Brain injuries may appear less serious than they actually are. Once the swelling subsides, doctors, therapists, family members, and especially insurance claims adjusters may assume you are “all better now.” Meanwhile, you may find it difficult or impossible to continue life as before the accident. You may be unable to work, resume leisure activities, or assume a normal life.

In more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, an accident victim may lose important brain functions such as speech, bladder or bowel control, or fine muscle control. If you have a TBI, you may walk with a limp or be confined to a chair most of the time. There may be seizures or strokes. In the worst cases, you may be in a coma or a vegetative state for a long time or permanently.