The day loved one suffered a serious head injury due to someone's negligence must have seemed like a nightmare. However, the following morning the situation may have seemed equally strange as you and your family took your first steps into the world of brain injuries. Life as you knew it was over, and a new reality was in place.
Doctors may not use the word "recover," but instead talk about your loved one's "improvement." They may try to keep your expectations low because brain injuries are unpredictable and unique to the victim because of many variables. One course of action your loved one's medical team may suggest is a rehabilitation facility. The programs offered at these facilities may provide the most positive results.
What to look for
In cooperation with your loved one's medical team, you will be able to determine the types and levels of activities that will best suit your loved one. Depending on the area of the brain that suffered injury, the severity of the injury, your loved one's age and health, and other considerations, different options may be available, for example:
- In-house rehabilitation programs for patients with low-level consciousness
- Day programs with options for housing
- Support programs to allow you and your family to rest from the intense effort of caregiving
- Medical care
- Services for families of patients, such as housing, transportation and counseling
Visiting several facilities in Texas will give you a better idea of what will best meet your loved one's needs. You will be able to watch the staff interact with patients and understand the types of therapy available to your loved one.
As if you needed more bad news
Naturally, you want the very best care for your loved one with the highest potential for recovery. You are aware that the kind of rehabilitation your family member needs may take years, perhaps the rest of his or her life. However, all of this comes at a cost. While medical experts, as well as your own heart, may tell you not to consider the price when seeking an appropriate rehabilitation program, you have to be practical, especially if your loved one's injury has left you without adequate income.
If your loved one's injury resulted from another party's negligence or an intentional act, you may be eligible for compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation services, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Your loved one's recovery depends on receiving excellent care, and you do not have to bear the burden alone. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney concerning your legal options.