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
