Tom Metier - Brain Injury Recovery

Brain Injury Recovery

A Life Shattered: How TBI Affects a Family

Fill Out the Form To the Side or Call 888-634-7366 for More Information, No Cost or Obligation

The effects of brain injury on a family are profound. Although we may not have physically lost the person, there is often the loss of the personality we once knew after a brain injury. A family’s functionality, its balance, its dynamics, its harmony can all be forever affected. Losing a family member is difficult - but with TBI, it can be even more difficult, as you face a living reminder of that loss every single day. Suddenly, your spouse is no longer the person you married. Your mother is no longer the same woman who raised you. In addition to having to learn how to love this new person, family members may struggle to forgive themselves when they have a hard time coping with the loss.The Invisible Injury

These problems are not just experienced by those on the outside. The victim of TBI will also notice these changes. TBI changes how people see themselves. In a very real way, they feel like they are no longer the person they were before. This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as a lowered ability to control emotions. They may struggle to express themselves in the same way that they could before - even if, in their head, they are perfectly capable of imagining how they wish to express themselves. Suddenly, even simple responsibilities can become difficult. Victims face adjustment disorders.To put yourself in the shoes of a TBI survivor, imagine wanting to say something, but being unable to speak. The disconnect between brain and body is a major source of frustration for TBI survivors. TBI victims may see themselves as a burden on their family. This can enhance depression and lead to feelings of worthlessness. It is easy for the survivor to feel belittled when they are unable to keep up with their surroundings.Brain injuries frustrate, because in order to recover well, a person must avoid overworking the brain. Brain rest is key to recovery. Especially for those who are driven to succeed, this inability to progress can overwhelm the brain. Recovery requires downtime, and doing nothing can be incredibly frustrating for some people. Even activities that the sufferer once enjoyed, like playing games, writing or swimming may be too much to handle during recovery.Being in public can be hard because the injury is hidden. It can be difficult to articulate your feelings and people may treat you worse because they cannot see the struggle you are going through. TBIs are often referred to as “invisible injuries,” because on the outside, a person with a TBI may appear perfectly normal. But often, this is not the case.It can take years to make peace with your new limitations. There are things you are no longer capable of and you need to focus on excelling at what you are capable of.Support for the family members of the TBI victim may be difficult to find, but it is important to seek it.The Road Ahead - Optimizing Recovery

1. The road to recovery may be a long one. Following these tips can help you maximize recovery in as short a time as possible. Bear in mind that it is possible that you will never be your old self, but that does not mean that you cannot live your life to the fullest.Find doctors that you trust. Some doctors are better versed in brain injuries and the recovery process than others.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Break down tasks into smaller pieces. Mental fatigue is often more difficult to get past than physical fatigue after a brain injury. Dividing up your tasks into smaller bits can make you more productive.
4. Don’t be hard on yourself if you are unable to complete a task. The only true failure is to give up on your recovery.
5. Evaluate risks. Stay away from anything that may overwhelm you or trigger symptoms.
6. Keep up with your relationships. Having a wide support system is a key to any successful recovery.
7. Seek out local resources and support groups. Organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of America can help connect you to people who can help.

To learn more about life after brain injury, watch our interview with attorney Tom Metier.

Need Help with Brain Injury Recovery?

The time following a brain injury is full of uncertainty. This is one reason why your strongest ally lies in a brain injury attorney. The job of your brain injury attorney goes beyond simply making your case in court. Your attorney exists to advocate for you, making sure that you are compensated for the emotional and financial toll your injury has on your life.Not only will your attorney build your case from start to finish, he or she will also collect pertinent medical information regarding your injury and treatments, evaluate this information and keep in contact with your doctors. Your attorney will also serve as your liaison with your insurance company as well as the other party’s insurance companies to ensure the swift and efficient processing of your claim. What Do I Do If I Cannot Afford a Brain Injury Attorney?

A common misconception among people who suffer brain injuries is that they cannot afford a brain injury attorney. This could not be further from the truth. It is completely free to consult with an attorney about your injury. Furthermore, brain injury attorneys operate on contingency fees. This means that, should the attorney take your case, you will not be responsible for any fees associated with that attorney unless the attorney secures a favorable verdict or settlement for you. If the attorney is unable to successfully secure a verdict or settlement, you will not be charged attorney fees at all. The Metier Law Firm of Fort Collins, Colorado handles cases involving traumatic brain injury. Attorney Tom Metier has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for victims of traumatic brain injury. Years of experience in handling brain injury cases give Metier Law Firm, LLC’s Brain Lawyer™ legal and investigation services unique insights into the neurology, neuropsychology and psychology of brain injury. These attorneys are familiar with a variety of aspects of a TBI case, including rehabilitation and the use of neurologists and other specialists to determine causation and treatment options. This familiarity is what sets Metier Law Firm, LLC’s Brain Lawyer™ legal and investigation services apart from other firms.About Tom Metier

Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate Achieved Largest Personal Injury Verdict in Colorado's History ($52M, 2016) Member: National Association of Distinguished Counsel – Nation's Top 1% 2019 Director — Colorado Trial Lawyers Association