One moment, your loved one was laughing at dinner. Then suddenly, you're in an emergency room, hearing the words "traumatic brain injury." Everything changes. The fear, confusion, and uncertainty often feel impossible to navigate—especially when you’re the one holding the pieces together.
At Alderson Law, we’re ready to guide your family through this critical time, providing support, legal guidance, and a path toward justice and healing. You don't have to figure this out on your own. Ryan Alderson directly handles your case from start to finish. Here’s what to do to help your loved one after a life-altering personal injury.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Brain Injury?
Every second counts—what you do in the first few hours often affects the outcome. Start by making sure your loved one receives immediate medical attention. Even if they appear coherent, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often involves other damage that isn’t obvious right away. The Brain Injury Association of America details numerous mental and physical functions that may be affected. So call 911 or go to the nearest hospital and share all known details with emergency personnel.
Once your loved one is in medical care, begin documenting everything. Ryan often recommends that clients:
- Record how the injury happened. Write down everything you saw or were told about the incident, including dates, times, and location. If someone else’s wrongdoing caused your loved one’s brain injury, these details help establish liability.
- Track symptoms and changes. Document what your loved one is experiencing physically, emotionally, and cognitively—especially new or worsening issues.
- Save all medical records. Keep copies of ER reports, imaging results, discharge instructions, prescriptions, and follow-up recommendations.
- Photograph injuries and the scene. Take clear, time-stamped photos of visible wounds, medical equipment (like braces or monitors), and if possible, the location where the injury occurred.
- Write down what doctors say. Note any diagnoses, prognoses, or treatment recommendations shared by healthcare providers.
Having thorough documentation like this strengthens your case if legal action becomes necessary—giving our firm a clear foundation to build upon.
How Can You Support Your Loved One Emotionally?
Depending on condition severity, a TBI deeply impacts mood, memory, and relationships. During recovery, the person you care for may behave in ways that feel unfamiliar or upsetting. These changes are often a result of physical damage in the brain, not a reflection of their personality or feelings toward you. What they need most is your patience and consistent presence. Offer gentle reassurance without pressure. Keep routines calm and predictable. Most importantly, listen—many brain injury survivors feel isolated because people don’t know how to talk to them.
Also, stay alert for signs of emotional distress, including sudden mood changes, fatigue, or a loss of interest in daily life. Ask the care team about mental health support, and don’t hesitate to involve a neurologist or counselor with experience in brain injury recovery.
Remember, you’re not alone. Here are some helpful TBI resources for you and your loved one from the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
Why Is Legal Help Crucial After a Brain Injury Caused by Wrongdoing?
A fall at a nursing home, a crash caused by a distracted driver, or even a workplace accident can all involve negligence. But these facts aren’t always immediately obvious, especially when your focus is on your loved one’s survival. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer advocate for your family.
At Alderson Law, we use our trial-ready expertise to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and identify liable parties. We also handle communication with insurance companies that may try to offer a low settlement—or deny responsibility altogether. With our help, your family can transition from a state of survival to one of strength and protection.
What Are the Financial and Medical Consequences of a Brain Injury?
In many negligent life-changing incidents, the result isn’t a short-term crisis—it often reshapes a person’s future. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that emergency department visits alone for TBI average $18,000 to $25,000. If surgery and intensive care are required, costs typically exceed $100,000 in the first week. Many TBI survivors require months or even years of rehabilitation, therapy, and in-home care. Some are never able to return to work or school. These and other TBI-related circumstances affect not only the injured person but the entire family—emotionally, physically, and financially.
When another person or company is responsible for a brain injury, the person you love may be entitled to compensation. At Alderson Law, we evaluate all economic and non-economic damages related to the case, including but not limited to:
- Medical bills and ongoing care. This includes surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and neurological support.
- Lost income and reduced earning potential. Brain injuries often prevent survivors from returning to their former jobs.
- Pain and suffering. The emotional toll of memory loss, mood swings, or personality changes can be devastating.
- Future needs. A fair settlement should account for life-care planning and necessary adaptations to home and lifestyle.
Our goal is to bolster your case with crucial evidence that helps ensure your loved one receives the care, support, and stability they need now—and in the future. Review our case results to learn the lengths we’ll go to protect your family’s interests and help you all move forward with dignity.