
Your brain injury lawyer will translate the emotional impact of your condition so insurance adjusters or a judge and jury can understand. They can achieve this through testimonies from their friends, family, and work colleagues. Your statements also help convey your daily hardships.
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Compassionate Legal Support for Brain Injury Victims With Disability
Cooper Elliott stands as the premier personal injury law firm in Ohio. We are renowned for our track record of winning cases and our dedication to community welfare. Over the years, we have secured more than $700 million for our clients, and we continue to fight for the maximum settlement with every case we handle.
Since we focus on cases involving severe injuries, we have seen the many faces of suffering. Our team offers compassionate support and wants to empower you to fight for a better life. If your brain injury caused a disability, you could qualify for benefits or receive compensation that can provide financial security for you and your family.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
