Glossary


Financial Resources and Legal Assistance

There are several potential sources of financial assistance and/or compensation for people with brain injuries.

Compensation from Persons or Entities that Contributed to the Brain Injury

Many people who suffer brain injuries have staggering medical bills and will continue to need specialized medical care, assistive equipment, and support for the foreseeable future. If another person or entity contributed to the injury, it may be possible to recover compensation to help with the financial needs of the injured person and family members. This website DOES NOT endorse any method of financial compensation and we do NOT refer survivors to anyone.

Following is a list of financial resources for TBI families. Note that pursuing one option or organization may limit your financial assistance from others; the key is to understand where you are most likely to get the support you need.

Compensation

People are often surprised to find out that the largest amounts of compensation typically available can be recovered from parties that may be partially responsible. These awards are often large enough to provide financial security for families and their medical needs. There are law firms who handle such cases on a contingency fee basis which does not require out of pocket cost. Even if it seems like an accident, if another party can be held at least partially accountable for the accident that caused the injury, then you may benefit by looking into compensation options.

Social Security Disability

Patients can file a disability claim with social security. (It's advisable to consult with an attorney that specializes in such claims.)

Disability Insurance

Many people can also file a disability claim if they have disability insurance either privately, through their employer, or as part of a life insurance policy.

Worker's Compensation

If a brain injury occurred on the job, a worker's compensation claim or other types of legal action may be filed against an employer. Again, it is advisable to consult with an attorney handling worker's compensation claims.

Health Insurance

For people facing large medical bills and hospital stays, most hospitals have Discharge Planners or other personnel who can assist with issues of medical coverage and hospice. There are also laws that allow patients to take legal action against their insurance company for unfairly denying them coverage for medical treatment.

Other Websites About Brain Injuries

Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center

National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations

ThinkFirst